Rebuilding Lives, Strengthening Communities
In 1997, in the heart of Willesden Green, Bosnian war survivors and former refugees came together to address a pressing need: the support provided by the government through the Refugee Council was ending, leaving vulnerable members of their community at risk.
Drawing on their own lived experience of war, displacement, and survival, they founded the Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre (BHCAC) - a lifeline for those struggling to rebuild their lives in a new country.
From a modest space in St Andrews Church, and with initial funding from Trust for London, BHCAC began its mission: to empower survivors to regain stability, dignity, and hope.
What started as a grassroots volunteer initiative has since grown into a professional, trusted charity, staffed by bilingual advisors, legal specialists, and mental health professionals who continue to bring lived experience into every aspect of their work.
Rising from Trauma: A Community of Resilience
The Bosnian refugees who arrived in London in the early 1990s had survived war, genocide, and forced displacement. Many arrived with no English, no resources, and deep emotional trauma.
Yet, instead of relying on sympathy alone, they organised self-help networks, preserving Bosnian culture while supporting the most vulnerable among them.
BHCAC grew from this spirit of resilience, building a bridge between the needs of the Bosnian community and the wider society.
Today, we provide holistic, person-centred support, addressing welfare, housing, legal, health, and social needs, ensuring every individual can rebuild their life and contribute meaningfully to their community.
Expanding Our Reach and Influence
2008: Beyond Language Barriers
Recognising the shortage of Serbo-Croat language services in London, BHCAC expanded its support to include communities from Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, serving a broader spectrum of Western Balkan refugees while maintaining its core Bosnian identity.
2018: Serving All of Brent
The rollout of Universal Credit highlighted a gap in welfare rights advice for all residents. BHCAC responded by launching outreach services at Harlesden and Willesden Green Libraries, extending support to people from all ethnic backgrounds across the London Borough of Brent.
Transforming Lives: Our Impact
In the year ending March 2025, BHCAC supported 957 individuals, demonstrating the depth and breadth of our work:
Inclusive Communities:
93% of beneficiaries were from Brent’s wider community, including Africa (30%), Asia (22%), Middle East (19%), Europe (9%), Caribbean (7%), British (4%), and other (2%). 7% were from Western Balkans.
Empowering the Most Vulnerable:
- 61% identified as disabled
- 74% were unemployed
- 9% were non-English speakers.
Life Stages:
- 85% were of working age
- 9% aged 65–74
- 6% over 75.
These numbers reflect BHCAC’s commitment to inclusion, social justice, and equitable support, helping individuals overcome multiple vulnerabilities while fostering resilience and independence.
Building Stronger, More Inclusive Communities
BHCAC is more than a charity: it is a community of resilience, empowerment, and cultural preservation.
Our work is built on:
Lived Experience:
Our staff, volunteers, and trustees understand trauma, displacement, and adaptation firsthand, shaping empathetic and effective services.
Professional Expertise:
Bilingual advisors, legal specialists, and mental health professionals deliver holistic, person-centred support.
Social Contribution:
Beyond immediate support, our programs help individuals integrate into society, contribute economically, and participate socially.
Cultural Preservation:
We celebrate Bosnian heritage while promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion across London.
Supporting BHCACÂ
You are investing in a proven, professional organisation with a 28-year legacy.
One that transforms lives, strengthens communities, and ensures that the stories of resilience, survival, and hope continue to inspire and empower future generations.
