On Friday the 3rd of July we were so happy to hold a Celebration Day at our centre in Balsall Heath. It was a truly lovely way to mark 40 years of Anawim, honour the women who started it all off back in 1986, and those we are working with now.
We started by sharing details of our Champion and Peer Mentor programme, which supports our women to progress into education, volunteering and paid employment. Our Head of Trustees, Sheila McGrath, was on hand to present certificates to those who have graduated from the training. This is a really important programme to all of us at Anawim, and it was great to be able to share it with partners.
We then gave out trophies and certificates to our women to recognise their work – and the differences that they make to those around them. From “Courage to Change” to “Style with a Smile” and everything in between. We were delighted to be joined by the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Carmen Watson, to present the awards, and so pleased to hear her kind words. The awards included:
- Courage to change award -for taking brave steps forward
- Personal growth award – for visible progress and self development
- Community Builder Award – for helping create a welcoming, safe space
Sisterhood Award – for uplifting and empowering other women - Participation Star Award – for regular engagement and enthusiasm
Trying Something New Award – for stepping outside comfort zones - Health & Healing Award – for progress in emotional or physical wellbeing
- Inner Strength Award – for emotional resilience and healing
- Smile Maker Award – for bringing joy and positivity
- Unsung Hero Award – for efforts that often go unseen
There was also a special award to honour our deeply missed caseworker, Andrea.
The day was a celebration of Anawim and the women we work with but it was a day for community too. There were banners showing the history of Balsall Heath, the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara kindly donated Langar Seva and Birmingham Opera Company performed alongside our women. We closed the day with a commemorative tree planting by Fruit and Nut Village.
We owe huge thanks to everyone that contributed, but of course, the biggest thanks go to the women we work with. As our CEO Joy Doal said “Everything we do is for you”.