Himmah Nottingham

Himmah Nottingham

Overview

Himmah is a grassroots community-based organization dedicated to social justice in Nottingham , UK. Established over a decade ago, it initially focused on addressing food poverty through a food bank. Since then, Himmah has expanded its reach to include various services to tackle poverty, racial inequality, and educational disparities . The organisation's name, "Himmah," translates to "resolve" or "determination," reflecting its unwavering commitment to fighting for social justice and equality .

Mission and Vision

Himmah aims to strengthen marginalized communities by providing support and resources that foster independence and dignity. The organisation addresses systemic social injustices by focusing on three key areas: poverty alleviation, racial equality, and education.

Key Initiatives

• Poverty Alleviation and Food Security

→Himmah's foundational work began with addressing food poverty through its food bank, which continues to be a cornerstone of its operations. The food bank distributes over 250 food parcels each week to individuals and families facing food insecurity, with efforts intensifying during holiday seasons to ensure that no one is left behind.

→Salaam Shalom Kitchen (SaSh): In collaboration with the Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, Himmah operates the Salaam Shalom Kitchen, the UK’s first Muslim-Jewish soup kitchen. SaSh is a weekly drop-in service providing hot meals to Nottingham's most vulnerable residents. This initiative exemplifies Himmah's commitment to interfaith cooperation and community cohesion.

Foodprint: Himmah runs Foodprint, Nottingham’s first social supermarket. This initiative not only helps reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food but also provides affordable groceries to low-income families, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food.

• Education and Training: Himmah offers programs to improve basic life skills. One notable initiative is their cooking classes, which teach participants how to cook simple, nutritious meals and promote safety and independence in the kitchen. These classes are part of a broader effort to equip individuals with the skills to lead independent lives .

• Community Cohesion: Himmah engages in numerous projects to enhance community cohesion beyond food and education. The organization actively promotes dialogue and collaboration between different religious and ethnic groups, as seen in its partnership with the Nottingham Liberal Synagogue. Himmah's efforts in this area aim to reduce tensions and build stronger, more united communities .

• Social Welfare: Himmah also addresses broader social welfare concerns through initiatives like their school uniform project, which helps families in need provide their children with the necessary attire for school. Additionally, the organization runs a "Hot Meals Kitchen" that serves weekly meals to those in need, further cementing its role as a critical player in Nottingham’s social support network.