For 60 years, we have been dedicated to enriching lives, driving change, and advocating for those in need through activities and grant funding.
We are an award-winning charity that has supported over 300,000 people in the past 50 years.
What began as a small organisation with limited resources, focused on helping Asian women and their families adjust to life in a new country, has grown into a leading national charity—dedicated to empowering people of ALL ages and backgrounds.
As a provider of community-focused activities, advice, and critical funding, we are now committed to extending our work to be a force for good across the UK.
2025 marks an exciting new chapter in the Sangam Foundation story as we broaden our work to reach the whole of the UK and internationally.
Explore our website to learn about our mission, team, and the communities we support and most importantly how you can help to shape our future and the futures of those who rely on our work
Our vision is to inspire and enrich lives, empowering people to reach their full potential in health, well-being, education, and social inclusion. Through philanthropy, volunteering and grant funding, we create lasting positive change and stronger communities everywhere. Our mission is to support and uplift individuals through advocacy, skills development, and meaningful connections.
Based in Burnt Oak, our purpose-built community centre brings people together to participate in clubs and activities, learn new skills, and feel safe and connected. Our vision is to grow the centre into a thriving hub that welcomes all communities across North London.
In the late 1960s a small group of Asian women recognised the challenges faced by Asian immigrants, particularly those exiled from East Africa, arriving in the UK and settling in North London with few possessions.
They decided action was needed to support and assist these individuals and founded the Sangam Association of Asian Women in 1971 which later became the Sangam Foundation.
Through the early years our work focused on providing activities and advocacy to support Asian immigrants in finding and developing their identity within their new society.
Recognising the growing needs of North London’s wider community, we expanded our support by opening our advice centre to all. As society evolved, so did our services—we provided welfare and immigration advocacy, domestic violence and debt management counselling, mental health support, and community events, ensuring comprehensive assistance for those who need it most.
Realising our small West Hendon offices could no longer meet our needs, we united in a fundraising effort. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we built the Sangam Centre in Burnt Oak, which was officially opened by Princess Diana, The Princess of Wales in November 1991.
Princess Diana visiting the centre in 1991
Through dedication and high standards, our staff and volunteers have transformed the Association into one of the UK’s most respected community organisations, earning national recognition with a Golden Jubilee Award in 2002 and the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2006.
To meet the growing geographical and social demand for our services, we took the decision in early 2024 to change our name to the Sangam Foundation. It is a change that better reflects the need for us to deliver our work across the UK and beyond.
The not-for-profit charitable work that has always been the cornerstone of our existence will continue as it always has, funding a wide range of projects that provide much-needed practical, financial and social support to those communities that need it.
There are exciting times ahead for us and we need new thinking to ensure the success we have achieved can be replicated at a national level.
The Lord Bagri, Mrs Tara Kothari and the Mayor of Barnet
Lady Usha Bagri
Emiratus Trustee
Piyusha Virani
President
Piyusha, now serving her second term as President, has been part of Sangam’s management team for over 30 years.
She believes Sangam has shaped her perspective, deepening her empathy for people from all backgrounds.
Having worked across all areas of the Foundation, she takes pride in its ethos and impact. She enjoys engaging with the community and witnessing firsthand how Sangam positively transforms lives.
Suchitra Kabra
Secretary
Suchitra has been dedicated to Sangam for many years, contributing in various roles to support its mission. Her passion for community service extends beyond Sangam, as she has spent over 30 years working with the Metropolitan and other police forces as a linguist and cultural adviser. In this role, she has helped bridge communication gaps and promote cultural understanding.
Suchitra takes great pride in using her skills to support both law enforcement and the community.
Parul Gajjari
Treasurer
Parul joined Sangam over 25 years ago as a volunteer, driven by a desire to support her community. She has held various roles, including administrative duties, committee chair, and fundraising lead, while also organizing cultural programs and health seminars.
Now overseeing building operations and maintenance, she takes pride in seeing Sangam’s impact firsthand. Her dedication has ignited a passion for helping others, bringing her a deep sense of fulfillment.
Sudha Sanghani
Seniors Clubs
Sudha joined Sangam more than 25 years ago because she was passionate about the services and ethos of the organisation. Over the years she has served in numerous roles and functions.
She has managed many of the Foundation’s services and has also served as both President (twice) and Vice-President.
Sudha’s is a strong advocate for positive change in the scope and reach of the organisation and has a particular ambition for the Foundation to diversify its service offer.
Shobhana Shah
Grants
Shobhna joined Sangam in 2011 as a volunteer and board member and now leads its grant-giving portfolio. She established the counselling programme for domestic violence and mental health support and initiated a befriending service.
With a BSc in Chemistry and a Diploma in Counselling, she spent 25 years in the field. A founder trustee of Mukti Trust, she supports girls’ education in India. She enjoys family time, walking, reading, yoga, and travel.
Sadhna Karia
Activities
Chijioke Ikpechukwu
Marketing and Admin
Chijioke is our Marketing and Administrative Officer and joined Sangam in 2021. He is the friendly face who welcomes visitors, manages administration and finances, and provides support to trustees and volunteers.
Always ready to lend a helping hand, he enjoys engaging with the local community.