HUNDREDS of people packed out Hammersmith Town Hall to celebrate an event designed to forge stronger links between west-London communities.
Around 800 members of community groups, churches and schools from across the region attended the 5 th annual West London Citizens Assembly event last Thursday (18/11).
They heard from a variety of speakers including David Li, of the Christian Centre for Gambling Rehabilitation, in Westminster.
Mr Li, a recovering gambling addict, spoke powerfully about the work of the centre and the damage the addiction had on his life.
He said: "My wife saved money to visit a sick relative in Hong Kong and I gambled the money away. I lost everything, my wife, my children. We work hard to oppose gambling licences in Westminster and beyond."
Councillor Harry Phibbs, Hammersmith and Fulham council cabinet member for community engagement, said: "As a council, we are keen to work with West London Citizens to improve life for all of our residents and we look forward to doing so."
Julie Camacho, event organiser, said: "This is a great turn out and shows the strength of community feeling within west-London communities.
"It is a great way for us to share ideas and help each other make west-London the best place to live in the capital."
Entertainment was provided by eXplode music group and the UK Chinese Acrobatic Company.
PICTURES BY CHRIS JEPSON
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