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Saheli Hub wins prestigious ‘Building Inclusive Communities’ award at national award ceremony

Saheli Hub wins prestigious Building Inclusive Communities Award at the Locality Awards ‘24 ceremony in Manchester.

  • Saheli Hub run services to tackle health inequalities among ethnically diverse women in Balsall Heath in Birmingham.
  • Prize winners received a trophy and £1,000 cash prize to invest into their community. 
  • The Locality Awards ’24 Ceremony took place during Locality Convention’ 24 – the biggest community sector event of the year. 

On 12 November 2024, Saheli Hub wins Building Inclusive Communities Award at the annual Locality Awards in Manchester. The Locality Awards recognise and celebrate the impact and innovation shown by local community organisations and charities across the country. 

Supported by Howden Insurance, this award celebrates a community organisation that supports diverse groups of people and creates inclusive spaces.

Saheli Hub run services to tackle health inequalities among ethnically diverse women in Balsall Heath in Birmingham. One example being their Try-athlon which helps people “try” things outside their comfort zone. 

Naseem Akhtar, CEO of Saheli Hub said: “It was an honour to be nominated for a national award among so many other great projects, but to actually win this award has shown that our work has reach well beyond our city, across the whole country. Our community will be proud that we’ve won this! As a women’s led organisation, it’s a real pat on the back after battling for two decades – showing we can lead, showing things can be done differently, in culturally appropriate ways. Women’s groups are proven to work in some communities. We give women the stepping stones to be who they want to be; become who they want to become.

There are many organisations filling in the gap in provision, helping people with mental health, supporting people to get fitter and healthier. We have unsung heroes in our communities, and awards like this demonstrate the impact they’re having”

Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Locality said: “Congratulations to Saheli Hub for winning the Building Inclusive Communities Award. At Locality, we believe in the transformative power of community organisations. Saheli Hub embody this.  There’s no denying the challenges we face as a sector and as a country, but there is also a real sense of optimism that things can change for the better. We’re calling on the new government to make sure community organisations have the power, support and resources they need to drive lasting and meaningful change”.

The Locality Awards 2024 were a highlight of the Locality Convention, the community sector’s largest annual event. This year’s event brought together key voices from the community sector and beyond to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing community organisations under the new government, from expanding devolved powers and increasing community ownership, to practical sessions on energy efficiency, fundraising, and succession planning. Featured speakers included Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester), Phil Chamberlain (England Director, National Lottery Community Fund), and Tony Armstrong (CEO, Locality). 

For more information or to request interviews please contact: 

Lewis Garland, Content and Media Officer at Locality, le***********@**********rg.uk, 07717367782 

About Locality 

Locality supports local community organisations to be strong and successful. Our national network of over 1,800 members helps hundreds of thousands of people every week. We offer specialist advice, peer learning and campaign with members for a fairer society. Together we unlock the power of community.

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