(2023 Newcomer Day. Credit: City of London)
The City of London hosts its fifth annual Newcomer Day, a half-day event dedicated to helping newcomers integrate into the community. It aims to connect people with vital services ensuring a smoother transition into London life.
“This year, a key change is that the event will take place at the South London Community Centre. Additionally, based on last year’s feedback—where many attendees were primarily focused on employment opportunities—we’ve adjusted the event to have a stronger emphasis on job-related resources,” says Farah Ayoub, Immigration Senior Coordinator and member of the Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Division.
(2023 Newcomer Day. Credit: City of London)
It will take place on Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is designed to be family-friendly, with entertainment and activities for children, making it accessible for everyone. The goal is for newcomers to feel welcomed, informed, and connected. “We will have 50 exhibitors from various sectors, including settlement, healthcare, education, finance, insurance, manufacturing, and some of London’s top employers. We hope people leave the event with a sense of community and belonging,” Farah Ayoub adds.
(2023 Newcomer Day. Credit: City of London)
Talha Jawad, from Pakistan, highlights the significance of the celebration. ‘I moved to London in August 2023 and recently learned about this initiative. I’m excited to attend for the first time, as it’s a great way for newcomers like me to connect and integrate. It offers a chance to meet others, share experiences, learn about local resources, and feel more at home. This can be valuable for someone who has just moved to a new country.”
Since its inception, Newcomer Day has grown significantly. What started with 150 attendees in its first year (2019), saw more than 800 participants in 2023.
