Sunjeeda Sets Up Social Enterprise to Support Vulnerable Women and Families
June 05, 2023Posted by:
In the face of adversity, one extraordinary woman is making a remarkable difference in the lives of vulnerable women and families in crisis. Sunjeeda, a compassionate mother of two, has founded a ground-breaking social enterprise called Surraya Hanif Community Support CIC, also known as Women's Whispers. Her organization provides urgent assistance to ethnically diverse women affected by domestic violence, homelessness, and destitution, offering them a lifeline of hope, support, and empowerment.
Sunjeeda's journey began when she reached out to PeoplePlus, seeking guidance and advice. Having been recommended by Rachel Girling, director of Sowing Seeds Tuition, Sunjeeda sought to address the pressing needs of ethnically diverse women and their families in Leeds who were facing unimaginable challenges.
Driven by a deep-rooted desire to help others, Sunjeeda drew inspiration from her parents, Surraya and Hanif, who had selflessly supported women in need in their community for over 50 years. With the support of her children, aged 14 and 15, who had experienced firsthand the difficulties of growing up with a single mother, Sunjeeda embarked on a mission to establish a social enterprise dedicated to delivering food, emotional support, and culturally sensitive assistance to these vulnerable women.
Despite being new to the world of business, Sunjeeda's determination led her to attend business workshops and seek guidance from PeoplePlus advisers, including the expertise of Bridgette, a specialist social enterprise adviser. With their assistance, Sunjeeda successfully set up her Community Interest Company, ensuring she had the necessary structure, directors, policies, procedures, and insurance in place. PeoplePlus also helped her plan for future growth and secure funding to expand the reach of her impactful work.
Sunjeeda's vision took shape when Surraya Hanif Community Support CIC was officially registered earlier this year. The organization collaborates with several local community organizations and charities, including the Hamara Centre, Hillside Enterprise Centre, Leeds Refugee Forum, and Smart Works, to provide a comprehensive support network for those in need. Women's Whispers targets its support towards individuals who have fled domestic abuse, single ethnically diverse mothers, asylum seekers, refugees, and those without recourse to public funds.
The heart of Women's Whispers lies in its commitment to delivering food parcels discreetly and with dignity directly to the doors of over 30 mothers each week. Sunjeeda's children, who actively assist her in managing the operations, ensure that these parcels contain culturally appropriate meals to cater to the diverse backgrounds of the recipients. In addition to food assistance, the organization also receives clothing donations from Smart Works, empowering women to present themselves confidently during job interviews.
Sunjeeda's inspirational journey has not gone unnoticed. Recently, she was invited as the Inspirational Guest Speaker at the Peopleplus West Yorkshire Self Employed (WYSE) Women's network, where her stories of support and positive impact on vulnerable women left a lasting impression on fellow self-employed women.
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Sunjeeda expresses her gratitude for the incredible support she has received, particularly from Bridgette and Monica Fitzpatrick-Parry, who have provided invaluable guidance and resources. The impact of Women's Whispers on the community is immeasurable, serving as a lifeline for over 70 single BAME parent families affected by domestic violence and crisis.
Surraya Hanif Community Support CIC is a shining example of how a single individual's determination and compassion can create a positive ripple effect in society. Women's Whispers continues to offer hope, support, and a brighter future to those who have nowhere else to turn. To learn more about the organization or contribute to its noble cause, please contact Sunjeeda at [email protected] or call Women's Whispers on 0788 3388485. Together, we can make a difference and guide these brave women toward a better tomorrow.
June 05, 2023Posted by:
