New multicultural women’s group launched at gurdwara

A multicultural women’s support group has been launched in Shropshire.

It will be based in a new £2.5m Sikh temple in the former tax office in Priorsleigh, Telford.

Volunteer Kuldip Sidhu said after several failed attempts to start a group, the new facility should make a big difference.

The building was refurbished with funding from Telford and Wrekin Council and replaced a small gurdwara in Oakengates.

Volunteer Inderjit Singh Gill said the old site was small and the people using it felt “quite disturbed by the facilities”.

The new gurdwara was larger, had parking, toilets and was not surrounded by neighbours, so large ceremonies could be held without disturbing anyone, the organization said.

It also has a kitchen that can feed 1,000 people a week, a food bank, warming space and education space, making it a better venue for groups like Telford’s women’s group, he said. said.

The women’s group has about 40 members, including Kuldip Sidhu, who said it is a place to talk and share problems.

She said: “I think mental health has become a really big focus since COVID.”

The women behind the group said they had made several attempts to start the group without success, but this time they hope the new gurdwara will bring about change.

Another member, Almas Mansral, said the organization is open to all cultures, adding: “The main focus is socialization and making people understand that there is a support network here.” he added.

Amarjit K. Bansi attended because he lives nearby, adding: “This is a good place, it gives me peace, it brings me happiness, I get a little exercise, I have food in the end, what else do I do?” Do you want it? ”

The new Gurudwara was officially opened by Shropshire’s Lord Lieutenant Anna Turner and will be open from 07:00 to 18:00 throughout the week.