We provide you support when you need it most
About Us
Usha Mohila Somity – Dawn Women’s Group
Usha Mohila Somity (UMS) is a community based organisation which was established in 2003, it was set up by Bangladeshi Women for Bangladeshi Carers. As carers the women face daily difficulties including stress and emotional trauma, health problems and also domestic violence. Bangladeshi Women in the local area (through the umbrella of UMS) came together to tackle the issues that a Carer faces on a daily basis. The group comprises mostly of Carers; and the distinctive thing being that Carers support one another by sharing their individual troubles, experiences and knowledge they possess as carers.
‘Knowledge is Power’ - UMS seeks to bring about positive change in the lives of mothers who are carers of their special needs children in Tower Hamlets by encouraging BME Women to participate in the various services we have on offer. Through this involvement ladies who may otherwise be socially isolated are given the opportunity to engage with like minded individuals with whom they may share certain customs, values and attributes. Over this time the group has built a strong communication network, where they have developed friendships with one another and respect for each other.
Usha Mohila Somity welcomes all women of the community regardless of age, disability, sexuality and ethnicity. Our aims and objectives are to empower and support women by providing services which address identified needs within a safe, confidential, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory space.
UMS is a grassroots organisation. We have listened and adapted to what our members have needed over the years and continue to develop with them.
Aims
The main objectives of the group are:
- to empower the women through information, training and education
- to provide advice and guidance on career development and getting work experience
- to promote physical fitness through sport and health eating initiatives
- to promote mental health and well being through recreational and creative activities
- to raise awareness of childcare issues
- to raise awareness of their rights as carers
Activities
Since the organisation was established in 2003 the group’s members which meets twice a week at the Discovery Home Short Break Services have been regularly involved in a range of activities which have included the following:
- residential holidays
- excursions
- learning English
- yoga
- gym
- sauna
- swimming
- reflexology
- arts and crafts including sewing
- healthy cooking
Unfortunately with funding cuts the groups activities over the last 12 months or so have been reduced and we now only operate a limited timetable of activities (see ‘Our Services’ page). Subject to securing new funding the organisation plans to expand its services as well as put on new services which reflect the emerging needs of the service users.
Future Development
UMS is looking to expand the services it offers to members as well as to expand
the group. UMS works in partnership with Qalb at Discovery Home and TH Social Services.
UMS have also worked with the international NGO, NIACE (National Institute of Adult
Continuing Education) on the project ‘A Woman’s Place’ which sought to increase
the members’ access to local services.
Please contact us
If you are interested in using the service or working in partnership we would be
happy to hear from you.
Usha Mohila Somity-Dawn Women’s Group
Discovery Home
31-33 Spelman Street
London E1 ELQ
Tel: 020 7375 2792
Email: info@ushamohilasomity.org
