Berlin to H&F: young women finding their voice across borders
This spring, Hammersmith & Fulham welcomed a group of young women from Berlin for a cross-cultural youth exchange — delivered by Young Hammersmith & Fulham (Young H&F) in partnership with WEST Youth Zone and Berlin’s Mitte district — introducing many of them to new places, new people, and new possibilities.
For some, it began with a first. First flight, first time in the UK, first experience of travelling beyond their home city. By the end of the week, those same young women were navigating London with confidence, forming friendships, and stepping into a wider world.
The exchange is part of a growing youth work exchange programme led by Young H&F, and builds on an emerging partnership with Berlin’s Mitte district that began with a previous youth work exchange, where youth work delegates from both cities came together to learn from each other and share best practice.
Working closely with delivery partners like WEST Youth Zone, the programme creates opportunities for young people to take part in high-quality, youth-led experiences that build confidence, connection and cultural understanding.
Based at WEST in White City, where much of the programme was delivered, the group quickly found a shared rhythm. Days were shaped by WEST’s youth work offer - from creative and social activities to trips across London, including the Lyric Hammersmith, Camden and Portobello Market - alongside the informal moments that mattered just as much: conversations over food, shared laughter, and the gradual confidence that comes from feeling at home somewhere new. Lavinia, 19, recalled her first impression of WEST saying, “I couldn’t believe how big it was. You could climb, do sports, dance. We just don’t have anything like that where I live.”
““I couldn’t believe how big it was. You could climb, do sports, dance. We just don’t have anything like that where I live.””
For Lena, 16, the impact was more personal. “You can find out so much about yourself when you get the opportunity to travel somewhere for the first time.” The exchange also brought together young women from Hammersmith & Fulham, many of whom are engaged through WEST, who helped shape the experience - introducing their German peers to local life and, in turn, seeing their own borough through a different lens.“I feel more confident and independent now,” said Maram.
Whilst this was Young H&F’s first international youth exchange, it builds on a wider commitment to strengthening the youth sector through collaboration, shared learning and opportunity. By working through trusted local partners like WEST Youth Zone, Young H&F is able to connect young people to meaningful experiences whilst supporting the organisations that know them best.
Support from funders such as John Lyon’s Charity plays a vital role in making this possible - not just enabling participation, but helping to invest in the partnerships and infrastructure that underpin high-quality youth provision.
With a return visit to Berlin planned later this year, the story is set to continue!
