Bengali Womens Group

The Bengali Women's Group was set up in 1986, as a self-help group for local Bangladeshi women suffering isolation and disadvantage.

We are a voluntary organisation with registered charity status.

The Bengali women's group aims toward:

• Supporting Bangladeshi women to become independent and to take more responsibility for their own lives.
• Gaining confidence in women's existing skills to participate with the wider community and find employment.
•  Raising awareness of opportunities and services available for women
•  Advocating their needs and priorities to the relevant authorities.
• Developing women's self-worth and reducing their feelings of isolation.

Objectives:

The organisation provides:

• A safe and accessible environment for women to come together, share experiences and learn new skills.
• Information and advice sessions to raise awareness  regarding their rights and entitlements.
• Opportunities to improve their knowledge and use of the English language.
• Training facilities (e.g. for writing CVs, job searches and interview skills).
• An opportunity for Bangladeshi women to become volunteers which aids in their self-confidence.
• Help and guidance in order to recognise talents as well as potential.
• Keep fit and health information sessions to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Supplementary classes in English and Maths to enable children to achieve higher results at school.
• A chance to raise awareness with regards to mental health, domestic violence.
• Parenting skills and educational issues. This is through the organisation of workshops, plays and open-days.
• Facilities to celebrate different festivals, trips and outings and respite holidays, as a means of creating a sense of belonging and to reduce isolation.