Yaran Club
2
The Pitch
Problem statement
Yaran club is a non-profit constituted organisation and we help Farsi speaking women(Afghan, Iranian, Kurdish, Tajik) who suffer from some sort of mental health problems. They usually are asylum seekers or refugees who suffer from isolation, depression or domestic violence and most of them can't speak English. Working in adult social services for 15 years and now working as an Interpreter for Farsi speaking people in mental health services in Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Haringey and Harrow boroughs I have identified the huge need for centers and opportunities so that the Farsi speaking women whose lives have been affected by Covid more than before to get together and come out of isolation.
Solution
In Yaran we give them the opportunity to make friends and help them to build up their confidence and to recognise their abilities and strengths. We arrange exercise & dancing, English language, Therapeutic art and mindfulness and wellbeing sessions for them every week. All our classes are facilitated by experienced and skilled teachers in the field. By helping our beneficiaries to have activities outside home we have been witnessing them coming out of depression and to build up a routine which has enhanced their wellbeing and self confidence . Our volunteers and teachers are women who have suffered from mental health issues themselves and have an understanding of the problems.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
We truly believe that Yaran Club is a unique project for Farsi speaking women. We are independent and we have no partner agencies. The services are free. We started the project in June 2021 with only 3 beneficiaries. Currently we have over 70 registered women on our books and an average of 30 women come to the club every week. The numbers have increased by word of mouth and our beneficiaries recommendation to other women. Our project is an amazing and successful project that as the beneficiaries have quoted themselves has been life changing for them.. One of our goals is to bring down the number of mental health referrals and to help people gain confidence to join the job market again.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Rent £22.00 x 6 Hours+£8.00( use of kitchen) x 13 Weeks | £1,820 |
| English teacher £50.00 x 13 Weeks | £650 |
| Therapeutic Art( pottery ) teacher £50.00 x 13 Weeks | £650 |
| Mindfulness & Wellbeing Coach £50.00 x 13 Weeks | £650 |
| Exercise and dancing teacher | £450 |
| 2 Volunteers 2 x £15 x 13 Weeks | £390 |
| Refreshments £30.00 x 13 Weeks | £390 |
Beneficiaries
40 people
Expected impact
Beneficiaries will make friends.Beneficiaries will reconnect with activities and people they are familiar with.Beneficiaries will build a daily routine which enhances wellbeing and helps them to safeguard themselves.Beneficiaries start to complete activities outside of their home.Beneficiaries will be able to make informed decisions. Beneficiaries will have increased confidence.Beneficiaries will come out of isolation and depression.Beneficiaries will learn how to seek help when they are being abused.Beneficiaries will be able to utilise their skills and would be able to seek paid work.Beneficiaries will be able to share their problems with one of the volunteers and to be sign posted to appropriate support services. Beneficiaries will gain motivation to set goals for their life and work towards their goals.Beneficiaries will have a very positive outlook towards life.Beneficiaries will realise that they are not alone and we support them.
Track record
Since the beginning of our project the beneficiaries have gained confidence to be in the community and with other people. Before they wouldn't come out of home. They take more care in their appearance and try to look nice and tidy. They are more responsive towards their teachers and they now join the classes. Their contribution in pottery and they make beautiful objects with clay. They now join the exercise sessions and they are using their muscles and body more and they enjoy the dancing session at the end of the exercise classes. They are more keen to follow the rules and routines. They can now make group decisions rather than making individual choices. More people are joining the English class now and their English has improved very much. In the beginning of the project some of the women felt overwhelmed and stress to join in any activity but that has changed now. They are very appreciative towards what we plan for them.