The Prince of Wales visits our Refugee Project
On March 9th, we were delighted to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales to see Love Your Neighbour’s work with refugees and other displaced people at HTB St Luke’s Earls Court.
During his visit, HRH met with Ukrainian, Afghan and other guests, many of whom are participating in our community café, employability, children and women’s programmes.
Prince Charles spoke powerfully about the suffering those present have had to endure, as well as his great admiration for the support churches are providing around the country:
“We are so fortunate to have people like the
wonderful churches here, who are all over the world
- all helping, all providing selfless service…”
‘We are so fortunate to have people like the wonderful churches here, who are all over the world - all helping, all providing selfless service under the most challenging, dangerous conditions. We are so lucky to have people like that. I find it very humbling to think of what the contribution is that they are making.’
While visiting, HRH spoke also with guests at The Community Café, a space that HTB run together in partnership with Hillsong Church UK. The café provides a place for asylum seekers to practice their conversational English, meet with locals, and enjoy local ethnic food every Monday night at HTB at St Luke’s Court.
‘It was an honour to have the HRH Prince of Wales with us at our ‘Community Café’, said Ralph Boer, Head of Refugee Response and Social Justice initiatives at Hillsong Church UK. ’We had an insightful conversation with Prince Charles and those seeking asylum in the UK on their challenges, highlights and hopes.’
“We had an insightful conversation with Prince Charles and those seeking asylum in the UK on their challenges, highlights and hopes.”
‘One of the things that I am grateful for is the community. We have people that are helping us. At the community cafe we have conversations every week on different topics. And there are tables with clothes and things that we can take.’ - Farzad, a Refugee guest
In partnership with Love Your Neighbour, HTB’s congregation have been offering translation support, medical and dental support, haircutting services and kids’ programmes. In November 2021, HTB was able to offer a new winter coat and shopping vouchers to every Afghan evacuee in the parish.
‘When we came here, we were scared and confused, because we lost everything. We lost our house and our country. But when we arrive in the UK, we got support and were very happy. They helped us out of a bad situation and gave us clothes and food.’
- Karima, an Afghan guest
During his visit, His Royal Highness met groups involved in activities taking place inside the Church, including:
Community Café – Adults engaging in language training while enjoying Afghan tea, coffee, baklava and biscuits.
Children’s Programme – Afghan children and local children creating artistic face masks.
Women’s Programme – Sewing, knitting and crocheting activities attended, primarily, by the mothers of the children creating face masks.
Employability Programme – Small group discussions, led by Resurgo.
