Manchester Breaking Boundaries Community partner Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara

Breaking Boundaries is a three-year programme (2018 –2021) funded by Spirit of 2012, supported by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and The Institute of Community Cohesion (Icoco).

Manchester Breaking Boundaries Community partner Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara talk about their experiences of 2020.

1. What services does your organisation provide to your key city?   The Gurdwara is a faith centre for Sikh worshippers. The services that are provided to its members are faith activities, fitness activities, also Stretford High School offered additional lessons on Friday evening to children delivering Maths and English. The Gurdwara has a Langar (food distribution) twice a week.

 

2. How has your service delivery changed this year, what new challenges have you faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic?

Due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions the Gurdwara have been unable to provide the langar at the premises instead have been distributing these to the venerable and people who have been self-isolating. As well as providing takeaway meals. Stretford High School has been unable to deliver tuition due to the restrictions and sees to offer after school activities. As the Gurdwara has been closed due to social distancing the Gurdwara has started its own YouTube Channel, where prayers and activities have been delivered.

3. How has your organisation worked with the Breaking Boundaries team this year to ensure social connectedness and cohesion have been delivered?

Due to Covid 19 activities were limited although Community Champions have had online leadership training. The team have been very helpful in keeping contact with us throughout the pandemic and offering various activities to keep our community engaged and providing online fitness sessions.

4. How has that delivery of social connection and cohesion had to change this year?

We have had to change the way we contact our members as a lot more emails and WhatsApp group have been set up to deliver our messages and stay connected with the community.  More communication has been online instead of physical presence.

5. If you could summarize your experience this year on the Breaking Boundaries project in three words, what would they be?

Engagement, Informed, Appreciative.