Hodan provides a range of services directly to the community in West London.  These are listed separately here to make the site easier to navigate, but in practice we offer a holistic and person-centred service.  Most service users experience a blend of face-to-face, telephone-based and online (e.g., Zoom) provision, depending on their needs.

We also signpost and refer clients to other agencies, as necessary, and work in partnership with other organisations (notably Midaye Somali Development Network and Dadihiye Somali Development Organisation) to deliver some services.

Our services and activities are as follows:

• Advice and Information Service for members of the Somali community and wider Black and Asian communities in west London – our AQS-certified service provides up-to-date information on welfare benefits, housing, utilities, employability and digital literacy, with translation between Somali and English as needed, and signposting or referrals to further support where appropriate (supported by Trust for London)
• Women’s Wellbeing and Social Space Project – reducing isolation, improving physical fitness and boosting mental wellbeing through inclusive Zumba classes for women, and providing a social space with refreshments (supported by the National Lottery ‘Awards for All’ programme)
• Digital Literacy and Access to Services – helping people to get online, navigate the Internet, and learn the basic digital skills that they need to access mainstream services like GP appointments or welfare benefit claims
• Reducing Isolation Among Seniors – home visits to older people to engage with them and check their wellbeing, advice and information to help them access services, and one-to-one support with digital literacy skills (supported by the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea)
• Steps into Employment Project – providing advice and resources for people who have lost their jobs or businesses during the pandemic, to help them find a new job or improve their employability
• Family fun days for children and families affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy and COVID bereavements.

Our services have been running with high demand for 15 years now and pursue our vision of an empowered, healthy and integrated Somali and wider BAME community, whilst adapting to changes in the sector and the community itself.