A Beeston neighbourhood charity which works to improve the lives of women and children living in South Leeds has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Some 150 service users, partners, trustees and colleagues gathered at Yasin Banqueting Suite in Beeston to celebrate four decades of Asha Neighbourhood Partnership and the impact they have had on empowering thousands of women and their families through education and training, advice and advocacy, children and youth services plus community engagement.

Asha Neighbourhood Project was set up in 1985 to build bridges between the Beeston community and an influx of Bangladeshi women and children who had come to join their husbands and fathers and live in the area.

The aim then was to ease their way into their new home, promoting language classes, alleviating isolation, encouraging integration with the wider community and providing information, advice and guidance. Much of what Asha offered then, still remains today but has grown to support more than 50 ethnicities,providing a safe and welcome space where women’s lives can be improved by increasing confidence and self-esteem, reducing the effects of poverty, and promoting social and employment skills development.

Asha’s CEO Alia Nessa described the 40th anniversary celebrations as a wonderful day celebrating “an extraordinary milestone” and “40 years of making an impact, changing lives and serving the community”.

“It was a truly memorable occasion bringing together different generations of service users – both past and present – who shared and reminisced about their wonderful memories of using the services at Asha,” she said.

Guest speakers included the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Dan Cohen and Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung who both spoke of the importance of empowering women and the invaluable contributions of the third sector in engaging with marginalized communities to combat inequalities and uplift women and their families. Hilary Benn MP also sent a video of appreciation and congratulations.

“Women-led organisations play a vital role in supporting women and making a positive contribution to society every day. Now more than ever, the women’s and girls’ sector needs significant investment and long-term funding to ensure its sustainability,” said Alia.

“Asha is looking ahead, keen to secure sustainable funding that will maintain and expand our services so we can continue to support and empower women and the community for many years to come.”

 

This post was written by Nikki Henshaw

Main photo: Asha staff and trustees celebrate with roses

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