The Slough Community Forum took place on Tuesday, 18th June, at the Cippenham British Legion, bringing together over 70 attendees fromthe voluntary, statutory, and business communities. This event coincided with the #MonthOfCommunity, a period dedicated to celebrating community spirit and fostering inclusivity. Speakers from groups representing Refugee Week: Slough Refugee Support, Small Charity Week: Knit Your Socks Off, Pride Month and Carers Week presented at the event.
Vicki Atherton, Operations Director, SCVS, introduced the speakers, starting with Louise Sprackling from Slough Refugee Support and Helen Buckland from Slough Borough Council. Louise highlighted the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, such as loneliness, integration issues, language barriers, and exploitation risks. Many refugees accept low-paid work under poor conditions and are unable to utilise their professional skills.
Helen Buckland informed attendees about the various services available for refugees in Slough, as detailed in the Refugee Advice pack. This pack, accessible on the SBC website in multiple languages, aims to provide essential guidance to refugees. Helen also invited everyone to the ‘Everyone Welcome’ event at the Curve on 21st June.
Sbba Siddique introduced “Knit Your Socks Off,” a group dedicated to crafting handmade knitted and crocheted items for those in need. This group meets on the first Saturday of each month at Asian Star Radio. Over the past year, they have supported 30 groups and produced over 8,000 items. These meet-ups, attended by around 30 people, emphasize community building, mindfulness, and relaxation. Sbba highlighted how the group brings people together to share skills and spread what she termed “woolly love.”
Sarah and Zoe from Thames Valley Positive Support discussed the ‘Be You’ project, an initiative aimed at providing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to express their identities and sexualities without fear of stigma. Noting that 1.9% of Slough’s population identified as LGBTQIA+ in the Census, they emphasized the importance of offering support to reduce isolation and mental health challenges, including depression and suicidal thoughts.
Steven Roots, a nurse with the NHS, shared his personal experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the difficulties of not being accepted for who he is. He spoke about the rejection faced from friends, family, and faith, and the continuous effort needed to tell one’s story.
Remi from SBC Slough Carers Support introduced several local carers groups, including Cippenham Carers, Special Voices, Slough Mencap, Slough Crossroads, Asian Carers Group, Slough Young Carers, and the Slough Older People’s Mental Health Team (NHS Berkshire).
Goshan, a carer, shared her lived experience of isolation and loneliness while caring full-time for her husband over the past five years. Joining the Cippenham Carers group has provided her with enjoyable activities and opportunities to get out, including outings that involve her husband.
The Forum continued with workshops, introduced by Asma Aziz, Head of Capacity Building & Fundraising in which delegates were asked to look at three case studies and discuss three questions relating to them. Facilitators gave feedback at the end of the workshops.
The Forum concluded with a community picnic in the lovely garden. Thank you to Cippenham British Legion for providing the venue for this community event.