Community drop-in advice, information and advocacy

About Dadihiye Somali Development Organisation (DSDO)

Dadihiye Somali Development Organisation is a grassroots, community-led charity with over 33 years of experience supporting residents and families experiencing social, economic and educational disadvantage. Established in 1993, we are based in North Kensington and provide services to residents in Hammersmith & Fulham and surrounding London boroughs.

Our services are open to people from all backgrounds. We aim to reduce inequalities, improve wellbeing, strengthen families, promote learning and help individuals overcome barriers to accessing essential services. We provide a welcoming, respectful and culturally sensitive environment where people can seek support, build confidence and work towards greater independence.

1. Free Community Drop-in Advice, Information and Advocacy

We provide free advice, information, practical assistance and advocacy to residents who need help navigating public services or addressing difficult circumstances.

Our support includes:

Housing and homelessness: Assistance for people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, overcrowding or difficulties with their accommodation.

Welfare benefits: Information and practical help relating to Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance and other relevant benefits.

Financial hardship: Guidance on cost-of-living pressures, utility bills and accessing appropriate financial support.

Advocacy: Help communicating with councils, housing providers, public authorities and other agencies, including following up cases and raising concerns.

Forms and official correspondence: Assistance understanding official letters, completing forms and identifying appropriate next steps.

Health and essential services: Support accessing services such as GP registration and other relevant community services.

Education and employment: Information, guidance and signposting to appropriate opportunities and support.

Specialist referrals: Referrals to suitable organisations for specialist housing, debt, immigration and legal advice when required.

We recognise that language barriers, poverty, unfamiliarity with public services and other inequalities can make it difficult for people to obtain the support they need. We work with residents to understand their circumstances, identify available options and access appropriate assistance.

Our aim is to provide early intervention, prevent problems from escalating, improve access to services and help people achieve greater stability and independence.

2. Women's Sewing, Wellbeing and Social Activities Group

Our weekly Women's Sewing, Wellbeing and Social Support Group provides a welcoming space for women to meet, develop practical skills, build friendships and improve their wellbeing.

Activities include:

Weekly sewing and creative sessions.

Coffee mornings and refreshments.

Wellbeing talks and health-related information.

Chair-based exercise sessions.

Social activities and opportunities to build friendships.

Organised outings, sightseeing and group trips.

Opportunities to share experiences, develop confidence and participate in community life.

The group helps reduce loneliness and social isolation, particularly among women who may experience financial hardship, language barriers, limited social networks or difficulties accessing mainstream activities.

We welcome women from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, valued and connected. Through regular activities and peer support, women can develop new skills, maintain social connections and enjoy positive experiences within their community.

3. Supplementary Education for Children and Young People

Dadihiye has provided supplementary education since 1993, helping children and young people strengthen their learning, improve their confidence and develop essential academic skills.

Our supplementary school provides additional learning support in:

English language and literacy.

Mathematics and numeracy.

Science.

Reinforcement of learning from mainstream school.

Additional educational support for children with learning difficulties and autism, with specialist teaching support where available.

We recognise that some children face additional barriers to educational achievement and that families may struggle to afford extra tuition or specialist support.

Our aim is to provide a supportive learning environment where children can strengthen their understanding, develop positive learning habits, build confidence and reach their potential. We work to ensure that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have opportunities to access additional educational support and develop a stronger foundation for future learning.

4. School Holiday Activities, Sightseeing and Educational Trips

We organise school holiday activities, educational outings, sightseeing and trips that provide children and young people with opportunities to learn, explore and enjoy positive experiences outside the classroom.

Our activities aim to:

Provide enjoyable and enriching experiences during school holidays.

Introduce children to places of historical, cultural, educational and recreational interest.

Encourage friendships, teamwork and positive social interaction.

Develop confidence, independence and communication skills.

Broaden children's experiences and awareness of the world around them.

Help reduce isolation and improve access to activities for children from low-income families.

We recognise that the cost of family outings and educational experiences can prevent some children from participating in activities that other families may take for granted.

Our programme aims to make positive experiences more accessible, support children's development and create opportunities for learning, enjoyment and community participation. Activities and trips are organised according to available funding, staffing, supervision and capacity.

5. Promoting Inclusion, Wellbeing and Independence

Inclusion and empowerment are central to all our work. We support residents from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including people experiencing financial hardship, social isolation, language barriers and difficulties accessing mainstream services.

Where possible, we provide culturally sensitive support in Somali, Arabic, English and French, helping residents communicate their needs and access information more confidently.

Across our services, we aim to:

Reduce social isolation and loneliness.

Improve access to advice, education and community activities.

Build confidence, skills and independence.

Support individuals and families experiencing disadvantage.

Promote wellbeing, learning and positive social connections.

Help residents understand their options and access appropriate services.

Encourage participation in community life and strengthen local relationships.

Our services complement the work of local authorities, schools, housing providers, health services and other community organisations. Where appropriate, we signpost and refer residents to specialist services that can provide additional assistance.

Who Can Access Our Services?

Our services are intended for residents in Hammersmith & Fulham and surrounding London areas, subject to the eligibility and arrangements of each activity.

We particularly welcome people experiencing housing difficulties, financial hardship, social isolation, educational disadvantage or barriers to accessing mainstream support. Our services are open to people from all backgrounds, and we aim to treat everyone with dignity, respect and fairness.

Please contact Dadihiye for information about individual services, session times, availability, eligibility and how to participate.

Our Commitment

With over three decades of community experience, Dadihiye remains committed to providing practical, accessible and person-centred support. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to access essential services, develop their potential, build meaningful relationships and live with dignity and independence.

Through our advice service, women's activities, supplementary education and school holiday programmes, we work to create positive outcomes for individuals, families and the wider community.