Rainbow Lunch Club for LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers

Aim

A monthly lifeline for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, offering meals, essential supplies, creative workshops, and a welcoming, supportive community

This Crowdfunder is now closed. To donate, visit: https://opencollective.com/rainbow-lunch-club

"The Rainbow Lunch Club has made me feel welcomed, valued and part of a supportive community. It’s a space where I can connect with others, share experiences, and feel a genuine sense of belonging."

The Rainbow Lunch Club has transformed the lives of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees since May 2023. The monthly drop-in club, based in North London, is more than just a meal. According to our guests, "it’s a lifeline". Since launching, we’ve provided a safe, welcoming space for tens of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, offering nutritious meals, essential supplies, signposting to further support and a community where everyone is accepted for who they are.

Our guests come from at least 14 countries, including Algeria, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Ukraine. Many travel hours to attend, leaving behind the isolation and hostility they often face in their asylum accommodation. One guest shared,"It supported me in a difficult moment when I was very lonely."

Each session includes a three-course home cooked meal, travel reimbursement, a supermarket voucher, and a food and toiletries bank. We also offer creative workshops like art and drumming, as well as outings that create opportunities for joy and connection. Over 90% of attendees report significant or lifechanging improvements in mental health, and many describe the club as a family: "It’s a warm and welcoming space where I am seen and valued."

£11 will provide one of our guests essential toiletries and dried food for a month

£36 provides a guest with a 3 course hot meal, social connections, a workshop, high-street vouchers and travel expenses, as well as toiletries and food for a month

And because we are entirely volunteer run, every £ you donate goes directly to our guests

With your help, we can keep this project going and expand to serve 30 guests monthly, meeting rising demand. Please help us to sustain this life-changing initiative!

This is a project of the volunteer-led group Barnet Refugee Welcome Board, supporting asylum seekers and refugees in the London borough of Barnet through a variety of projects. 

This project successfully funded on 21st April 2025