Interview with Mohamed Farah, Director of Hodan Somali Community
Joe Batty, Head of Community, journeyed to the far north of the borough to talk to the community at Canalside House. His aim was to shine a light on this hugely significant community asset, whose future is in jeopardy as a consequence of the current plans for the Flourish development. Hodan’s Mohamed Farah was quick to respond, and he was the first to speak.
Can you tell me a little bit about your journey to becoming the CEO of Hodan Charity?
I am the founder of Hodan. I started as a volunteer, and I am now the paid CEO.
What inspired the creation of this charity, and what has kept you passionate about its mission over the years?
Before, I worked for a charity called the Somali Welfare Association, which was also based at Canalside House. Unfortunately, this charity was closed for various reasons. One day, I visited Canalside House, and the centre manager told me that clients were still coming there for help, but no one was able to assist them. At that time, there was a full-time manager, and Canalside House was self-governing, run by a steering committee fully representative of the tenants. That day, I decided I needed to do something.
Could you give me a brief overview of the services your charity provides and the communities you support?
Hodan Somali Community is a registered charity dedicated to serving the Somali and wider Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in West London.
Services:
Advice and Information: We provide an AQS-accredited advice and information service to support the BAME community.
Social Space & Wellbeing Project: We run Zumba and socialisation classes to support and empower women who are socially isolated.
Befriending Project (isolation and loneliness): We provide proactive support to isolated older people.
Digital Literacy Training and Workshops: We tackle digital exclusion holistically by providing accessible tablets or smartphones, free internet connectivity at our office, and bespoke training in digital literacy skills.
Employability Workshops: We conduct workshops covering key topics such as CV writing, job searching, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette.
Football Club ("Lace up your boots"): This project aims to empower disadvantaged and unemployed young adults aged 18-25 in West London.
What are some of the unique challenges your clients face, particularly in Kensington and Chelsea, and how does your charity address them?
Some challenges include:
- Social isolation and exclusion from mainstream services
- Language and literacy challenges
- The ‘digital divide’
- Unemployment and economic disadvantage
- Poor housing and overcrowding, etc.
Can you share a story of someone whose life has been significantly impacted by your work?
It’s challenging to pick just one case, but one that stands out involves a service user whose partner left her with disabled children. He had managed all the household paperwork and responsibilities, leaving her with several thousand pounds in debt, including council tax and housing benefit arrears. She was at risk of losing her home and was unfamiliar with the processes for council tax and housing benefit. We first explained these processes to her, then helped by liaising with the local authority and applying for funding to address the debts. We see many similar cases in our work.
What kind of partnerships or collaborations have been most beneficial in enhancing your services?
Partnerships with Midaye and Dadihiye have been especially beneficial, primarily on the funding side.
How has the charity adapted to the changing needs of the global majority communities over time?
We have done our best to adapt to the changing landscape of funding and the demographic shifts within our community.
Leadership and Challenges
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a small charity, particularly in terms of resources and support?
Funding is our biggest challenge.
What do you find most rewarding about leading this organisation?
Helping families is particularly rewarding. Some of the children we’ve supported have successfully completed university and later volunteered with us—seeing that kind of progress and return is one of the most rewarding things.
As a leader, how do you ensure that your team stays motivated and connected to the charity’s mission?
We hold regular meetings, training sessions, and review the organisation's policies. We also conduct service evaluations to stay connected and engaged.
The Future
What are your hopes for the future of the charity? What vision do you have for the next 5 or 10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, we aim to become a centre for prevention and empowerment, specifically supporting BAME communities by equipping individuals—especially youth—with essential skills for a rapidly evolving digital world. Our focus will be on incorporating new technologies into educational programs to prepare the next generation for future opportunities.
What do you think needs to change—either locally or nationally—to better support the communities your charity serves?
To better support the communities served by Hodan Somali Community, both local and national changes are essential to address the unique barriers faced by BAME communities. This includes improving access to culturally sensitive services, strengthening housing policies for efficient repairs and affordable options, and expanding digital inclusion initiatives to close the digital literacy gap. Additionally, increased funding for culturally responsive mental health services and accessible financial advice is vital to help individuals manage and prevent debt.
The potential loss of Canalside House would significantly impact our ability to deliver these services and would disrupt the community, leaving vulnerable individuals without a familiar, trusted space for support. Protecting Canalside House is crucial for maintaining stability, fostering community connections, and ensuring these essential services remain accessible to those in need. Addressing these systemic issues and safeguarding Canalside House would enable us to empower individuals, promoting long-term resilience and self-reliance.
If you could have one wish granted for your charity, what would it be?
If we could have one wish granted for Hodan Somali Community, it would be to secure Canalside House as our long-term base or, if necessary, an equivalent replacement that meets our needs. Ensuring a smooth transition, including relocation support, would allow us to continue providing uninterrupted, essential services—such as culturally sensitive support, digital literacy programmes, and housing assistance—to our community in a stable, accessible space. Additionally, more funding to support our work would be beneficial.
Personal Perspective
How has your work here changed you personally?
Working at Hodan Somali Community has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by BAME communities and enhanced my empathy and cultural awareness. The opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives has brought a sense of fulfilment and purpose, motivating me to advocate for systemic change. This experience has enriched my life, reinforcing the importance of community and compassion.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a charity, especially within the global majority communities?
Starting a charity requires patience, dedication, and trust-building with local stakeholders. Understand that meaningful change takes time, so stay committed to your mission even when progress feels slow. Cultivating strong relationships and remaining responsive to community needs will be essential for long-term impact.
Closing Questions
Is there anything else you’d like to share that we haven’t touched upon?
Canalside House is vital to North Kensington as it hosts many of our essential community services, providing support for housing, immigration issues, and youth programmes. To protect this community asset, we urgently need the support of residents and local allies in advocating for its preservation. Together, we can ensure it remains a resource for everyone and continues to serve the needs of our community.
How can the community or the public better support your charity’s work?
The community can support Hodan Somali Community by volunteering, donating, and raising awareness about our services. Sharing our mission and events on social media, attending community events, and connecting Hodan Somali Community with local resources or partnerships makes a big impact. This support helps sustain and expand vital programmes for Somali and broader communities.
Closing remarks from Joe.
"Hodan, and all the other projects based in Canalside House, are vital to the cultural welfare of our borough. They provide services that are simply unique. Please check out their work here. It is crucial during this pivotal time in the history of Canalside House that the whole community is aware of this precious asset they have in their midst."