An international conference will take place on ways to better integrate non-EU immigrants in political and social life.

The free event will be hosted by Ealing Council, along with the European Union funded iParticipate project and community groups on January 22 at Ealing town hall from midday until 9pm.

Anyone can attend this day which will be structured around a series of presentations and discussions with local and international speakers including the leader of Ealing Council Julian Bell and the head of the Migrant and Refugees Communities Forum London, Zrinka Bralo.

Places are limited and free tickets can be reserved by going to www.eventbrite.co.uk and searching for ‘iParticipate’.

In the evening, nearby voluntary and community groups will have the opportunity to network, and groups that wish to be part of this should contact Albie Stadtmiller at astadtmiller@ealing.gov.uk.

Mr Bell said: “Ealing is a diverse and multicultural borough with a proud history of welcoming immigrants from across the globe, but equality of opportunity is not something I am complacent about.

“I believe there is a strong desire on the part of new citizens to take part in decision making and help shape the places in which they live, which is why it is so important to identify and tackle the barriers to them fully taking part.

“I am delighted to welcome our guests from across Europe and London to this event. We face similar challenges and by sharing our experiences and ideas we can learn much from each other.”

For more information on iParticipate, go to www.iparticipate.eu.