In 1996 at the Notre Dame de France church in London, the Marist team and a group of parishioners set up the Notre Dame Refugee Centre (NDRC) to offer a welcome to migrants and to develop responses to their various needs. At the time a number of Francophone countries in Africa were experiencing turmoil and war. As a result, these refugees fled their countries in order to seek asylum and find a safer home elsewhere. They shared the benches of the church with the community in London and parishioners were anxious to offer support.
The initiative began with a simple but profound realisation, as Father Martin McAnaney (NDRC Trustee) recalls: "It was a very simple thing to say: we have a parish centre, let’s have a few hours of welcome and offer the people who we share the benches with some company." At the beginning, there were no formal services, advice workers, or elaborate programs - just a space of warmth and welcome - which would eventually evolve into a reputable centre advising hundreds every year.
On June 19, NDRC celebrated its 30th anniversary with a reception in a local community garden. The event featured music performed by a former refugee, whose journey was supported by the centre’s team. Reflecting on the last three decades, Father Martin noted how the charity successfully navigated a shifting landscape. The improvement of services allowed the team to adapt efficiently to changing refugee demographics driven by global conflicts. Crucial to this stability was the army of extraordinary volunteers along with staff fidelity, with long-term staff members together keeping the core mission grounded. Finally, the unwavering commitment of donors, even amid a difficult political climate, ensured financial sustainability.
Looking to the future, NDRC is ready to face new challenges and hoping for another successful 30 years. As a former client shared, "They are a blessing to the community because they make us feel integrated into society."
