Our #PowerToChange met on Friday 17th October to share and learn. The meeting was nicely summed up by new participant Hasina Reshamwalla who is the CEO of VEDA Women’s club:
A truly energising space where local organisations came together to explore how we can collectively strengthen Leicester’s social fabric.
The discussions reflected the heart of our city — diverse, compassionate, and determined to create lasting impact. From integrated health teams working with the NHS, to youth development programmes, cultural awareness initiatives, and organisations like Reaching People, Money Wise Care, and Comfort Care Centre, every perspective added to a shared vision of community unity.
At Veda Women’s Club, we’re deeply committed to this collaborative spirit. Together with partners that gathered today, we explored what is needed to build better communities and support the youth of today, for a better tomorrow. We also discussed building a more inclusive, supportive space where we live.
The stories shared today reinforced the importance of bridge-building — connecting sectors, generations, and cultures to create a more inclusive Leicester. Through partnerships and compassion, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and understanding.
We also had an interesting discussion about the growth of division across our city and county and how there appears to be a rise in influencers trying to divide young people. We agreed that this is something we should address, and it was agreed Yahye, Kieran and Sangeeta will do some initial work on the sorts of actions we could support to overcome these challenges . Our initial thoughts were:
- Having an online presence to counter lies and distortions which seek to divide young people.
- Creating spaces where young people from different communities can meet and learn from each other.
- Celebration events built around music and food which bring different cultures together
We also made a quick video capturing our thoughts on how the community sector can build bridges between communities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q1GyLKP3nQ
Another inspiring meeting and our ability to work together is needed more than ever if we are to overcome the challenges and threats to our city and county
For more information on our #PowerToChange Approach https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/our-approach/power-to-change/