Older BME women in Leicestershire are represented and supported by Anand Mangal, a community group which works to promote the reduction of isolation. Language barriers and loneliness often leave these women at a disadvantage in the local community, feeling unable to attend everyday activities. Anand Mangal works to reduce these disadvantages, by providing these women with unique weekly workshops, yoga sessions and keep-fit classes in which they begin to feel less alone and develop a stronger sense of purpose.
A £1,000 grant from Sports Relief Community Cash allowed for the development of Anand Mangal’s programme and has been the driving force behind many successful and important activities, including dementia awareness sessions, stress management talks, and safety in the home, allowing the beneficiaries to be more independent. The group also practiced and performed in the WWI Centenary event.
Other lessons taught the women about issues with extremism in order to keep them safe and educated, as well as lessons on how to use phones, tablets and computers so they can remain in contact with family. These sessions also provide opportunities for women who would not otherwise have access to technology.
If you’d like more information on the work of the Community Foundation and how our grants programmes help the local community please call Katy Green on 0116 262 4804 or email: katy.green@llrcommunityfoundation.org.uk.
