I would like to bring to your attention our latest Policy Briefing Paper on ‘COVID-19, Unemployment & The Somali Community’. The policy brief has explored and assessed whether existing government support is reaching the Somali Community at a grassroots level. We also assessed any gaps and unmet support needs that have yet to be received through government support and attention. We recommend urgent action is taken by the UK government to aid the community through this difficult time. This is essential to fulfil the government’s promise to level up and build back better. You can find it by clicking this link.
About 2 years ago, I came to Sobus with an idea. It was a good idea but I had no idea how to make it a reality. With the help of Nigel and Ash we managed to get the structure of what I was trying achieve. After many a meeting The Invisible Café slowly came to fruition. The Invisible Café is a safe and peaceful space dedicated to people with invisible illnesses or disabilities. Ash helped me with the creative stuff and Nigel helped me with the mammoth task to officially set up the business and complete the business plan.
We started working towards the Invisible Café being an actual bricks and mortar Café. Working to get people ‘out’ and ‘meeting up with others’. However, the pandemic hit and we had to totally rethink our ethos.
After, many a conflab, lots of coffee and late nights, we decided to move everything online and, here we are finally ready to launch. From adaptive fitness classes to coffee mornings and wellbeing and mindfulness sessions. Plus, we can offer exclusive gifts, incredible discounts and membership to a fun and supportive group.
I cannot thank Sobus enough. To be able to talk to Nigel and Ash about the initial idea to registering at Companies House and the wealth of contacts and advice – It’s because of these guys I am where I am today! Thank you…Rosx
Take a look at the website and join up as a member!
The Invisible Café has launched! As a member of the Invisible Café, you will receive discounts on health, beauty, fitness, food, hair and exclusive access to a very special online designer vintage store. Some upcoming events are shown below, but there is much more to come!
Thursday 22nd, 11.30pm – Pilates Class
Sunday 25th April – Coffee morning
Take a look at the website and join up as a member!
Civil Society have reported that The Fundraising Regulator and Chartered Institute of Fundraising have published new guidance on fundraising in the coronavirus environment, as some lockdown measures have started to ease. Read the article here.
Civil Society have reported that JustGiving has launched a free donation processing service for its charity customers, enabling them to collect direct donations via their own website. Read the article here.
The Charity Commission have set out their response to the most commonly asked questions about what to do during the Covid-19 pandemic. Find out more here.
North West London Collaboration of Clinical Commissioning Groups is currently in the process of developing a maternal mental health service aimed at new and expectant mothers who have been affected by complex birth-related trauma and birth fear (tokophobia); and who cannot benefit from current care provisions.
Please see flyer for more details.
The Grove Neighbourhood Centre is delighted to announce that from the 12thApril, in line with the Government’s Covid roadmap, we have re-opened for Support Groups, Children’s activities and Therapists.
In May, we hope to extend activities to a wider range of indoor classes including Pilates and Yoga. These will be compliant with social distancing rules.
From the end of June, we hope to be able to offer our full range of services including Children’s parties. We expect high demand for these so please book as soon as possible.
For details of Hall and Room hire, prices and availability, please call 020 8741 3321 or email gnc@groveneighbours.org.uk.
Be assured that at all times the GNC building is Covid secure.
We would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time.
AY Group Community Services CIC is a charitable organisation focused on serving and improving the lives of people in our community. When the UK went into Lockdown in March 2020, Shop and Donate was born. From the food donations we receive, we create food parcels which we send on to local elderly and vulnerable residents, NHS staff and other food banks who support thousands of people in need. Shop and Donate is also an online shop, where we sell a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.
The proceeds from this go into sustaining and improving our growing services! Together with our sister organisation AY Group Community Services CIC we have been very successful in supporting disadvantaged individuals within our community and across London.
Click here to view our timetable
Click here for our Loyalty card
Website links: https://ay-group.org https://shopanddonate.org
Tackling health inequalities through facilitating discussions within the community of North West London (NWL) has provided a pathway to re-design and create dialogue that began from multiple approaches that include from a grassroots perspective. The aim is to hear from communities – local, frontline staff and system leaders of the experiences and to understand the challenges that would inform and develop health initiatives.
Community Voices North West London programme is made up of a collection of individuals from across the Public and Voluntary Community Sectors of which Sobus is part of with representation from Community Organiser, Sharon Tomlin.
Since lockdown Community Voices NWL has progressed and have gained some useful insights from communities across NWL that has led to this approach being recognised nationwide.
For more information, Community Voices North West London can be reached through https://twitter.com/CommVoicesNWL?s=20
sobus
20 Dawes Road, London, SW6 7EN
Telephone 020 7952 1230
Email info@sobus.org.uk
Registered Charity No.1071089
and Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England No.03471416
Sobus is a new Community Development Agency for Hammersmith & Fulham. It has been created through the merger of the Community and Voluntary Sector Association Hammersmith & Fulham (CaVSA) and the Fulham Community Partnership Trust (FCPT). Building on the strengths of both organisations, sobus aims to provide a wider range of support services for local charities, community groups, social enterprises and start up businesses.