Story: Lisa Swift
Mothers in Burngreave have decided to take action in their community, following the deaths of young men from the Somali community over the last year.
Supported by Burngreave-based women's organisation, Rite Turn, the new Mothers of Burngreave Network will be holding sessions at Verdon Recreation Centre for local mothers and their children.
The Messenger spoke to one of the mothers from the Network's committee, who told us why the group had started:
“We felt nothing was going on for our young people. There are lots of of community groups around, but they are not doing anything. Ever since the first Somali child died we have been asking for help, but nothing happened, so now we are doing it ourselves.”
The group is led by Somali mothers, but they are keen to encourage mothers from any background to get involved. The aim of the group is to provide activities that mothers and children can do together.
It's early days, but the committee has lots of ideas of what to do next.
“We want to have activities that help with education, health and employment. It can also be about socialising and cultural activities. We only started the group in December, so we are still gathering ideas.”
Mona Yusef, director of Rite Turn, said,
“We met the mothers at our centre on Spital Lane, where we help women into employment, through confidence building and self development. We have offered to help them set up the Network, but it is important that it is something the mothers control for themselves.”
The group is meeting every Saturday at 4pm at Rite Turn on Spital Lane. Youth Programme at Verdon Recreation Centre on Monday and Thursday evenings. To find out more contact 0114 3216563