Our Projects

Advice & Mediation

Overview

Separation, divorce, and family conflict can leave people feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. MACWO’s Advice & Mediation work addresses this by offering a trusted, culturally aware space where families can access emotional support, practical guidance, and referrals to resolve their issues.

What We Do

We deliver counselling, advice, and peer-support groups, and we signpost families and individuals to appropriate services—including legal advice and mediation—to resolve disputes. We also write letters and make telephone calls on behalf of service users to schools, council services, landlords, debt collection agencies, and utility companies.

Examples of Programmes

• Supporting families experiencing separation or conflict
• Referrals to legal advisors, mediators, and trusted organisations
• Guidance on accessing public services and community support
• Emotional support and counselling through trained volunteers

Who We Support

We support parents, carers, and individuals from ethnically diverse and migrant backgrounds—including the Somali community—who face barriers in navigating statutory services and need a trusted advocate.

Impact / Outcomes

• Over the past twelve months we supported 25 individuals with family advice and mediation
• 94% of survey respondents said they have a better understanding of their rights and where to go for support and advice

Ex-Offenders and Prison Support

Overview

Many people leave prison without support to apply for benefits, find housing, or reconnect with their families—putting them at risk of homelessness and reoffending. MACWO works with people of all ages and backgrounds to provide immediate practical help and long-term mentoring so they can build stable lives after release.

What We Do

We run a prison visiting programme to identify those who need rehabilitation support. We provide ex-offenders with employment, housing, and benefits support (including applying for Universal Credit), plus mentoring, workshops, personal development, and volunteering opportunities. We also signpost to pro-bono and low-cost legal advice and offer 1-to-1 support for those who need more intensive guidance.

Examples of Programmes

• Reintegration support for individuals leaving prison
• Partnership with HMP Wormwood Scrubs, including court support and prison visiting with the Chaplaincy
• Mentoring and emotional support programmes
• Helping individuals access employment, housing, and education
• Reconnecting individuals with families and supporting bereaved prisoners and families (including during the Covid-19 pandemic)

Who We Support

We support ex-offenders, their parents and relatives, and younger siblings who are affected by a family member’s imprisonment. We help families to reconcile and rebuild relationships.

Impact / Outcomes

• We supported around 60 ex-offenders in the last twelve months
• Establishing and facilitating connection between offenders, their families, and our teams

Families & School

Overview

Challenges outside the classroom—from housing and finances to communication barriers with schools—can hold children back. MACWO works with families and children at every stage, from pregnancy to school, to create stable, nurturing environments so young people can thrive in education.

What We Do

We run a homework club with mentoring and support for teenagers at risk of exclusion (including an evening meal and outings), parenting classes, and the eight-week Parents Champion programme with our partners at ASÉ CIC. We work with schools and teachers where there are cultural or communication barriers and help families access public services and government support.

Examples of Programmes

• Homework clubs and tutoring programmes (running since 2017)
• Helping families access housing and financial support
• Pastoral care for children and young people
• Supporting parents in navigating schools and education services

Who We Support

We support mothers, fathers, and carers—especially from migrant and ethnically diverse backgrounds—and their children, including teenagers at risk of exclusion or in trouble with the police.

Impact / Outcomes

• 25 young people benefited from the homework club in the last 12 months; mothers reported their children were much happier and more positive about school
• 55 individuals supported with family and parenting issues in the last twelve months
• 90% of school-aged survey respondents said they feel more confident at school

Mental Health

Overview

Mental health challenges can leave people feeling isolated and unsure where to turn—especially in communities where stigma and language barriers make it harder to seek help. MACWO advocates for mental health awareness across our community and offers peer support, practical help, and referrals so no one has to face these challenges alone.

What We Do

We run mental health peer-support groups and practical support, and we refer people to professional mental health care when needed. We also run Shah iyo Sheeko—storytelling at teatime—building on Somali tradition to build trust and create a safe space to discuss sensitive issues.

Examples of Programmes

• Community awareness sessions about mental health
• Peer support groups
• Referrals to professional mental health services
• The Good for Girls programme (funded by London Youth), supporting girls aged 10–14 with sessions centred on mental health

Who We Support

We support people across our community who experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health difficulties—including women, young people, and those who may not otherwise access mainstream services.

Impact / Outcomes

• 98% of survey respondents said they have a greater awareness of the challenges that face their community
• Trusted, culturally meaningful spaces for discussing mental health and wellbeing

Skills Training

Overview

Employment and education barriers—including lower IT skills and English proficiency among older women and stereotyping faced by young men—hold our community back. MACWO delivers high-quality, accredited skills training so people can gain qualifications, confidence, and a pathway into work or further learning.

What We Do

We run accredited courses and workshops delivered by qualified professionals—MACWO volunteers or partners—with cultural awareness and inclusion at the heart. We also help young people access work placements, volunteering, and training run by other organisations and businesses.

Examples of Programmes

• Accredited IT training (City & Guilds Level 1–3)
• Accredited Social Care training (Level 3)
• LearnMyWay online training and ESOL (English language) support
• Accredited First Aid training (Safe Cert)
• Job readiness and employability workshops
• Digital skills and personal development training

Who We Support

We support women and young men from ethnically diverse and migrant backgrounds—including those who are not in work or education—who want to build skills and access opportunities.

Impact / Outcomes

• 60 individuals participated in accredited training programmes supported by MACWO in the past twelve months
• 98% of survey respondents said they have gained new skills that they use in their day-to-day life; 96% said they have gained skills that make them more employable
• We have helped 50 young people access places on training programmes run by other organisations and businesses

Youth Work

Overview

Black and ethnic minority young people in our community face serious challenges—including youth violence, mental health struggles, extremism, and the influence of gangs and drugs. MACWO delivers youth clubs, sports, mentoring, and team-building so young people can develop positive habits, build confidence, and realise their potential.

What We Do

We run youth clubs, sports and cultural activities, community and online safety training, and networking events with role models and mentors. We also deliver programmes combining mentoring, boxing, exercise, and talks on youth issues—including work with the Community and Youth Engagement Prevent Team at Hammersmith & Fulham Council—and we help young people access work experience and volunteering at MACWO.

Examples of Programmes

• Mentoring programmes for young people aged 15–18 (ten-week programmes of mentoring, boxing, and talks)
• Boxing and exercise programmes combined with mentoring
• Talks addressing youth violence, gangs, and life skills; anti-extremism and hate awareness (e.g. with Madrassas in Hammersmith, funded by ISD and Google)
• Football and sports activities—including a trip to a football tournament in Finland and London Youth–funded football training

Who We Support

We support young people aged 10–18 from BAME and migrant backgrounds—including those at risk of exclusion, in trouble with the police, or facing mental stress—and we have created four volunteering places for young people within MACWO.

Impact / Outcomes

• We supported around 35 young people in the last twelve months; many considered ‘at risk’ have developed beneficial habits and more positive lifestyles
• 25 young people benefited from homework support; 50 accessed training programmes elsewhere
• 90% of school-aged survey respondents said they feel more confident at school

Residential Trips

Overview

Residential trips give young people the chance to step outside their everyday environment and experience learning, adventure, and personal development in a completely new setting. These trips help to build confidence, independence, teamwork and leadership skills through structured outdoor activities.

What We Do

As part of our youth development programme, MACWO works with London Youth to offer residential trips at two of their outdoor learning centres: Hindleap Warren in the Ashdown Forest and Woodrow High House in the Chiltern Hills. Young people spend several days away from London, staying in shared accommodation and taking part in a full programme of outdoor activities led by qualified instructors.

Examples of Programmes

• Hindleap Warren residentials with high ropes, climbing, archery, bushcraft and water-based activities
• Woodrow High House residentials with Jacob’s ladder, leap of faith, mountain biking, bushcraft and team-building challenges
• 2–4 day programmes combining outdoor adventure in the day with social activities in the evenings
• Structured reflection, teamwork and problem‑solving sessions to help young people recognise their progress

Who We Support

We support young people from across London—particularly those from disadvantaged or under-served communities—who may not normally have the opportunity to leave the city, explore nature, or access structured outdoor learning.

Impact / Outcomes

• Greater confidence, independence and resilience
• Improved teamwork, communication and problem‑solving skills
• Stronger friendships and social connections built through shared experiences
• First-time outdoor adventure experiences for many participants, often described as life-changing

Community Outreach

Overview

Many people in our community do not access mainstream services due to mistrust, language barriers, or lack of information. MACWO’s outreach brings information, support, and statutory agencies directly to the community—through events, information sessions, and one-to-one help—so that everyone can access the services they need.

What We Do

We run community information-sharing meetings with outside speakers and council representatives on issues such as mental health, addiction, obesity, immigration, vaccinations, and Covid-19. We support people to access GP, NHS, education, benefits, and apprenticeships; we provide Census and vaccine information; and we refer to the Met Police, NHS, Adult Social Services, Domestic Violence units, and addiction services when needed. We also run a moderated WhatsApp group so beneficiaries can exchange information and stay connected.

Examples of Programmes

• Community events and information sessions (e.g. on mental health, addiction, obesity, immigration, vaccinations)
• Outreach connecting families to support services
• Health awareness and vaccination campaigns; support to complete the Census (we supported 399 individuals and received a certificate as one of the highest-performing community centres in the UK)
• Community engagement that strengthens social connections—including our WhatsApp group with 250 participants

Who We Support

We support individuals and families from ethnically diverse and migrant backgrounds—including the Somali community—who are often under-served by mainstream services. We work across West and North London from our offices in Shepherd’s Bush, Wembley, and Roehampton.

Impact / Outcomes

• 120 individuals attended our information-sharing meetings in the last twelve months
• 399 individuals supported to complete the Census or attend an information session
• Around 40 individuals helped to access public services in the last twelve months
• 94% of survey respondents said they have a better understanding of their rights and where to go for support

Health & Wellbeing

Overview

Looking after our mental and physical health is vital—yet many in our community face barriers to accessing health information and services. MACWO runs health seminars, exercise programmes, and peer support so people can build healthier habits, understand their rights, and feel connected to others.

What We Do

We run information sessions on mental health, addiction, obesity, vaccinations, and Covid-19; we organise online exercise classes and support people to attend exercise classes in the local area; and we provide vaccine information and signposting. During the pandemic we also supported bereaved families and ran online peer support and homework support for young people worried about exams.

Examples of Programmes

• Health seminars and workshops (including mental health, addiction, obesity, vaccinations)
• Exercise and fitness programmes—online and in the community—including partnership with London Youth
• Nutrition and lifestyle education through information sessions
• Community support groups promoting mental and physical wellbeing

Who We Support

We support people of all ages from our community—especially those who are digitally excluded, have language barriers, or are hesitant to approach NHS and mainstream health services. We also support bereaved families and those affected by the pandemic.

Impact / Outcomes

• During the pandemic we provided 120 individuals (and their families) with emergency support and relief—including food, medicine, debt relief, and mental health signposting
• 98% of survey respondents said they have a greater awareness of the challenges that face their community
• Planned Community Hub will include a vaccination centre and health information in partnership with NHS services