community highlights
At SW1IC, our community highlights illuminate the vibrant tapestry of South Westminster. Through transformative initiatives and meaningful gatherings, we celebrate the profound strength that comes from collective action.
Take a look at our favourite highlights below; rooted in four essential foundations that underpin the flourishing of our community:
Empowering Families and Community: Supporting every member of our community to thrive with dignity, purpose, and opportunity.
Faith and Spiritual Wellbeing: Respecting the traditions of all, with a particular focus on giving space and recognition to the Muslim community, fostering understanding and mutual respect.
Health and Well-being: Promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellness as a cornerstone of a fulfilled life.
Collective Impact: Celebrating the power of collaboration, where diverse voices unite to create a kinder, stronger future.
Empowering Families + Community
LAUNCH Iman Cave:
A Place to Reflect,
A Space to Connect
This winter, we introduced Iman Cave, a monthly gathering dedicated to empowering the community by fostering intergenerational bonds and creating a supportive space for reflection and spiritual growth.
Designed for men of all ages in South Westminster, Iman Cave provides an inclusive and relaxed environment to connect, share experiences, and nurture spiritual, personal and collective well-being.
Iman Cave encourages participants to engage in meaningful conversations, explore their values, and build lasting relationships. With thought-provoking discussions and shared meals, this initiative inspires growth, resilience, and a deeper sense of connection.
Coffee Morning
Established in 2015, our weekly coffee mornings offer a warm and inclusive space for women from all backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and support one another. These gatherings feature workshops on crucial topics such as health, mental well-being, spiritual well-being and personal safety, providing participants with valuable knowledge and the confidence to take positive steps in their lives.
This initiative is a cornerstone of our mission, empowering women within the Muslim and wider community while fostering meaningful connections and addressing social isolation.
GWEN Workshop: Empowering Women Through Knowledge
In September 2024, we hosted a GWEN Workshop in collaboration with local officers from the Metropolitan Police as part of our regular coffee morning. This workshop, focusing on addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), offered an important platform for women from diverse backgrounds to voice their concerns, learn about reporting methods, and gain insight into the police’s efforts to hold perpetrators to account.
The morning featured a time for reflection, an informative and engaging workshop, and an opportunity to connect over refreshments.
Purls of Wisdom: Crafting Connections and Making a Difference
This winter, we launched Purls of Wisdom, a 12-week creative initiative focused on fostering social connection, mindfulness, and collective impact. Participants come together each week to knit or crochet granny squares, which will be joined to create baby blankets for donation to premature wards via our chosen charity, the Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild.
Aligned with our mission to build stronger, united communities, Purls of Wisdom offers a welcoming space to engage in mindful creativity while contributing to a meaningful cause. By working together, participants share skills, build connections, and experience the joy of giving back.
Coffee Morning by the Water: A Summer Picnic at The
Coaling Jetty
SW1IC brought together local women for a coffee morning picnic at The Coaling Jetty, beautifully situated by Battersea Power Station.
Under the warm summer sun, participants shared delicious dishes, engaged in meaningful conversations, and enjoyed the tranquil riverside setting. This gathering offered a perfect opportunity for reflection, connection, and relaxation in a welcoming and inspiring environment.
Faith and Spiritual
Wellbeing
LAUNCH
Light The Nights;
Ramadan Prayers, Reflection and Community Unity
The Light the Nights (LTN) initiative, launched in March 2024, reimagines the spirit of Ramadan Night Prayers (Taraweeh) to create an accessible and welcoming experience for the Muslim community. During Ramadan, LTN intertwines spirituality with connection, fostering unity, kindness, and shared reflection.
Centred on the deeply meaningful Taraweeh prayers, the programme includes communal iftars, sustainability campaigns, and activities that unite individuals from all walks of life. The inaugural event in 2024 brought together over 400 participants; residents, students, parents, and organisations; illustrating its role as a bridge between communities and a catalyst for lasting engagement. Here, neighbours become kin over shared meals, sustainable practices inspire care for our Earth, and reflection sparks the courage to reimagine the world together.
Through LTN, SW1IC showcases the power of coming together during this sacred month to nurture enduring relationships, champion environmental consciousness, and strengthen the ties that bind us all.
Community Iftar:
Breaking Fast, Building Bonds
In 2024, SW1IC hosted a large Community Iftar bringing together families, friends, neighbours, and local organisations in a warm, inclusive setting. Long tables adorned with nourishing meals became a symbol of togetherness, as people from all walks of life gathered to share food and stories under Ramadan’s spiritual light.
The evening began with speeches, followed by Maghrib prayer, a moment of collective reflection and gratitude, and finally, a feast celebrating the community’s rich culinary heritage, with contributions from local residents and businesses. Volunteers ensured a welcoming atmosphere, reflecting Ramadan's spirit of hospitality and care for others.
More than just a meal, the Community Iftar is a platform for dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. Local leaders and organisations shared messages of unity and hope, while attendees connected on a personal level, fostering bonds that strengthen beyond Ramadan.
Eid in the Park, St George's Square
Eid in the Park is more than just a gathering; it’s a vibrant expression of joy, gratitude, and unity set against the backdrop of St George’s Park.
In 2024, SW1IC hosted two celebrations - Eid Al-Fitr in April and Eid Al-Adha in June - bringing the community together to mark these sacred occasions in the spirit of togetherness. Both events created spaces where individuals from all walks of life could unite, fostering a sense of belonging that transcended barriers. It’s a living testament to the power of community, a moment where diversity is celebrated, connections are deepened, and the spirit of Eid shines brightly for all.
Health and Wellbeing
Winter Immunisations Workshop: Promoting Health and Well-being with NHS West London
SW1IC, in collaboration with NHS West London, hosted a Winter Immunisations Workshop on 11th December. This workshop aimed to raise awareness of the importance of winter immunisations, their benefits, and how to safeguard both yourself and your family during the colder months. Attendees also had the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked, further promoting health and well-being within the community.
This initiative aligns with SW1IC’s mission to provide accessible health education, fostering a healthier, more informed community.
Falls Prevention Workshop with NHS Central London Community Healthcare: Triborough Falls Prevention Team and Open Age
On 4th December, SW1IC hosted a special Coffee Morning focused on health and well-being, in collaboration with NHS Central London Community Healthcare and the Triborough Falls Prevention Team. The workshop provided valuable insights into reducing the risk of falls and supporting independence, with practical advice and information on available services. Participants also learned about the importance of physical activity in improving health, shared by Open Age.
Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop with all NHS Imperial College Healthcare Trust
On 16th October, SW1IC hosted a special Coffee Morning in collaboration with NHS Imperial College Healthcare Trust, focusing on breast cancer awareness. The session included an informative workshop on breast cancer prevention, early detection, and available support services, providing attendees with valuable health information to protect themselves and their loved ones. This event was part of our ongoing efforts to promote well-being through education and community support.
Guardians of The Health Series of Workshops with NHS Imperial College Healthcare Trust and BME Forum
In partnership with the NHS Imperial College Healthcare Trust and the BME Health Forum, SW1IC delivered a series of four empowering workshops over 4 weeks, focused on key health screenings and overall wellness. These workshops aimed to raise awareness and encourage proactive health management within the community. The series covered crucial topics, including: Bowel Cancer Awareness, Prostate Cancer Awareness, Cervical Cancer Screening, Breast Cancer Awareness.
These workshops offered valuable information on early detection and proactive health choices, empowering participants to take charge of their wellbeing while fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Coffee Morning at Kew Gardens: A Day of Well-being Nature and Connection
On Wednesday, 2nd October 2024, SW1IC organised a transformative women-only trip to Kew Gardens. This initiative, designed for South Westminster residents and regular attendees of our Coffee Morning, aligned with SW1IC’s mission to enhance well-being, nurture social connections, and encourage a mindful relationship with nature.
The trip was a resounding success, surpassing the four key objectives set out to achieve: improving mental and physical well-being, deepening connections with nature, strengthening social bonds, and ensuring accessibility in a safe and inspiring environment.
Outcomes and Impact
A comprehensive survey conducted before, during, and after the trip captured its positive effects:
Connection to Nature: 100% of respondents reported feeling more connected to nature, with 75.8% describing their relationship as “much stronger.”
Following the visit, 97% expressed a desire to spend more time in green spaces, and 93.9% shared a newfound appreciation for their local environment.
Social Connection: 84.8% of participants felt “a lot more” connected to the group, with the majority finding the day’s social activities, such as photo-sharing and reflective discussions, highly enjoyable.
Mental and Physical Well-being: 93.9% of participants reported feeling calmer and more relaxed, while 84.8% noted improved physical well-being.
A grounding session, facilitated by a local resident, was particularly well-received for its focus on mindfulness and presence.
The support from the team was great and the trip offered us an opportunity to spend time with locals but also meet new friends - everyone was friendly. The grounding exercise was especially relaxing, I felt good afterwards and my body felt loose and relaxed.
The best trip - so amazing. This is the first time ever I venture out without family and my first time ever to Kew Gardens - I even told my friends all about this group, how good the trip was and the amazing work of the team! Thank you to all the team!
I am ordinarily a shy person but this trip helped me in many ways. Firstly I was incredibly happy to have a chance to improve my English language in an informal and relaxed setting - I was happy to converse and meet with new people.
I felt more relaxed. This trip helped me connect with my faith and the variation in nature, especially the tree tour evoked humility within. From the opportunity to meet new people and make connections to a boost in mental and health wellbeing; everyone should have an opportunity to experience a trip such as this.
The trip was great - and I managed to make new friends in the process and enjoyed the grounding exercise- I felt much happier upon my return from Kew and appreciate nature in my locality a little more. I would definitely recommend these kinds of trips to others.
Being surrounded by greenery gave me a feel of calmness and tranquillity and certainly lifted my mood. Would highly appreciate the opportunity for more outings in these peaceful environments.
I was part of the team that took the 'Tree Trail' your, which I found fascinating and informative. It was awe-inspiring to learn more about nature's nature for instance about how mother tree's spread their branches to their more younger, 'baby' trees in the system. I found the grounding exercise calming and was fascinated to hear about how connecting to earth, helps to sync us with nature. I appreciate nature a lot more as a result of this trip and would highly recommend more trips organised by SW1IC. I would especially love to explore more of our beautiful country and hope we can venture to further parts of the UK with this group.
Collective Impact
Picnics Not Riots: Healing with
Pimlico Angels
In response to the Summer Riots of 2024, SW1IC, in collaboration with Pimlico Angels, hosted a Picnic in the Park at St George’s Square. This community event aimed to promote healing, unity, and connection, offering a space for local residents to come together, reflect, and strengthen the bonds that tie South Westminster as a supportive and inclusive community.
The picnic was filled with joy, shared meals, and meaningful conversations. It embodied our core values of inclusivity, empowerment, and collaboration. By providing opportunities for residents to connect, we continue to foster a sense of belonging and demonstrate the power of community in overcoming challenges.
We are thankful to everyone who took part in making this event a success, and to Pimlico Angels for their invaluable support. Together, we prove that unity, resilience, and love will always triumph in the face of adversity.
Celebrating Black History Month with Abdul Mageed Educational Trust, Forward, and Westminster City Council.
On Saturday, 2nd November, we celebrated Black History Month in collaboration with the Abdul Mageed Educational Trust, Forward, SW1IC, and the Westminster City Council. The event brought our community together with inspiring talks, delicious food, henna designs, relaxing massages, and free health checks.
This celebration reflected our commitment to unity and empowerment, honouring the strength and diversity of South Westminster. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Black heritage and creating a meaningful, connected experience for all.
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