PeopleFirst
Skip to content
Text size:

Black and minority ethnic activity and social groups

London is a very cosmopolitan city, and there are plenty of social and cultural groups for people of all cultures and ethnicities. Whether you're looking for art, music, history, sport or just a chance to spend time with people who share your background, there is bound to be something out there for you.

On this page we've gathered together details of just a few of the organisations which provide advice or arrange social activities for people from a particular minority ethnic group.  

There are also a growing number of groups on such smartphone apps as Meetup which cater to members of diverse backgrounds or interests.

And you can go to our Events calendar to find out about all sorts of activities going on locally.

British Chinese Society

The British Chinese Society aims to bring together the members of the Chinese community in London through social events, sports and cultural activities. Activities include language classes, martial arts, sports, food and drink and theatre trips.

The London Japanese Language Meetup

This is one of many open to all Japanese people and anyone who is learning Japanese or who is interested in Japanese culture, this group has regular social meets. 

Bengali Cultural Association UK  

Based in the heart of East London's Bengali and Bangladeshi community, the Bengali Cultural Association organises cultural, religious and social events.

Marylebone Bangladesh Society (MBS)

Aiming to promote and improve the economic well being of the Bangladeshi community in the Church Street, Marylebone and St John's Wood areas of Westminster.

London Sharad Utsav

London's largest Indian society, organising cricket matches, live music, religious and cultural festivals and social activities.

The Pakistan Society

The Pakistan Society runs a busy programme of talks, dinners and social events for Pakistani people and anyone with an interest in the history and culture of Pakistan.

Henna Befriending Service from Asian Women's Group

Henna befriending service which is open to all individuals who are in need of extra help to improve their social circle. They will reach out to the most vulnerable individuals that live anywhere in London.

Arab British Centre

The Arab British Centre organises events throughout the year, placing a particular emphasis on the arts, culture and society of the Arab world.

Afghan Association of London

The Afghan Association of London exists to support and advise members of the Afghan community, and also organises cultural and social events that provide leisure and recreation opportunities for its members, including sports, a women's group and cookery demonstrations.

Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation (IKWRO)

The IKWRO was set up in 2002 to provide advice and information on a range of topics. However they specialise in providing information and advice on 'honour' based violence, forced marriages, child marriages and femal genital mutilation.

West London Somaliland Community

This small community association provides advice and support to London's Somali community, and also runs social events, folk dance classes, language workshops and cultural activities.

Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women's Centre

Though mainly focussed on women's issues and education, Al-Hasaniya also organises a group for older Moroccan men and women, as well as cultural activities.

The Africa Centre

The Africa Centre is based in Soutwark, and has lively cultural activities as well as a cafe for informal social gatherings. It has a regular book club, film nights and a summer festival.

JW3 (Jewish Arts, Community & Cultural Centre)

A new Jewish community and cultural centre in Finchley (formerly the JCC), hosting a wide range of social and cultural activities and classes. 

Jewish Care Community Centres

Jewish Care operates a number of community centres around London for older Jewish people, offering art classes, card and board games, music, poetry and more.

London Irish Network

London Irish Network was set up to provide Londoners with an Irish background, or those with an interest in Irish culture, an opportunity to meet up, socialize and enjoy a range of varied activities.

The Irish Chaplaincy in Britain 

The Irish Chaplaincy in Britain provides befriending and other support for older Irish people living in London.

Scotscare 

Scotscare provide all sorts of support, including a befriending service for older people, for Scottish people living in London.

Polish Social & Cultural Association (POSK)

POSK has a cinema, gallery, library and workshop space and runs art and history exhibitions, traditional music and dance workshops, poetry, book fairs and more.

Anglo-Portuguese Society

This society for Portuguese people living in the UK aims to cater for all ages and interests and organises parties, musical events and talks with an active and lively annual program.

Latin American House (Casa Latinoamericana)

Casa Latinoamericana is based in North West London and offers support, advice, cultural events and social activities for people of all ages from Latin America.

Anglo-Brazilian Society

The Anglo-Brazilian Society organises parties, talks, food festivals and music events and acts as a cultural hub for Brazilian people in the UK. It also promotes Brazilian culture and supports development charities in Brazil.

Anglo-Argentine Society

This society is open to anyone with an Argentinian background or an interest in Argentinian culture, and organises walks, art exhibitions, wine tastings and more.

Menm Bitem Menm Bagay

Formerly the French Caribbean Association, MBMB aims to promote and share Creole culture while supporting Creole people in the UK. Their Culture and Traditions Team organises live music, arts and crafts demonstrations and cookery demonstrations, as well as social and fundraising events.

Pepperpot Day Centre

Pepperpot provides a comprehensive, high quality service to older people from the African and Caribbean community in Kensington and Chelsea and the neighbouring boroughs. They run a lunch club offering hot Caribbean food daily, plus classes and activities including gospel singing, chair aerobics, dominos, IT, bingo and arts and crafts.

Dutch Pot Lunch & Social Club

Lunch and social activities for older African-Caribbean people in Westminster. Activities include concerts, outings, bingo, exercises, shopping trips, arts and crafts, meeting people and socialising. 

Nubian Life Resource Centre

Social activities, information and advice support, citizen advocacy, befriending schemes and learning opportunities including computer skills for the over 50s African-Carribean community in Hammersmith and Fulham. 

Black History Walks

Black History Walks offer guided Walking Tours London to include the African history of London, as well as a programme of talks and films. 

Keshet

KeshetUK works to ensure a world where no one has to choose between their LGBT+ and their Jewish identity.

Sarbat  

Sarbat offers a platform for like-minded Sikhs from all walks of life and aims to promote the LGBT+ Sikh cause in a fair and courteous manner.

Inclusive Mosque

The Inclusive Mosque Initiative is dedicated to creating places of worship, particularly for marginalised communities, and the spiritual practice and promotion of inclusive Islamic principles.

Imaan

Social support meetings and faith activity for Muslims who identify as LGBTQ and those who are questioning. If you wish to contact them please email them, or connect via Facebook or Twitter

Hidayah

Hidayah is a secular organisation, however its projects and activities are developed specifically for the needs of LGBTQI+ Muslims.

Last updated: 16/07/2021
Previous Page Day centres, drop-in centres and community hubs Next Staying in touch in later life