The Tamil Welfare Association (Newham) UK widely known by its acronym TWAN is a community organisation formed in September 1986 as a self help group by Tamil refugees. We aim to relieve the Tamil migrant community from poverty and to assist the individual refugees in their resettlement in the UK.
The organisation became company limited by guarantee in 1992 and obtained charity status in August 1995. It has been awarded the Specialist Quality Mark status by the Legal Aid Agency and also has been exempted by the OISC to provide immigration advice.
Providing information and advice to the Tamil community in the UK
While most of our casework and representation is with regard to asylum and immigration matters …
Every Thursday the elder members of the Tamil community meet at the Manor park community centre.
Supplementary classes for English, Mathematics and Science..
Fine arts classes are conducted for the Tamil children.
Counselling and advice and promote reunion of broken families.
Arrival in the UK
Fleeing Tamil refugees arrive in the UK.
Group formed
Inaugural meeting of the organisation was held by refugees allowed to stay.
Formalised
Formally constituted as a Community organisation.
Work with Newham Council
Obtained some unused premises for occupation by refugees and helped bring in many other policies for Refugee families.
Office premises obtained
Shop obtained from Newham council for office based activities.
Move to 602 Romford Road
Ground floor premises purchased
Legal Aid contract obtained with Specialist Quality Mark awarded
Purchase of upstairs premises