Saheli and Training

A development officer is employed to help women to meet together under the title of Saheli, which means ‘friends’ in Punjabi.

Saheli were formed in 1998 through the Balsall Heath Forum's capacity building programme. We are a committed bunch of local women who want to change the way local services are delivered in the area and challenge local politicians to do more for women!!

They met regularly to try to develop opportunities for local women to have a space of their own. They raised a small amount of funding for a feasibility study. The study confirmed that local women wanted opportunities to take part in aerobics, exercise and fitness sessions but that they needed to be 'women only' because some of the most excluded women felt that existing provision did not take into account their cultural and sensitive needs.

They worked very hard in 2001 to try and secure Healthy Living Centre (HLC) money for a women's centre to be housed in the old Moseley Road baths. Unfortunately they only received money for revenue costs (salaries) and New Opportunities Fund (NOF) did not give any money for capital (building) costs.  

The Saheli Group didn't give up. They became a registered charity in 2002. They received money to provide opportunities for 'girl only' activities. The girls (all from Balsall Heath) learned how to rock climb, ski, bowling and 13 of the girls learnt how to ride a bike for the first time! They made new friends and through teamwork and persistence they realised that they had not only gained new skills but they gained confidence. Through these activities we raised more funding from Connexions and the Local Network fund for £10,000 over two years. This year the girls also went canoeing, ice-skating and quad biking!!

In 2004 Saheli secured a base at the Cannon Hill Training Centre in Edward Road.  We have £15,000 worth of exercise equipment (secured through URBAN and B:CEN money), which can be used by local women on Monday's and on Wednesday's there is a mixed session. The HLC staff is there to give you an induction and we hope to be open 5 days a week from July.

We have recently been awarded £218,000+ for extending the Cannon Hill Training Centre and £159,000 for staffing costs Through Active England's Programme from New Opportunities Fund and Sports England. We have lots of hoops to go through before we can renovate part of the South Birmingham College's Cannon Hill Education and Training Centre (who we are working in partnership with) into a fully functioning gym, with showers, toilets, changing room and an aerobic area. The Saheli Adventure Hub will be launched in April 2006. Saheli has shown that local initiatives can tackle problems differently because we understand what the local needs are.

The Group trustee's are:

     Saima Amreen Chair

     Nazreen Bi  Vice chair

     Shaila Ziaee Vice chair

     Yasmin Bi Bi Secretary

     Sabbah Wasim Treasurer

     Laila Khan  

     Naida Afzal

     Farida Wasim

    Salma Afzal

If you want to know more contact Rakhyia on 0121 446 6183, or email rakhbegum(at)yahoo.co.uk,    naseem(at)balsallheathforum.org.uk,