150 went deeper, training in interview skills and creative devising.

20 elders shared their journey.

And the Near Neighbours team was invited to the Arts Bridge Windrush Portraits Celebration Event at Luton Central Library.

“I was delighted to attend the celebration event, a heartwarming occasion that brought together generations to celebrate the stories, experiences, and legacy of the Windrush generation.

Before the performance began, I had the opportunity to speak with attendees and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. Many of the elders whose portraits featured in the exhibition were chatting with visitors, while families gathered to support the primary school children taking part in the celebration.

From the moment I arrived, the event was welcoming and well organised. Guests were welcomed with a selection of refreshments: delicious vegetarian wraps, made with beautifully flaky roti and generously filled with a flavourful chickpea filling, as well as gently fried plantain skewers, which proved to be a real crowd favourite.

The celebration began with a welcome from Amanda Bright, Founder and Director of Arts Bridge Charity, who introduced a moving video showing the elders visiting local primary schools. The footage captured children listening attentively to their stories, asking thoughtful questions, and learning about the experiences of the Windrush generation firsthand.

The event concluded with a wonderful performance by the primary school children, inspired by everything they had learned through the project. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and respect for the stories they had heard provided a fitting and uplifting finale to the celebration.

It was a memorable event that showcased the power of storytelling, creativity, and community, bringing generations together to celebrate an important part of our shared history.

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]]>Heritage, Intergenerational Connection and untold Windrush storiesJose SantosFri, 15 May 2026 07:18:00 +0000https://www.near-neighbours.org.uk/blog/2026/5/15/windrush-celebrations-backed-with-500000-for-communities5a68889a90bade540b4da177:5a68899c53450ae499555b19:6a0abd4b73b9c626b308afdeFestivals, touring artwork and other projects celebrating the outstanding contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants are today, 15 May, set to receive a share of £500,000.

A total of 33 projects, from Plymouth to Leeds, will receive government funding to bring communities together and mark the lasting contribution of the Windrush generation to British life.

These community-led initiatives will mark the eighth annual Windrush Day on 22 June 2026, following on from the 30 projects that received funding last year.

Minister for Faith and Communities, Nesil Caliskan said:

The Windrush generation helped build the Britain we have today, and we are a stronger nation when we take the time to recognise and commemorate that contribution.

The projects receiving this funding are doing incredible work to honour their legacy and remind us that our shared history is something to celebrate, and something worth investing in.

Funded projects for 2026 include:  

• Pantonic Steel Orchestra in London: Steel Roots, Future Voices celebrates Windrush heritage through steel pan music, storytelling and exhibitions. Their project will culminate in a cultural performance showcase to inspire pride and safeguarding of Windrush musical and community legacy.

• Changing Our Lives in Birmingham: Windrush Through Our Senses is a Windrush Day event for people of all ages that will see young people with learning disabilities in Birmingham and the Black Country explore Windrush history in accessible ways with their elders, working together in workshops to create a sensory Windrush story.

• Jamaica Society in Leeds: An educational and cultural programme will be delivered across the city, combining school workshops, a Reflection Wall, a Young Entrepreneurs Expo on Windrush Day and a public cultural celebration to mark the day.

• Whispered Tales in Liverpool: A 20-minute performance celebrating the Windrush Generation’s heritage through shining a light on the SS Ormonde - the ship that brought 241 people to Liverpool from the Caribbean - reaching thousands of people across educational and public spaces.

• Full Gospel Revival Centre in Nottingham: The Windrush Voices project will capture and document first-hand stories from Windrush generation elders through a professionally produced documentary, complementing a wider programme of city events including a music celebration and original short films released online.

• Tapestry of Black Britons CIC in Bristol: Woven and embroidered tapestries celebrating Windrush heritage will be created and displayed in Bristol before being toured across England, raising awareness of and pride in the Windrush story.

• City Council Libraries in Leicester: Windrush history will come to life across sixteen public libraries and at a city festival attracting 60,000 visitors. Working with 100 schoolchildren and Windrush elders, the project will create lasting educational installations and deliver an immersive experience for communities.

• City Council in Oxford: A programme of events in Oxford will share the local Windrush story across days of community-focused activities. This will include panel discussion, exhibition tours, a memorial lecture and an integrated film project to help celebrate the Windrush story.

Since the funding initiative began in 2018, more than 300 projects have received a share of £4.25 million in celebration of the contributions of the Windrush generation and their descendants.

All projects will deliver an event or activity on national Windrush Day on 22 June and are expected to conclude in late July 2026.

I Googled things like, “what not to do at an Iftar,”  “is it bad if I don’t eat a date?” (I hate dates), and “what on earth do I wear?” which probably tells you everything you need to know about my level of cultural preparation for this event.  

After being asked to attend the Leeds Women’s Iftar, and after speaking to colleagues, I still wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve not attended many Muslim events, the odd wedding reception perhaps, but nothing so closely linked to Ramadan itself. 

I’m not so culturally blind though that I don’t understand Ramadan. I’ve watched colleagues fast during that time and witnessed the lengths families go to in order to make it special. In particular, I’ve seen the quiet  organisation and care the women of those families put into making sure everything runs smoothly. 

But maybe I am slightly culturally blind because I never really saw it. Not really. 

I grew up with Lent. My childhood version of Lent was mainly being asked to give something up, which, like many children at the time, didn’t seem a particularly exciting idea. (Let’s be honest, being asked to give up chocolate or biscuits isn’t anyone’s idea of having a good time.) 

What I didn’t really grasp then was the deeper meaning behind it. Like many traditions we grew up around, the purpose had become somewhat diluted for me somewhere along the line. 

There’s a saying often shared during Ramadan, “When you fast, let your eyes fast, your tongue fast, your heart fast.” It’s about more than food, it’s about reflection, patience, kindness, and humility. 

Whereas my childhood understanding of Lent was slightly closer to, “give up chocolate for 40 days and then absolutely demolish several Easter eggs in one sitting.”  

It quite simply didn’t have the same meaning, where it should have, and spiritually speaking, there may have been room for some growth there.  

Walking into the Empire Suite in an area of Leeds that is so culturally diverse, warm, and welcoming, I suddenly found myself wondering if I had ever properly understood what Lent, and equally Ramadan, actually really means.  

Ramadan, for Muslims, is a month of fasting from dawn until sunset. It’s a time focused on prayer, reflection, generosity, and community. As a child and even in early adulthood I focused on the food, how hungry and thirsty they must be fasting all day. Now I understand. Fasting is about more than just food. It’s about discipline, gratitude, patience, and thinking about those who have less. The fast is broken each evening at sunset with a glass of water and a date before people share a meal together.  

Lent, for Christians, is also a period of reflection and preparation, the 40 days leading up to Easter. Historically it too involved fasting and creating space for prayer and charity. Today it often shows up as us giving up something: chocolate, social media, wine, or whatever personal vice you feel you could just about live without (it’s not forever, right?). But, at heart, both traditions ask the same question: “What happens when we pause, reflect, and think about others before ourselves?” (Sorry kids, it’s really not about those 20 Easter eggs you might get!). 

Interestingly, it’s the first time, since the early 1990s that Ramadan and Lent have overlapped like this. That intersection creates a shared season of fasting, prayer, and charity. A moment when Christians and Muslims are, in their own ways, walking a similar path.  

It felt particularly meaningful to experience that intersection at an all-women’s event on the eve of International Women’s Day.  

International Women’s Day often talks about empowering women, amplifying voices, and building equality. But sometimes those ideas can feel big and out of reach in a sea of male leadership. But sitting in a room full of women who were quite literally building communities around event tables, through conversation and shared values, made those ideas feel achievable.  

As I said, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But a room filled with intelligence, warmth, love, and an overwhelming sense of community pride was not on my bingo card for a Saturday night in early March.  

The room itself was decorated in soft pastel flower displays which gave the space a calm, welcoming feel, a backdrop that was wonderfully offset by the vibrancy and colour the women in the room brought with them. Bright fabrics, elegant dresses, laughter across tables, the gentle hum of children, the room felt alive.  

And if you ever want to witness how an event should run, with organisational excellence, watch an event run by women, for women and filled with women. Things happen. Guests are welcomed, photographs are taken, interviews take place, speakers engage, conversation flow and importantly the food appears, on time. Honestly, large organisations could take notes.  

The evening was filled with speakers from Wellsprings to the Lord Lieutenant. There were girls singing and boys reciting prayers, moments of reflection mixed with celebration. Later, a DJ and comedian gave us a funny insight into life growing up in Bradford when your family is enthusiastically trying to find you a husband. It had all the energy of a real-life East is East moment, funny, traditional but always affectionate and respectful.  

The Mayor of West Yorkshire and the Deputy Mayor of policing gave an overview of the work being done across the region before introducing their West Yorkshire Inclusivity Champion, who delivered a heartfelt speech about identity, belonging and the importance of standing firm against hatred in all its forms. It was a compelling and moving moment, and it certainly sparked thoughtful conversations around the tables while the women prepared to break their fast. 

Then came the moment itself. 

At 17:58, as the sun set, water and dates were passed around the table as each woman and child present were encouraged to break their fast. (My fear of dates turned out to be completely unnecessary. No one forced one on me; water and grapes were kindly suggested as an alternative.) 

There was something powerful in that moment, the pause, even with the hunger and after a day of patience and discipline, they were all grateful. Soon after, a vast array of wonderful food was placed on each table and enjoyed by the people there. Conversations flowed just as freely as the food around what, as a community they could do to make the area they live in safer, happier, more inclusive, and welcoming, (all I could think was what more could they do? Because what they are doing already is clearly outstanding). 

And perhaps that was the most fitting way to spend the eve of International Women’s Day, a room filled with women from different backgrounds, faiths and experiences sharing food, stories, and ideas about how to build stronger communities.  

Women supporting women isn’t just a slogan (not in my house anyway), it’s something much more practical and powerful than that. It looks like mentorship, encouragement, tough conversations, shared responsibilities, and sometimes it’s just creating space. A space where women can gather, be heard, and be valued. 

I left the Iftar with a full heart and it must be said, an even fuller belly, but with a much clearer understanding of the importance of Ramadan and how it connects, in quiet ways, to traditions I grew up with myself. More than that, I left with a renewed appreciation of the power of women working together. Change rarely arrives with a dramatic announcement (it’s not that Netflix show everyone is talking about). More often it starts in rooms such as that, around tables, in conversations, with inspirational women who care deeply about their communities and want to make things better from the ground up.  

The ultimate message I took away from this was: faith and belief, in their many forms, are part of all of us. Strong women move mountains to create safety, happiness, inclusivity, and opportunities for the next generations. And when women stand together, from different cultures, faiths and experience, something powerful happens. 

Communities grow stronger and become rooted in respect, understanding, and hope.  

And sometimes, it turns out, understanding can start with something as simple as sharing a table and politely declining a date.  

Kate Sugden is the Positive Pathways Regional Manager for Church Urban Fund, supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our society

The project started with a question: What if we could brighten up this space and bring people together at the same time?

That question sparked a journey of creativity, leadership and local pride. Concerned that their neighbourhood didn’t reflect the vibrancy of the people who live there, the students set out to make a lasting difference. The result? A bold and beautiful mural that now stretches across the school’s public sports centre, transforming a once-overlooked wall into a colourful celebration of community.

The project was supported by Near Neighbours through its Catalyst programme, delivered locally by Wellsprings Together. The initiative empowers young people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds to lead positive change in their communities.

With the help of Catalyst trainers Pam Kershaw and Rabiyah K. Latif, the students successfully secured a £3,000 grant to turn their vision into reality. They commissioned local artist duo Don’t Panic! Art Cru, Bradford-born creatives Jenna Greenwood and Benjamin James Holden who brought their experience in mural and public art design to the table. But this wasn’t just about painting a wall. It was about ownership, identity and belonging.

In workshops with the artists, the students explored what community meant to them, and then went a step further by consulting local residents and groups who regularly pass the site. Their aim was clear: to ensure the mural reflected the voices and values of the people it would represent.

“We want to create a mural to bring people together with the aim of supporting and fostering community cohesion,” said Jeff Singleton, Head of Sixth Form and Teacher of Art.

The mural was unveiled at a vibrant community mela, hosted by the school and attended by local families, school partners and civic leaders. Among those present were the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mohammed Shafiq, and Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford City of Culture 2025. Representatives from Near Neighbours and Wellsprings Together, including The Right Reverend Rob Wickham, Lisa Broom and Siaa-Liane Mathurin, also joined the celebration.

The mural is painted on the side of the school’s sports centre, located on a lane shared by four schools and a housing estate. From the outset, students wanted the project to be community-owned

There’s nothing quite like being welcomed with a warm cup of tea and an even warmer smile. That’s exactly how my visit began when I stepped into acta Theatre in Bristol to sit in on the final rehearsal of Forgotten Heroes, a powerful new production co-created by the Royal British Legion, acta Bristol and the wonderful Malcolm X Elders.

From the very first moment, there was a sense of family in the room. Rosalie Pordes, the Project Director, greeted me like an old friend, and before long I found myself sitting among a group of women who laughed, joked and teased one another like sisters who’ve seen a lifetime of seasons together. And in many ways, they have.

These ladies have called Bristol home for decades, some for more than 60 years. They’ve raised children, built community, fought injustice and created spaces of belonging. Now, in Forgotten Heroes, they are stepping into stories that are both deeply personal and collectively powerful.

The play follows young Caribbean volunteers during the Second World War, exploring their decision to enlist, their experiences of service, and the difficult return to a country that didn’t always welcome them. These stories have been too long forgotten. But as the cast told me, the more they rehearsed, the more they began to recognise their own experiences in the characters.

Although many of the actors usually perform autobiographical material, stepping into someone else’s shoes came naturally. One actress performed with incredible passion and energy, even while dealing with real physical pain. A true professional whose strength quietly honoured the story she was telling.

Rosalie shared with me, "I believe this work is so important because it tells a part of history that's often ignored — the role Caribbean men played in World War II and the sacrifices they made. To have these stories performed by African Caribbean elders, some of whom are family or grew up in the same communities, makes it far more personal and powerful to the audience. Through this project we believe it has been a way to honour the legacy of these heroes, keep their stories alive, and remind people that Caribbean lives have always been part of Britain's story."

Forgotten Heroes’ doesn’t just tell untold stories — it challenges us to rethink who we remember and why. This show is a powerful call to action: to honour the sacrifices of those from African, Caribbean, and Commonwealth backgrounds whose bravery has been ignored for too long. If we are serious about Remembrance being for everyone, then these stories must take centre stage — not just today, but always.” - Farrah Chandra-Wade, Community Engagement Officer, Royal British Legion

What struck me most was how joy and humour were never far from the surface. The performance is moving and rich with emotion, yes, but it’s also hilarious at times and deeply heartwarming. Ingrid Jones, the director, did an amazing job with the show. During a short break, the cast sat around a table, sharing stories, laughing, bickering lovingly and offering me snacks like I was one of their own. I didn’t feel like a guest. I felt like family.

And that, to me, is the very heart of Windrush. It’s legacy and love. It’s sacrifice and celebration. It’s humour in hardship and community in the face of exclusion. It’s the deep roots planted in places like Bristol that have grown into something beautiful, resilient and generous.

Forgotten Heroes is a vital piece of theatre, but it’s more than a show. It’s a tribute. It’s an invitation to remember. And for me, it was a privilege to sit in the audience, sip tea with the cast and witness their magic.

It is estimated that Between 30 July and 7 August 2024, 29 anti-immigration (official terminology) demonstrations took place across 27 towns and cities in the UK. This included attacks on mosques and hotels that targeted asylum seekers and signs of Muslim presence in ethnically diverse towns and cities.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) confirmed that as of 30 August 2024, 1280 people had been arrested for their involvement with 796 people charged. It was known that far right activists promoted and attended the riots. This was the most significant disorder in the UK since the 2011 riots in which at least 4000 people were arrested. Within one month of the event and 1994 prosecuted within two months.

For communities affected or targeted, these race riots focussed on expressions of Muslimness, but not always accurately. They were expressions of Islamophobia, and their reporting and official narrative fudged the importance of this in the eyes of many Muslim leaders and activists.

The riots asked deep seated questions of identity and belonging and questioned people’s sense of safety and security. These feelings were particularly heightened in cities like Birmingham with friends and families affected in other parts of the country and were lived in a very real way.

The riots challenged what this meant for community cohesion and for neighbourhoods where difference and diversity lay on the doorstep

From vibrant cultural festivals to welcoming weekly drop-ins, the newly funded projects reflect the spirit of neighbourliness that sits at the heart of both programmes. Whether it’s sharing music, food, conversation, or creativity, these initiatives are giving people the chance to feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger.

Bringing New Voices Together in Luton

In Luton, Desi Fest has long been a celebration of South Asian culture, drawing in members of the Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities. This year, thanks to support from the Near Neighbours Small Grants Fund, a new initiative, Battle of the Bands, is broadening the invitation. By welcoming musicians from a wide range of underrepresented groups, the project is encouraging creative collaboration and helping build relationships of trust between young people from different cultural backgrounds.

David 'Johny' Jonathan, Near Neighbours Hub Co-Ordinator in Luton, said:
 "We’re seeing people come together who might not otherwise have crossed paths. It’s more than music. It’s connection, identity, and hope."

Listening, Learning and Connecting Across Divides

Sophie Edwardson, Listening and Learning Officer for Church Urban Fund, reflected on her experience working with the Near Neighbours and Places of Welcome networks:
 "Over the past three years, I’ve seen the power of local partnerships and the care that goes into these relationships. These aren’t just projects, they’re lifelines. The stories we’ve gathered show how connection, confidence, and participation can transform lives and communities."

Creating Welcoming Spaces with a Warm Drink and a Smile

The Places of Welcome network, now over 900-strong, continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and the practical support of these grants. Whether through offering a warm drink, craft activities, or games for children, these welcoming places provide vital moments of friendship and inclusion.

Jo Holland, Places of Welcome Manager, shared:
 "From the practicalities of refreshments to the joy of creative workshops, we’re seeing real imagination and care. These small grants are helping communities open their doors even wider.

It is heart-warming to see the creativity and hard work taking place in our network of over 900 Places of Welcome to bring together local people and inspire them to engage and expand their messages of support and friendship to the wider communities in which they reside. "

Celebrating Grassroots Impact

Each grant, while small in monetary terms, has a ripple effect that’s felt far beyond the walls of the community centres and churches that host these activities. They provide space for people to share stories, learn from one another, and begin to bridge divides in society.

As Near Neighbours continues its mission to strengthen community bonds and promote social cohesion, this latest round of Near Neighbours and Places of Welcome funding highlights what can happen when community groups are trusted, resourced, and celebrated.

As I stepped into Leicester Cathedral on March 3rd for the Big Conversation, I felt a quiet buzz of anticipation. The room hummed with the energy of over 100 people educators, artists, faith leaders, health workers, students, and community advocates all united by a shared love for Leicester. It was a vivid reminder of why our work matters.

What struck me most was the profound sense of belonging in the room. Not everyone here was born in Leicester, but it didn’t matter. The city was home to all, a place they’d chosen to invest in, nurture, and reimagine. Bishop Martyn’s words echoed in my mind: Leicester’s potential lies not just in its diversity, but in how we intentionally “mix across differences.” That intentionality was alive in every conversation.

Hearing young people share their hopes and fears with such raw honesty. One student spoke of Leicester’s diversity as its “superpower,” while another admitted feeling “unseen” despite the city’s celebrated inclusivity. Their courage left me in awe. At their age, I doubt I could have stood before a crowd of strangers to voice such vulnerable truths. Yet here they were, demanding a seat at the table now, not someday. Their message was clear: young people aren’t just the future, they’re vital collaborators in shaping the present.

The discussions that followed were equally powerful. Small groups grappled with questions like “What stops us from living well together?” and “How do we build bridges, not silos?” I listened as a police chief, a Ukrainian community leader, and a faith leader debated solutions. Barriers like fear, language, and unequal access to resources came up repeatedly. But so did opportunities: festivals, interfaith dialogues, mentorship programs. The consensus? Progress starts when we step out of comfort zones. One person joked, “If we all just showed up to each other’s events, Leicester would never sleep!”

This wasn’t just talk. Tom Wilson, Director St Philip’s Centre hinted at upcoming intercultural projects, and already, plans for follow-up meetings were underway.

As a communicator, my job is to amplify these stories. But today, I was reminded that the real work isn’t just sharing visions, it’s fostering the spaces where those visions become action. Leicester isn’t perfect, but it’s alive. And after this gathering, I’m more convinced than ever: the city’s best chapters are being written by people like these ordinary folks stubbornly, joyfully building an extraordinary future.

In response to the challenges communities faced following the UK summer riots of 2024, Near Neighbours hosted a national online roundtable, bringing together grassroots organisations, faith leaders, and community groups. With input from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the discussion highlighted community-driven solutions to systemic challenges while stressing the urgent need for long-term funding and trust-building to strengthen social cohesion.

Bishop Rob Wickham, CUF Chief Executive Officer stated:

“Relational grassroots community cohesion and resilience forms the basis of any strong community. Near Neighbours has, for 15 years, been investing in this grassroots work, investing in people, many of whom are motivated by faith and belief, who serve their communities in a way that leads to lasting change. This roundtable, which listened to the stories of people affected by the riots of last summer, highlighted again the need for ongoing investment and reaffirmed our collective commitment to building strong, cohesive and united communities in the face of significant challenges.”

A resounding theme emerged: communities already understand both the issues they face and the solutions they need. What they often lack is the sustained support and resources to turn their ideas into lasting change.

Ryad Knodabocus, Head of Community Relations & Development for Luton Council of Faiths, emphasised this point:

"Communities know their own challenges better than anyone. They have the ideas, the relationships, and the determination to make a difference. What’s missing is the right support—without excessive bureaucracy—so they can lead change from the ground up."

The discussion also highlighted the role of misinformation in fueling tensions, particularly during the general election campaign, when far-right groups targeted Muslims and asylum seekers online.

Avril, St Barnabas church East London , shared: “NHS workers were attacked while aiding riot victims. People who once felt safe now avoid parks altogether.”

Yet, despite these challenges, many communities successfully resisted division thanks to strong local networks and interfaith collaboration.

David ‘Johny’ Jonathan, a Near Neighbours Hub Coordinator in Luton, shared how Luton’s long history of tackling extremism helped prevent unrest:

"After 15 years of far-right agitation, our faith groups, police, and wider community have learned how to work together to counter hate. Thankfully, this meant we saw no major incidents, but we can never be complacent. Building trust and strengthening relationships must be ongoing work."

Peter Adams, Director of the St Mary’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Luton, emphasised the need for sustained investment:

"Near Neighbours has played a crucial role in equipping local people to take action. If we truly want stronger, more hopeful communities, we must invest in long-term solutions that bring people together and tackle division at its roots."

Throughout the event, participants shared inspiring examples of grassroots-led initiatives that brought people together in the wake of the riots, from interfaith peace walks to youth-led projects and creative events designed to bridge divides.

As the discussion drew to a close, there was a strong commitment to turning words into action: ensuring grassroots initiatives receive the resources they need, amplifying local voices, and continuing to build communities where trust, inclusion, and hope take root.

For press enquiries or to explore collaboration, contact: Jose Santos, Jose.santos@cuf.org.uk

• ·The money will support community-led initiatives across England to take place this summer

• Nearly £4m has now been awarded to organisations across the country since the Windrush Day Grant Scheme was established in 2018

Thirty groups have been awarded a share of a £500,000 funding pot dedicated to supporting groups and projects which commemorate, celebrate and educate people on the contribution of the Windrush Generation.

This year saw a record number of applicants to the Windrush Day Grant Scheme, reflecting the enthusiasm in communities across the country to celebrate the legacy of the Windrush Generation and the significant contributions they’ve made to the UK’s social, economic and cultural life.

The funding will support projects to deliver an array of events across the country on National Windrush Day, 22 of June, which engage with people across generations to celebrate the legacy of the Windrush Generation and their descendants and provide education on their ongoing impact to our national life.

Minister for Faith, Lord Khan said:

“Our multi-culturalism is a great strength of our country, and the Windrush Generation has been fundamental in creating the Britain we have today.

“Their contributions are vast and broad, extending into all aspects of life, and I’m grateful to all the wonderful organisations we’ve funded this year for their hard work to celebrate their legacy, and keep their memory alive.”

Amongst the many organisations being funded is Sudden Productions who will bring older members of the Windrush generation together with African Caribbean Artists to revive songs which bring their memories of Windrush back to life, devising a one-man show. Another, Inspiring Audio, will be producing a radio show for children which celebrates Caribbean music whilst educating the younger generation on the contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.

Sarah Wallace, Director of Programmes and Innovation, said:

"The record number of applications this year is a testament to the enduring impact of the Windrush Generation and the vital role they continue to play in shaping our communities. We are proud to support these 30 inspiring projects, which will bring people together, foster connections, and ensure that the stories, contributions, and legacy of the Windrush Generation are celebrated for years to come."

Since the Windrush Day Grant Scheme began seven years ago, 238 projects have received funding totalling £3.25m. This year’s round of funding, brings the total to £3.75m and 268 projects.

A full list of projects supported by the Windrush Day Grant Scheme can be found here.

For me, Ramadan is an opportunity to deepen my connection with God, Allah in Arabic. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink, it is a spiritual discipline that teaches self restraint and mindfulness. The daily fasts, moments of quiet reflection, and the extra prayers at night help me feel a renewed sense of faith. Taraweeh, the late-night prayers performed during Ramadan, are especially significant. Though they can be tiring after a long day they provide a sense of closeness to God, as I listen to or recite as much of the Qur’an as possible.

One of the most profound lessons of Ramadan is gratitude. Going without food and water for hours on end reminds me of the countless blessings I often take for granted. It makes me reflect on the struggles of those who experience hunger daily, not out of choice, but due to poverty and hardship. This awareness encourages me to waste less, appreciate more, and extend a helping hand to those in need. Charity (known as sadaqah and zakat) is a key part of Ramadan, and I try to contribute in any way I can, whether by donating to charities, feeding those in need, or simply offering kindness to others.

Ramadan is also a time of personal development. Beyond the physical and spiritual aspects, it teaches patience and self-control, not just in resisting hunger and thirst, but in managing emotions, thoughts, and reactions. It is a month of striving to become a better person, fostering kindness, empathy and understanding in all interactions.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Ramadan is the sense of togetherness it brings. Sharing Iftar meals with family and friends, attending prayers in mosques, and participating in community events reinforce the importance of faith as a collective experience. In today’s fast paced world, it is easy to feel isolated, but Ramadan reminds me of the power of unity and the strength of the bonds we share with one another.

As the month comes to an end, I always feel a mix of gratitude and sadness. Ramadan passes so quickly, and I know I will miss its unique spiritual energy. However, the joy of Eid, the festival that marks the end of fasting, brings celebration, love and connection with loved ones. Though Ramadan lasts only a month, the lessons it teaches stay with me throughout the year, shaping my faith and perspective long after the final fast is broken.

“We had a really derelict garden up in the school that no one uses, and so we decided that if it's just going to go to waste we might as well do something with it. It was already in the process of being renovated, so we decided, you know what, if it's going to be redeveloped, we might as well bring people to it. So what better way to do that than to go out into the community and bring people in over their shared interest of like gardening”

Yusuf, Catalyst Alumni Participant

Catalyst Alumni coordinated a Winter Festival in December last year that worked across the whole school and brought together sixth form and younger students. Featuring a range of food and games stalls, manned by students, staff and parents of the school, the funds raised were then used to purchase gifts for residents at the local Silk Court Care Home. Later that month, just before Christmas, the students then visited the residents at the home to deliver the gifts and present their intergenerational garden idea. The visit to Silk Court brought a diverse group of young people and predominantly White British residents together. One student performed a South Asian song for the group and a resident sang a Frank Sinatra song for the young people. The Christmas gifts and stories were shared as the group, all local to the area as students or residents of the care home, were introduced to each other.

The hope is that the garden will be launched this Spring.

“We’re trying to teach these girls how to interact with their own community and different communities. We hope that by creating a supportive network, participants will build lasting friendships and a sense of belonging, encouraging them to engage in future community initiatives.”

Kiran Ahmed, Catalyst Alumni Participant

The group are currently learning a range of skills during their monthly meet ups and are working towards a cultural day where they hope to bring different communities together to celebrate their similarities and create understanding of their differences.

We are concerned about the dissemination of misinformation, platform governance and attitudes that directly contradict our goal of bringing people together to build relationships of trust, and empowering people to make a difference in their neighbourhoods.

We believe it is vital to encourage conversations and communities on social media that align with our values, and will continue to do so on our Facebook and Instagram channels. We look forward to meeting you on those channels, where we’ll continue to serve and work with people of all faiths and none to achieve our commitment to ending poverty in all its forms.

Students from Belle Vue Girls School in Bradford were initially concerned that their local environment wasn’t aesthetically appealing or somewhere that the local community could feel proud of. As part of the Catalyst programme a small group of students came up with the concept of developing a large scale artwork that would represent the local community and could be displayed in a public place that people from the community could access.

Working with Catalyst Trainer and Near Neighbours Coordinator, Rabiyah K. Latif, they were successfully awarded a grant of £3,000 to commission 2 local artists to work alongside them and other people from the community to develop a mural that will be painted on the side of their schools public sports centre, on a lane that feeds 4 other schools including primary, secondary, special schools and a local housing estate.

“We want to create a mural to bring people together with the aim of supporting and fostering community cohesion”

Jeff Singleton, Head of Sixth Form and Teacher of Art

They commissioned Don’t Panic! Art Cru - a moniker given to the combined efforts of two Bradford born artists, Jenna Greenwood and Benjamin James Holden. Both are experienced multidisciplinary artists, with varied and creative backgrounds including design, print, mural design and public art displays.

Back in November last year, the girls had an initial creative session with the artists to explore what they wanted the mural to say. The very colourful workshop gave them the opportunity to explore common interests and views about their community. They are now in the process of reaching out to everyone who will regularly see the mural. They are keen that those who want to have an opportunity to contribute their ideas to help design the mural, so that those whose community it seeks to serve have ownership of it.

The mural is currently still being co-created with the local community and will be unveiled at a Mela in the Spring.

At a time when society feels so divided, Near Neighbours is trying to bring people together. We aim to build stronger, more cohesive communities in which people of all backgrounds can belong, connect and get involved.

But is it working? Find out what happened in 2023/24 in our latest impact report

The Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2025 focuses on bringing communities together – across different ages and ethnic backgrounds – to commemorate, celebrate and educate their local area about the contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.

Grants are open to community groups, not-for-profit organisations and local venues to deliver events and activities ahead of and on Windrush Day (22 June) and up to the end of September 2025.

All projects must be community-led and have a positive social impact. Projects must also focus on at least one of four aims. To:

·       Educate people about the Windrush story: building awareness of historical facts and deepen understanding about the Windrush generation and their descendants.

·       Foster a greater sense of national pride and recognition of the historic and ongoing contributions made by the Windrush generation and their descendants to UK society.

·       Develop the skills and entrepreneurial ambitions of young people: inspiring the next generation of young leaders.

·       Celebrate and commemorate the continued contributions of the Windrush generation to the UK.

A 2024 project participant said: “It increased awareness and fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Caribbean community’s role in shaping modern Britain.” And an organiser reflected: “New experiences, enjoyed together, remind us that we share a universal human experience. We find new connections, feel welcomed and build new friendships through new creative activities.”

Sarah Wallace, Director of Programmes and Innovation at Near Neighbours, said: “We believe that better relationships, knowledge and understanding help build better communities for everyone. It is a privilege to work on this project to support Windrush events and celebrate the Windrush generation; to remember and highlight their enormous contribution and inspire generations to come.” 

Lord Wajid Khan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Faith, Communities and Resettlement, said: “The Windrush Generation and their descendants have left a remarkable legacy on our country and have enriched every aspect of our social, economic and cultural life. We are proud to recognise them by supporting projects which show how they have helped to build and shape our country, ensuring that we continue to cherish and honour their impact.”

The event was attended by around 100 people, made up of the school senior leadership team, local faith and community leaders and students from across the school. It was a joyous evening filled with music, bhangra dancing, Dhol drumming and cultural dress. It was a real celebration of all of the cultures that make up Southall.

The school now plans to make it an annual event, which is testament to the legacy that these young people have created.

At the end of the event, we had an opportunity to catch up with Gurdit and Amrit to hear about their experience of the programme.

Gurdit

Being awarded the grant from Near Neighbours allowed us to apply the skills we learned as part of Catalsyt in a meaningful way. The event has created a platform and an opportunity for the school and young people to interact with older members of Southall’s community and promote unity and cohesion. We all had specific roles and I was voted as project lead. It was definitely challenging at times and a hard role to fulfil, but I feel like I’ve learned so much from it. I had to make sure that everyone had an equal say and that everyone’s ideas were heard. I learned that not only did we have to communicate, but that we had to have effective communication to make sure we created a collaborative, motivated team. Having such a strong support system from both Ms. Williams at school and mentoring from Lisa and Rabiyah at Near Neighbours, really helped us create such a successful event. Our regular meetings allowed us to ask any questions that we had, clear up any misconceptions and helped move things forward.

This has been such a rewarding opportunity. Having just finished the event a few minutes ago still feels surreal. It’s given me some really cool skills, like budget managing and project planning that I’ll be able to use in the future, and skills that are difficult to learn until you’re gaining hands-on, practical experience like listening and communication. But overall, one of the strongest things it’s given me, is an experience that will stay with me forever.

Amrit

I felt like I had a personal connection with Rabiyah from the start of the programme. She’s been a great mentor and that motivated me to want to continue. I come from a heavily female orientated family, and there are things that people in my family do that females in the Sikh Punjabi community don’t often do, like going to university,  dancing, playing drums, and so on. By exploring Gender equality as part of the Interfaith Exhibition, I was keen to address and challenge societal norms. I was the Deputy Project Lead who would pick up various tasks as needed to make sure the project progressed smoothly. Although today, I feel like everyone had an equal responsibility to make sure that everything went to plan. We all come from such different backgrounds, but we all connected over this one event, which was celebrating our own culture and faith.

I think the support we’ve received has been amazing. We’ve had support from every angle; family, school, Near Neighbours and each other. It really felt like everyone had each other's back. Even seeing friends quick to step in and help with selling tickets, has highlighted how something like this can gather momentum and how much people want to support you to make it a success.

I would recommend this to anyone. What started as just a simple idea has grown into this amazing event this evening. I feel like we’ve made an impact on the community by seeing religious leaders come, sit together and connect over one thing. It has highlighted how every faith and culture is beautiful in its own way.

She tells us first hand:

“I was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace with His Majesty the King alongside 30 people of faith from across the country to discuss how faith communities can work together despite current challenges.

I took part in the roundtable where women of faith spoke of obstacles affecting them in the work they do, followed by what can be done to overcome these challenges, and about the opportunities to work together. The King joined us for these conversations, and to my surprise, it amazed me how engaged His Majesty was in our concerns, where he also provided us with opportunities and insights we could use in future.

At the roundtable with civil servants I mentioned the importance of the Near Neighbours programme and the need for grassroots relationships that contribute towards discussions such as this. I spoke about how without consistent funding, relationships are lost and communities are fragmented, hence the need to continue supporting such programmes, especially those that connect grassroots to statuary level organisations and above.

Having spoken with Near Neighbours grant recipients I was also able to relate the concerns and need for opportunities for women of faith, who often don’t attend inter-faith gatherings due to masculine presence, or lack of confidence.

It was a great day to connect with friends again that I have been out of touch with for over two years. The event allowed me to showcase the work of Near Neighbours as well as listening to new emerging projects and initiatives that can benefit my groups in Nottingham. “