June 20 2026 was a historic day for the North West Migrants Forum, the day we opened the doors to our Intercultural Café.
Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the café is designed as a place where people seeking asylum, those granted international protection, migrant and diaspora communities and those from racialised minoritised backgrounds can come together and engage with one another and the broader community.
As well as a comfortable meeting place, the café boasts laundry facilities and a fully operational training kitchen designed to equip individuals with the skills to volunteer in the community and potentially secure employment in the hospitality industry.
The launch was attended by around 60 people, including Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Uí Niallais. Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Geraldine McGahey, was also in the room, as was Chief Executive of Derry and Strabane Council, John Kelpie. Representatives from several key statutory agencies also took time out of their Saturday mornings to be there.
Addressing those gathered, our Chief Executive, Lilian Seenoi Barr, said, “The People’s Café is open to all residents of Derry City and Strabane District and beyond. It is not limited to racially minoritised communities.
“We will be holding a range of thematic events throughout the year and everyone is welcome to attend. These events will provide opportunities for residents to meet, connect with and learn from racially minoritised communities, helping to build stronger relationships, encourage dialogue and promote greater understanding across communities.”
Mrs Barr added that her aim has always been to promote the positive contributions migrants make to society when given the chance to thrive. In that respect, the café is a “dream come true”.
“Hopefully The People’s Café will showcase how much migrants have to give, economically, socially and culturally. And hopefully it will underscore the enormous value they bring when given the opportunity to prosper.
