We’ve started 2026 at the Afghanistan & Central Asian Association (ACAA) with something special, conversation, connection, and collaboration.
Over the past two months, our centre in Feltham has welcomed three London Mayors, and we are expecting many more. Each visit brought meaningful dialogue about how local councils and grassroots organisations like the ACAA can work together to strengthen communities.
On 14th January, we were pleased to host the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Philip Corthorne. Shortly after, on 2nd February, we welcomed the Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Amy Croft. Then, on 5th February, we had the pleasure of receiving the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Anthony Kelly, and we are looking forward to the upcoming visit of the Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Anjana Patel in March.
Each visit was unique, but they all shared one common thread, a genuine interest in our community and a shared belief in the power of collaboration.
Rather than formal meetings behind closed doors, our guests stepped straight into the heart of what we do. They sat in on ESOL classes, observed integration workshops, and joined discussions where community members from a range of backgrounds explored British values and what it means to actively participate in society.
When the Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Amy Croft visited, she joined one of our integration sessions where students were discussing volunteering, civic engagement, and how to connect with their local community. It was an open and thoughtful conversation, exactly the kind of environment we strive to create at ACAA.
During each visit, our Director and Founder, Dr Nasimi MBE, shared his personal journey as a refugee and the motivation behind establishing the ACAA. His story always reminds us why this work matters, integration is not just about services, it’s about dignity, opportunity, and belonging.
What stood out most during these visits was the openness of the discussions. Our community members got to share their personal stories, whilst also engaging in an open and honest dialogue with council members. They asked practical questions about how local councils operate, how to contact their councillors, and what support is available for refugees and marginalised groups, in particular opportunities for Afghan women building new lives in the UK.
In response, the Mayors spoke candidly about their roles. Mayor Croft emphasised that councillors are elected by the community, for the community. They are there to listen and to help, but that connection only works when residents feel empowered to reach out.
The Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Anthony Kelly echoed similar sentiments during his visit, highlighting the importance of community support networks and the vital role charities like the ACAA play in helping individuals navigate life in a new country.
These weren’t symbolic visits. They were conversations.
Grassroots organisations like the ACAA are deeply embedded in the communities we serve. We see the everyday challenges, from language barriers and digital exclusion, to unemployment, responding quickly because we understand the lived experiences of our members, and the importance of integration into society whilst also preserving a sense of familiarity and culture.
Local councils, on the other hand, hold the structures, resources, and strategic reach that can amplify this work. When charities and councils communicate effectively, services become more coordinated, support becomes more accessible, and communities become stronger.
The relationship between local government and grassroots organisations isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. It fills gaps. It builds trust. It ensures that policies reflect real lives, not just paperwork.
These mayoral visits opened the door to stronger networks, clearer communication channels, and future collaboration on community events and initiatives. They also gave our members something equally important: visibility. A chance to be heard directly by those in leadership.
As each Mayor toured our centre, spoke with staff and volunteers, and listened to our community members, one thing became clear, there is a shared commitment to building inclusive, resilient boroughs.
We are grateful to the Mayors of Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow for taking the time to visit the ACAA and engage so meaningfully with our work. Their presence affirmed that what happens in grassroots spaces like ours matters at every level.
Most importantly, these visits remind us that lasting change happens when collaboration is not just discussed, but practised.
At the ACAA, we remain committed to strengthening these relationships, ensuring that refugees, migrants, and long-standing residents alike have access to opportunity, support, and a voice in their community.
By Olivia Roberts