Local Welcome

Local Welcome uses the magic of food to bring communities together, reducing isolation whilst also addressing food insecurity - supported by a grant from the Coronation Food Project.

The organisation was founded in 2015 by a group of Syrian and UK community leaders who wanted to extend a warm welcome to Syrian refugees arriving in the UK. Local Welcome meals take place regularly in different cities across the UK and are facilitated by local volunteer leaders who guide participants (from both the refugee and host community) through a simple recipe, along with a set of questions designed to encourage conversation and build connections and confidence. People work side by side to prepare and cook the meal as well as clearing up as a group at the end. You might start cooking with strangers, but you’ll end up eating with friends.

The Coronation Food Project is supporting Local Welcome to develop a toolkit for groups to use that will provide guidance on how participants can engage with food redistribution schemes, community gardens and other initiatives designed to reduce food waste.

Since March 2024, Local Welcome has delivered more than 700 meals at 38 events across the UK. 83% of attendees feel more confident after attending a group, and 90% of those who want to improve their English succeed in doing so.