Meet Oliver: Volunteering with Globe Community Project

Oliver has always called Tower Hamlets home. He says: “I grew up in Tower Hamlets, and one of the things I love most about the area is how diverse and multicultural it is.”

After leaving to study for university in the Northeast, he found himself drawn back to his home, East London. “It felt good to come back. I wanted to get involved in something that would let me give back to the community I grew up in, and Globe Community Project felt like the perfect way to do that.”

One of the highlights for Oliver is working with the Touching Safe Ground programme. The programme provides a safe space for migrant and refugee women and children to connect and learn new skills.  

Through trauma-informed yoga and English language lessons, the programmes help women feel more at home in their bodies, more confident in their voices, and better prepared for everyday life. There’s also a homework club for children which Oliver supported. 

He remembers one moment in particular: “One moment that really stays with me is when a child I was working with suddenly realised they could do something we’d been practising together. 

“Seeing that moment of understanding, and the way their face lit up as they excitedly rushed on to the next question, was incredibly special. It’s those little breakthroughs that make the experience so memorable.”

For Oliver, volunteering has also been an eye-opening experience. “Spending time with refugee children and families has given me a much deeper understanding of some of the difficulties they face, from being moved around by government decisions, to the disruption of their schooling, to the challenges of navigating an education system that can sometimes struggle to meet the needs of children with additional support requirements.”

He adds “It’s made me more aware of how easily young people could get lost in the system, and just how important it is that they’re given the right support and opportunities to thrive.”

What keeps Oliver motivated is the sense of connection he feels through GCP.

“For me, ‘we are all connected’ is a reminder that, despite our different backgrounds and life experiences, we share a common humanity. There is so much division and prejudice in the world today, and unfortunately some of the most influential voices speak very negatively about immigration and refugees.

“But at the end of the day, we’re all people, we’re all neighbours, and we each have a role in looking out for one another. That sense of connection is what makes a community strong.”

As someone born and raised in Tower Hamlets, he’s proud of its diversity.

“I’ve always seen how special it is as one of the most multicultural places in the world,” he says. “That diversity is such a strength, but sadly there are people who try to exploit it to create social divisions. That’s why projects like GCP are so important today. 

“They bring people together, build understanding, and strengthen community cohesion at a time when it’s needed more than ever.”

When asked what he would say to someone thinking about volunteering, he says. “I’d say absolutely go for it. Volunteering with GCP is such a rewarding experience. The children are so smart and engaging, and spending time with them is genuinely inspiring.

“They’ll leave you with memories and moments that stay with you, and you’ll come away feeling like you’ve gained just as much as you’ve given.”

If Oliver’s story has inspired you and you’d like to give back to the community too, we’re always looking for new people to join. 

It’s a chance to connect, support others, and to experience those unforgettable moments that stay with you. We’re excited to have you on board!