West London Citizens brings together people from diverse communities across west London to take action on issues affecting us all. Currently, twenty-three local member organisations are paying regular dues, the great majority having joined at our first assembly in September 2005. New member organisations are joining all the time as people hear about the work which is going on and choose to become involved. If you want to join, contact Catherine Howarth on 0207 375 1658.

West London Citizens is also part of the broader London Citizens network, the capital's largest and most diverse alliance of active citizens and community leaders. London Citizens has over 83 member organisations, including faith congregations, schools, student organisations, community associations, trade union branches and resident groups. Members all share a commitment to taking action for the common good, and helping people of all backgrounds and ages to become active leaders who can help shape the public life of the city.

Originally formed as the East London Community Organisation (TELCO), London Citizens has since expanded with the new South London Citizens and West London Citizens networks. By joining together through London Citizens, local organisations across the city have created an influential people's organisation with the power to create positive change in their communities.

Our most recent member, The Somali Community Consortium, which joined West London Citizens on 30th April, is itself a new alliance. Seven Somali Community Groups have very recently come together with an ambition of overcoming the perception of division and clan affiliation amongst Somalis, and in order to develop a positive and united voice.

Somalis are commonly demonized in the press and in many neighbourhoods of London. The community does face very significant challenges of unemployment, poor educational attainment, drug abuse and poverty. What is needed is a way out of these problems which the community itself champions and leads. The Somali Community Consortium hopes to be a part of that strategy.

Even before it was formed, members of the Consortium were excited about the possibility of joining West London Citizens. Members will take full advantage of the community leadership training offered by London Citizens, not only as a way of building up their skills but in order to grow relationships with people from other local organisations and communities.
One key objective of the Somali Community Consortium is to identify suitable facilities for social welfare and leisure time activities for Somalis. The need to enhance people's quality of life by getting them together in a place they can call their own, at least for certain times of the week, is overwhelming.

The Somali Community Consortium came in great numbers to our assembly on 30th April with Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh and Cllr Stephen Burke. Both agreed to work with SCC to help tackle the community's problems constructively.

To a list of our members and links to their websites click here.