Khush Amdid land 'welcome' funding

Ashton-based Khush Amdid is celebrating after being awarded £148,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Khush Amdid (which means 'Welcome' in Urdu) will use their funding to bring people together to build stronger relationships in and across communities.

The organisation’s work aims to improve the health, skills and community engagement for adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds in Tameside.

Whilst most activities are specifically for women, their trips, residential, community events and some workshops will be open to all. Khush Amdid especially want to encourage families to participate in some of these together by organising them and making them accessible with their needs in mind.

The funding will allow Khush Amdid to deliver the core of why it was founded as a women’s group and develop into supporting the whole community of Tameside.

The group bring together people who otherwise would be isolated to make friendships and to expand their experiences of life, whether that is by getting people active, running weekly meet-ups, or taking people on a day trip which they would not undertake independently or enjoy as much without going with Khush Amdid.

Some of the activities to be undertaken over the next three years are:

• Grow Monday Luncheon Club
• Fund a Mental Well-being Group
• Educational and Health Workshops
• Cancer wellbeing group - Can-Survive UK
• Volunteering
• Community events
• Day trips and outdoor wellbeing activities
• Women Voice forum of Tameside

Cllr Naila Sharif, chairwoman of Khush Amdid, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can strengthen people’s connections to their community and their peers helping them feel included and not isolated.

“It will improve the mental health and wellbeing of people who have been affected by Covid-19 and/or the cost-of-living crisis and are less likely to access help through other means due to cultural factors and communication barriers.

“This will make a big difference to people’s lives.”

Cllr Joyce Bowerman said: “It is always a pleasure to attend the Khush Amdid activities and their events where ladies showcase the amazing work they carry out in the community. They work so hard to forward the aims and aspirations of women all over Tameside.

“I have been an avid supporter of Khush Amdid for more than 20 years and I have seen them grow and flourish into the amazing group they are today. Well done to the hard-working committee and all the ladies of Khush Amdid for their truly inspiring work.”

Ashton MP Angela Rayner said: “It’s always an absolute pleasure to meet up with the Khush Amdid ladies and we had a lovely chat at the 4C Centre.

“They do so much for members of the community and I know how much their work is valued across my constituency and further afield.

“I am delighted that they have been successful in their most recent funding bid and I know they will use the money to continue with their excellent work. Well done ladies!”

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