Community iftar brings neighbours together at Euston Community Hub

More than 140 Euston residents came together on Thursday 5 March for an evening of shared food and friendship at the Euston Community Hub. Iftar is the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan, often beginning with dates and water before the main meal.

The community iftar was planned and delivered by Regent’s Park Young Guardians, as part of Fitzrovia Youth in Action’s Community Champions Programme, working in partnership with Camden Council’s Detached Youth Service and Old Diorama Arts Centre. The event also received funding from the GLA’s Loved and Wanted Community Fund, a programme designed to support community integration, social cohesion and participation across London. London Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes‑Bernard, joined the celebrations at the Hub.

The aim of the community iftar was simple: to celebrate the diversity of Euston, offer a warm welcome to neighbours of all beliefs and none, and give people the chance to share a meal while learning more about Ramadan. By placing young residents at the centre of planning and hosting, the evening brought people together, sparked conversations and strengthened the sense of community in Euston.

Commenting on the community event, Ellie Rudd Regent’s Park Community Champions Manager said:

“Our Young Guardians wanted to create an event that celebrates everyone who is part of our community and provide a chance for people to come together and focus on the things that connect us rather than divide us.

“They worked with partners, selected the catering, the decorations, designed the poster and information about shared prophets across several faiths – young people led every aspect of the event. People ate, talked and learned a little more about Ramadan and about each other. It was a great community feeling.”

London Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice Dr. Debbie Weekes-Bernard said:

“Community spaces like the Euston Community Hub do an incredible job of bringing Londoners of all backgrounds together. It’s wonderful that this welcoming and inclusive iftar was organised entirely by local young people and I’m delighted that funding from City Hall is helping to support events like this, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

Officially launched in 2025 by the Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, and Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, the Euston Community Hub was created by the Euston Partnership, which brings together organisations working on the redevelopment of the Euston area.

Located in the heart of the Euston community, the Hub offers free programmes, advice and activities provided by local community organisations, charities, and public service providers.

Beyond its regular programmes, the Hub has also become a central point for community engagement and everyday support. Local ward councillor Nadia Shah holds her ward surgeries in the building, giving residents easy access to advice and representation. The Hub has also become a venue for community meetings about the Euston programme, helping maintain open conversation during a period of change in the area.

For more information about the Loved and Wanted Community Fund visit: https://www.london.gov.uk/new-network-30-community-spaces-be-set-across-london-combat-social-isolation-and-division