Places of Welcome at Hamwattan Centre – Building Independence and Community

Weekly Open Sessions: Monday-Tuesday, 10 am - 2 pm (Hares View location) and Wednesday at Lingfield Centre, Leeds

The Hamwattan Centre in Leeds joined the Places of Welcome network to serve the community as a supportive hub focused on empowerment, inclusion, and skills-building. Here, primarily Pakistani and Kashmiri elders gather to learn, connect, and enjoy activities that foster independence. Under Abdul Ghafoor Ratyal's leadership, the Hamwattan Centre offers English lessons, community excursions, and social activities that promote confidence and bring people of diverse backgrounds together. Abdul envisions expanding the centre’s opening hours to create even more opportunities for connection across generations and faiths, strengthening bonds in the local area.

Abdul Ghafoor Ratyal – Chairman, Hamwattan Centre
“At the Hamwattan Centre, we strive for an independent, self-supporting community. Confidence is vital, especially for tasks like attending hospital appointments independently. By offering conversational English lessons, we aim to empower individuals to navigate everyday life without relying on family members, supporting both personal independence and community growth.

Many of our participants face digital exclusion, so we’re working to improve digital literacy, from booking appointments to purchasing tickets. Our aim is to equip our members with skills that benefit not only themselves but the wider community. We learn from one another and from other local organizations, shaping our program to meet the needs and interests of our participants. Listening to feedback helps us provide activities, like shared meals, that foster engagement and unity.

We’re also planning a day trip to Morecambe, as being in nature can have a transformative effect on mental health. The beach, the waves—these experiences offer peace and a sense of connection that’s invaluable. Building these shared experiences in a supportive space enriches our members' lives and strengthens community bonds.

Going forward, we aim to expand our activities and hours, providing more opportunities for families and people of all backgrounds. With additional support, we can continue bridging gaps across the community, welcoming everyone and ensuring access to resources that can make a difference.”

Zeban – Volunteer and Board Member, Hamwattan Centre
“Ensuring the centre is accessible to all makes a huge difference. We have a bus that brings some women to sessions, and they bring so much joy despite facing difficult challenges like illness or bereavement. We create a supportive environment through various activities, including chair exercises, social lunches, and even sit-down football.

There’s laughter, socializing, and sharing every week, which helps even the more reserved individuals open up over time. Most people hear about the centre by word of mouth, which helps us reach those who might not read written materials. I look forward to coming every week, as the humour and warmth make the experience uplifting for everyone. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space where all are invited, and we hope to extend our hours and offer more activities for even greater inclusion.”

Zainab – Project Manager, Hamwattan Centre
“We’re always seeking funding to expand our offerings. Recently, a grant from Near Neighbours allowed us to continue our lunch club and other activities, which have immense social value. Being part of the Places of Welcome network has increased our visibility, helping us reach more people in need of a welcoming space. This connection also aligns with our goal of offering more sessions to support people of all backgrounds, celebrating the rich diversity within our community.”