HEYA is a group led by and for Arab women in Nottingham, including refugees, asylum seekers, and students. Many members face isolation, language barriers, and cultural disconnection. HEYA exists to support women in overcoming these challenges, providing safe spaces to connect, develop skills, and access opportunities. The group empowers women to have a voice in the community and build confidence in navigating life in the UK. Throughout the financial year 2024, HEYA has delivered a wide range of impactful activities that strengthened integration, wellbeing, and empowerment: Integration and Language Support HEYA continued providing translation support, phone calls, and home visits to reduce isolation and connect women to services. We supported women in accessing health, education, and housing information while building confidence in speaking English. Safe Space and Awareness Events Following the riots in Nottingham, HEYA created a Safe Space Series of events where Arab women could gather, feel supported, and share their concerns. One of the key events, Free from Fear (funded by Broxtowe Borough Council), provided safety resources, Arabic food, and personal alarms to help women feel more secure. We also ran awareness sessions about women’s rights, community safety, and digital inclusion. Community Support During the Cost-of-Living Crisis HEYA provided culturally appropriate food parcels (in partnership with Broxtowe Borough Council and Himmah) and toiletry packs (with The Hygiene Bank Nottingham). This ensured that families had access to essential supplies during times of financial hardship. Health and Wellbeing We collaborated with the NHS and Nottingham City Council to share Arabic-language health information, including vaccination awareness for pregnant women. HEYA volunteers promoted wellbeing by encouraging women to join physical activities and offering safe social gatherings to reduce loneliness. Creative and Interfaith Partnerships HEYA partnered with Primary to deliver cultural cooking sessions, interfaith dialogue, and creative workshops. We also collaborated with arts and design students to explore opportunities for joint events, strengthening cross-community understanding and cultural exchange. Campaigning and Advocacy HEYA amplified the voices of Arab women and asylum seekers by engaging with MPs and councillors, including Nadia Whittam. We campaigned with Citizens UK for an affordable pathway to citizenship and highlighted the needs of refugee women at local and national levels. Media Recognition and Awards In 2024, HEYA’s work received significant recognition, including winning the Community Champion By Nottingham City Centre . We were also shortlisted for the Pride of Britain Award. These achievements amplified our impact and inspired more women to engage with HEYA. Growing Network and Social Media Presence HEYA’s online presence expanded further, with over 700 women active on WhatsApp and more than 800 reached via Facebook. Across platforms, we now engage a network of over 1,500 women, ensuring they are connected, supported, and informed. Support for Mothers and Babies (SSBC Partnership) In partnership with Small Steps Big Changes (SSBC), HEYA provided tailored support for Arab mothers and their babies. Many of these women face additional challenges, including language barriers, cultural isolation, and lack of family networks. Through home visits, play sessions, and peer support, we created opportunities for mothers to connect, share experiences, and access advice on childcare and early years development. We continued to supported mothers like Nadrea, who struggled to find play opportunities for her youngest child while caring for her older children. HEYA provided a safe and welcoming space where she and other mothers could bond, reducing isolation and helping their babies thrive. These sessions not only supported children’s early development but also empowered mothers with confidence, friendships, and access to wider services. Through these initiatives in 2024, HEYA has strengthened its role as a trusted support system for Arab women in Nottingham. We have created safe, empowering spaces, addressed urgent needs during crises, and championed the voices of women from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. Our vision is to establish a permanent Arab Community Centre in Nottingham, providing a long-term hub for cultural exchange, integration, and women’s empowerment. Sports, Physical Activity, and Wellbeing (Sports England Collaboration) In 2024, HEYA partnered with Sports England to promote physical activity and wellbeing among Arab women in Nottingham. Many women face cultural, language, and social barriers that make it difficult to access mainstream sports and fitness opportunities. HEYA addressed these challenges by organizing women-only sessions, including gym workouts, swimming lessons, and group exercise activities. These sessions provided a safe and supportive environment where women could improve their physical health, gain confidence, and connect with others in the community. Activities were tailored to different fitness levels and encouraged participation through fun, inclusive, and culturally sensitive approaches. Through this partnership, HEYA not only improved health and wellbeing but also helped women develop long-term healthy habits, increase social connections, and feel more confident engaging in public sports and leisure spaces.

Our key stakeholders include our directors, who meet regularly to strategize and secure funding for our projects. However, our major stakeholders are the vulnerable service users from Arab and African backgrounds living in our local communities. We hold meetings once a month to discuss and shape the direction of our organization. As many of our stakeholders are volunteers actively involved in our projects, we consult every last Friday of the month to identify and address key areas of need. This regular engagement ensures our initiatives are effectively tailored to the needs of our community.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration