OUR STORY
We have changed our legal name from the Sangam Association of Asian Women to the Sangam Foundation.
Our work remains unchanged – we will continue to fund a wide range of projects and help a wide range of people. We believe that the name “Sangam Foundation” better reflects the breadth of our charitable activities.
For 50 years, Sangam has been at the forefront of community development in Burnt Oak. Established in 1971, we initially provided activities for the distressed immigrants of Asian origin to socialise and integrate into their new society. Our consistently high standards and the dedication of our staff and volunteers has made Sangam one of the most respected voluntary organisations in the UK and a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award.
Driving our success is our ability to keep abreast of the ever-changing needs of the local community and developing our services accordingly, and with our purpose-built centre, we fund the majority of our services from the income generated from the hire of our banqueting and meeting facilities.
Our vision
A community with the capacity and confidence to work with, and for, everyone that lives there.
Our mission
To provide our clients with a safe, accessible space to address their challenges and achieve their goals, and to deliver services that become the benchmark for other organisations.
Our Foundation
Sangam is a not-for-profit charity foundation in Barnet which was established and continues to be managed by Asian Women. It was founded in 1971 as a result of the large influx of immigrants from South Asia and East Africa in the sixties and seventies. The lack of both language proficiency and understanding of the systems of Government left many vulnerable Asians feeling helpless and often with nowhere to turn.
Our contribution to the society over the years was recognised by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006 when Sangam received the coveted Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services. The Award acknowledges “One of Sangam’s strengths is that it is managed by Asian Women and so will provide a service sensitive to the needs of a group not always well served by mainstream services. However, it is to Sangam’s credit that it is open to all – an example of social inclusion at its best.”
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PIYUSHA VIRANI
President
I have been a part of Sangam’s management for over 30 years. Working at Sangam has broadened my personality and helped me learn about and empathise with people from all backgrounds and their issues. I love interacting with people and seeing how Sangam is helping them. I have worked in all areas of Sangam’s services and take pride in its ethos. I was Sangam’s President from 2011 to 2013. My favourite activity has been organising fundraising events and developing new services, like the Mental health and Domestic violence Counselling service during my tenure.
PARUL GAJJAR
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I was motivated to join Sangam 24 years ago as a volunteer to help contribute to society and our local community.
Over the years I have carried out various roles from holding a secretarial post to chairing committees, organising cultural programmes & health seminars, fundraising events and more. I currently serve as Treasurer, in addition to overseeing the building operations and maintenance.
Looking after our members, especially our senior members has given me immense pleasure. Seeing them enjoy yoga, activities at the centre, including day trips and cultural celebrations have been very rewarding and provided a real sense of fulfillment.
In providing support & having a listening ear, I have gained a passion for helping others.
One of the positives of working for a charity is the overwhelming sense of making a positive difference.
SUDHA SANGHANI
I joined Sangam twenty five years ago because I was passionate about the services and ethos of the organisation. Over the years I have had the pleasure to manage a number of portfolios. These include The Advice Centre, the luncheon club, A 5 project, health talks, annual Navrati Garba, Tai chi, Salsa classes, senior citizens club, and many more.
I was appointed as the Vice President between 2013-2015 and took over all the duties of President in 2014 when the President resigned. I was also the president between 2017/2019.
My ambition is for Sangam to diversify our service offer.
SUCHITRA KABRA
I have been working for Sangam for the last 15 years covering various roles. I have been working for Metropolitan and other police forces as a linguist and cultural adviser for 30 years, and my passions include cooking and playing bridge.
SHOBHNA PATEL
HEERAL GUDKA
NISHMA SHAH
