The Hackney Cypriot Association (HCA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of supporting the Cypriot community, championing unity, inclusion and cultural heritage in one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
Founded in 1976, HCA was established with a pioneering vision: to bring together both Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking Cypriots and those from other backgrounds, providing practical support while creating a shared community space despite the continuing division of Cyprus. At a time when the island remained deeply affected by conflict, HCA chose cooperation over separation, becoming one of the few organisations in Britain to work bi-communally.
For fifty years, the Association has supported thousands of individuals and families through advice, advocacy and community services. From housing, welfare and immigration support to health, education and employment guidance, HCA has helped Cypriots navigate life in Britain while maintaining strong connections to their cultural identity.
Today, HCA continues to provide essential services that respond to the changing needs of the community. Its Advice Service provides information, translation and advocacy, ensuring people can access the services and support they need. Its long-running Cypriot Lunch Club prepares around 110 meals a week, serving nutritious heritage meals which are particularly important for the older members to help tackle loneliness. As Hackney has changed, so too has the Cypriot diaspora with many younger families moving beyond the borough and older generations increasingly face isolation.
Alongside practical assistance, the Association has become a cultural home for the community. Through film screenings, discussions, exhibitions, pop up events, creative projects and excursions, HCA has created a welcoming space where culture is celebrated, stories are shared and friendships are formed. “The founders of HCA built more than a community centre,” said the Association. “They created a place of belonging, where people could find support, friendship and dignity, regardless of language or background.” They also took part in important political actions over the years, like fighting for meaningful participation on Hackney’s Community Council Committees, and the action of enriching Hackney Literaries with community language books representing the true population of Hackney.
The Association is now looking towards the future by encouraging greater involvement from younger generations through arts, music, volunteering, and community-led projects. It hopes to create opportunities for young people to reconnect with their heritage while exploring their identity and helping shape the future of the organisation.
Future plans include securing further funding for the lunch club, continued health support programmes, and fundraising events celebrating Cypriot arts and culture. HCA is looking to organise its 9th Cycle Across Barriers in Spring 2027, a bicycle ride across the island from Karpasia in the north to Akamas in the south, linking Cypriots and supporters from all backgrounds. This is a beautiful and eye-opening way to see the island, travelling 400km over 10 days, camping along rugged beaches, cycling over rocky mountains and forested areas, raising money for HCA and merging with bi-communal projects and initiatives. Get in touch to join!
The anniversary celebrations were held at the West Reservoir on Sunday 28th June and honoured the founders, the 4 Andreas’: Michaelides, Solomou, Kyriacou and Toumazou, who were soon to be joined by Kamil Ahmet and Yasar Ismailoglou and many Turkish and Greek-speaking Cypriots. We thank all the members, volunteers, staff, trustees and supporters for their dedication. To the artists on the night; musicians Costas Eleftheriou on keys, Mike Minas on bouzouki, Nurgul singing in Greek and Turkish, the musical trio Antama, paintings from Alex Goodship and project proposal from artist and researcher, Melina Michael, who is developing a room-sized camera obscura constructed inside the UN Buffer Zone in Cyprus, in partnership with the Home for Cooperation as part of the Buffer Fringe Performing Arts Festival 2026. And to Tim’s Dairy for donating delicious traditional yoghurt to the event.
As HCA celebrates this milestone, its founding values remain unchanged: to bring people together, preserve Cypriot heritage, support those in need, and build a stronger, more connected community for generations to come that uphold values of understanding, cooperation and shared experience.
By Kristina Georgiou
Go Fund Me Page – Hackney Cypriot Association
Photography Peace Project, Camera Obscura in Cyprus – Melina Michael project
