12.11.2020
Over the last few weeks we have been busy helping people experiencing isolation and with mental health difficulties in Brent during Lockdown. In addition to keeping everyone connected online and on the phone, we have teamed up with other key organisations in the borough to expand their services during Diwali.
In celebration of Diwali, BAPs Sri Swaminarayan Temple Neasden donated 1,200 hot meals and Diwali hampers containing Indian sweets and savories. Dhamecha Cash & Carry (Wembley) supported the cause donating chocolates and Popat Stores (Wembley) tealights which were distributed to vulnerable people who use Brent Mutual Aid services.
This event united the community in Brent where various charities and organsiations colaborated together to deliver these meals and gift packages.
We in collaboration with Brent Thrive worked alongside several Mutual Aid Groups, Harrow Care Plus- Brent, The Ahmadiyya Muslim community North London, The Salvation Army- Harlesden, Sufra, Stonebridge and the Granville Community Kitchen in Kilburn and WCARA an together managed to reach out to 21 wards within Brent.
Danny Maher, Chief Executive of Ashford Place commented “This has been a shining light amidst the stories of hardship and challenge at this time. Brent residents, Mutual Aid groups, the Neasden Temple, Brent Thrive members and others quietly working together to bring cheer to vulnerable people in our community.”
A special message from Swami Yogvivekdas at BAPs Sri Swaminarayan Temple
“On behalf of everyone here at Neasden Temple, we pray that this Diwali brings good health, happiness and hope to all in the Borough of Brent and across the country.
May the New Year bring us all closer together, unified in love, peace, harmony and service.
On this auspicious occasion, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has sent a message relevant to us all. “While Diwali is normally a time for communal celebration, it is our civic duty and religious responsibility to strictly observe the government’s lockdown guidelines and ensure that, in the true spirit of Diwali, we combat the darkness of this global pandemic with the light of our unity, collective selflessness and group discipline.”
Wishing you all a Shubh Deepavali, with best wishes for a prosperous, safe and happy New Year.
Sheetal Popat, Support Worker at Brent Thrive and Mentor at Ashford Place commented “Through celebrating Diwali, the aim of this project was to raise mental health awareness amongst the South Asian community in Brent and to inform them of the support services we have to offer at Ashford Place and Brent Thrive. I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to BAPs Sri Swaminarayan Temple, Dhamecha Group and Popat Stores for their kind donations and all the Mutual Aid Groups and Charities involved for their hard work and dedication in helping us to promote our cause.”
Chirag Gir (Chair of WCARA) and Ward Representative of Alperton Mutual Aid added “On behalf of residents of Alperton & Wembley Central, WCARA would like to express sincere thanks to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden for the generosity shown in these difficult times. Our neighbours, many elderly and vulnerable were overwhelmed by the offering especially at a time when many are unable to visit the temple for Diwali Prayers”.
And to top this successful initiative, Ashford Place is now working with clients to create and develop a South Asian Peer Support Group. We recognise that there is a lack of appropriate mental health support services in Brent for people of Indian, Pakistani, Punjabi and Sikh heritage. These culturally diverse communities share similar issues when addressing mental health difficulties, namely stigma, feeling isolated and a lack of support and understanding from society. Additionally, there are language and cultural barriers when seeking help from statutory organisations and a lack of knowledge on where to gain access to support networks relevant to their specific needs. In creating the South Asian Peer Support Group our aim is to address the stigma around mental health and to unify & empower the Asian community in a safe and supportive environment.
For information on this Group please email: sheetal.brentthrive.ashfordplace.org.uk
