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ESCA Community Event Report

Project Title: Eid Al-Adha Celebration
Organizer: Eastern Sudan Community Association (ESCA), London Branch
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025, Time: 16:45 – 21:45
Venue: White City Community Centre, Central London
Total Attendance: 202 individuals (47 women, 48 men, 34 youths, 73 children)

1. Objectives
The primary goals of the Eid Al-Adha celebration were to:
1. Celebrate Eid Al-Adha with the local Sudanese community.
2. Promote and preserve Eastern Sudanese cultural heritage.
3. Support local Sudanese-owned businesses through a community bazaar.
4. Foster unity, cultural pride, and engagement among community members.
5. Provide families and children with a joyful and educational cultural experience.

2. Activities Overview
• Cultural Performances: Traditional shows by 3 Sudanese artists and a Sudanese
music group delivered live performances.
• Children’s Entertainment: Art activities and two trampoline bounce areas
provided safe and engaging fun for children.
• Recognition Ceremony: 5 community volunteers and 2 distinguished women
were honoured for their service and contributions.
• Football Recruitment: Coach Ammar Al-Qadi gave a welcome address, inviting
families to enrol their children in the ESCA football team.
• Bazaar and Refreshments: Local Sudanese vendors participated in a small
bazaar offering food and cultural items.

3. Target Audience
• Sudanese families and individuals residing in the Hammersmith and Fulham area.
• Broader community members with an interest in cultural exchange and Sudanese
traditions.

4. Expected Benefits
• Fosters cultural pride and intergenerational knowledge exchange.
• Supports Sudanese entrepreneurs and artisans.
• Enhances ESCA’s visibility and credibility within the community.
• Builds stronger community bonds through shared celebration and participation.

5. Conclusion
The Eid Al-Adha Celebration organized by ESCA was a successful one-day cultural
event that brought together over 200 participants for a memorable and meaningful
experience. By blending entertainment, tradition, and community recognition, the event
effectively promoted Sudanese heritage, supported local businesses, and reinforced
community solidarity. Continued support and collaboration will enable ESCA to deliver
even greater impact in future community events

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Spending Review 2025 – Implications for Charities

Nearly a year after their General Election victory, the Labour government has finalised its spending plans for the rest of the Parliament. The 2025 Spending Review, announced by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves yesterday, sets out government department budgets up to 2029/30.

This review provides the blueprint for how the government will operate in the years ahead, as well as what local governments and the devolved governments will have available. It will affect many statutory services that charity beneficiaries rely on or that charities have close interactions with. Read more from Jay Kennedy here.

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5 practical Ways Charities Can Use AI (Without Losing The Human Touch)

In this article, Clare Martin explores how charities can effectively use AI to support their marketing efforts without losing their authentic voice, offering practical tips for small teams to integrate AI strategically, maintain consistency, and lighten their workload. Give it a read here.

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Addison Jazz Choir & Jazz Ensemble – 5th July

We are a local  choir rehearsing in the POSK in King Street Hammersmith and always looking for new members. We will be appearing in Hammersmith on 5th July. Find out more 

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New Coproduction Officer at Sobus

My name is Jemima, and I am the new Coproduction Officer at Sobus. Since joining the team, I have been learning more about the Borough and the local VCS and am excited to get started!

My role is focused on health inequalities – we know that communities are not getting the support and access to health services that they need. A coproduction approach to health inequalities means putting residents and voluntary and community organisations at the heart of the design and delivery of health services. By listening to the voices of residents about their experiences of health services and the barriers they face, health providers can make their services more accessible and inclusive for different cultures and communities. I am working with both the voluntary and community sector and statutory services to support this collaboration and reduce the barriers to accessing health services.

Alongside this work with Sobus, I am also working part-time at Islington Refugee and Migrant Forum, supporting refugee and migrant organisations with fundraising, capacity building, and partnership working.

If you have any questions about my work or would like to get in touch, please email me at Jemima.hill@sobus.org.uk

 

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MPs Raise Concerns Over Gift Aid Commission Earned by Fundraising Platforms

Members of Parliament have expressed concerns in the House of Commons regarding the commission charged by online fundraising platforms on gift aid. Labour and Conservative MPs highlighted their worries following research by advisory firm Strand Partners, which revealed that charities lost over £7.5 million last year due to the commission these platforms charge for processing gift aid claims on behalf of charities. Read more here.

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Statutory Neonatal Care Leave & Pay

Until this year, there have been no additional leave provisions for working parents with babies in neonatal care meaning many parents had been forced to use maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, take holiday or unpaid leave, or even quit their jobs or return to work whilst their baby remained in neonatal care. 

From 6 April 2025, this changed with the implementation of new statutory entitlements which are expected to benefit around 60,000 new parents. With the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 and accompanying Regulations, the government has introduced a day-one statutory right to neonatal care leave and pay. In this article, associate Julia Nwaneke explains what this means for charities and advises them on next steps. Read on

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How to Celebrate your Volunteers this Volunteers’ Week

Volunteers are the backbone of the charity sector, and this Volunteers’ Week (2–8 June) is the perfect time to show your appreciation and do something special to recognise the worthwhile contribution they make to your organisation. Find out how to celebrate your Volunteers next week in this new blog, take a look here.

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Champions for Children 2025

We’re thrilled to be part of The Big Give’s Champions for Children match funding campaign this year!

From Tuesday 3rd June to Tuesday 17th June, every donation made will be doubled, thanks to match funding from The Childhood Trust and our wonderful supporters.

One donation. Double the impact.

How Does it Work?

Champions for Children supports charities tackling child poverty across London. During the campaign, every pound you give is matched–doubling your impact.

Our target is to raise £6,225 in donations, which will be doubled to £12,500 thanks to pledges from our supporters and The Childhood Trust!

  • Donate £10 → We receive £20
  • Donate £50 → We receive £100 

With your support, we can continue providing life-changing early intervention mentoring to over 340 Little Londoners this year.

How Can You Help?

1. Donate

Every pound you give will be doubled. No matter the size, your donation will go twice as far for the children who need it most. 

Donate here: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000002IZpOYAW  

2. Share

Help us spread the word! Share our Instagram and LinkedIn posts, stories, and photos to help us reach even more people. Share our donation link with your networks and spread our message! 

3. Fundraise

Get creative! Host a bake sale, organise a coffee morning, or take on a two-week challenge such as running. Whatever you do, we’re here to support you.

Learn more about Champions for Children 

Thank you 

Your support means everything to us–and to the children we work with. We couldn’t do this without you. 

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Covenant Urged to Address ‘Breakdown in Trust’ Between Charities & Government

Charities are calling on the forthcoming Civil Society Covenant to tackle the “significant breakdown in trust” between the sector and the government. Read more here.

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