“I feel happy when I see the smiles of people whose lives we’ve been able to make a difference to. It’s not about business or making money. Helping others and seeing positive changes in their lives is what I find fulfilling and motivating.” This is what Philomina Noel, founder of a voluntary organisation in Southall, told Around Ealing, during a visit to their new hub on the Havelock estate.

In 2020, Philomina founded Asian Community Concern (ACC), with an aim to support the social, economic, and educational development of ethnic minority communities in need.

During the pandemic, ACC set up food banks, distributed more than 3,000 face masks that were handmade for free, and provided emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse. Since last June, ACC has been serving the Havelock estate community by offering English language classes, exercise classes, health and wellbeing workshops, and mental health support. It’s able to do that thanks to Southall’s Open Havelock project and funding from the National Lottery Fund, which is aimed at supporting women’s wellbeing.

This pioneering project has transformed unused and neglected garages at the Havelock estate into vibrant spaces which house community schemes that foster connections and empower residents.

“ACC builds a relationship of love and trust with the people in need and provide counselling and advice to reach out the wider community,” said Philomina “Through training and education, ACC empowers the people to build their confidence, identity, and self-worth.”

Responding to diverse needs

“It’s a diverse population here in Southall,” she added. “There are many people from different cultures, including migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees with different needs. Doing community work is a challenge. It’s a deprived area, so getting people engaged is difficult.”

Philomina continued: “I accepted it and said to myself, ‘I am going to reach out to the community’, because that’s my passion – to provide a meaningful lifeline and to help people to engage, educate, and empower.”

ACC provides a warm and welcoming environment where local residents, particularly women, can build vital skills and regain confidence, offering:

• education – English language classes and career development advice
• opportunities to develop new skills and get moving, like sewing and exercise classes
• health and wellbeing support programmes to improve mental health and reduce loneliness
• domestic abuse support, offering survivors emotional care, practical advice, and connections to legal services

Making women feel safe and supported

ACC recognises that language is a significant barrier for many people in the community, and has responded to this by hosting English language classes for all. 

“English classes are incredibly important for women in underserved communities,” added Philomina. “These women often face restrictions – some are not allowed to leave their homes, go to work, or attend university. Their world is limited to household chores.

“But by reaching out to them and inviting them to spend just 2 hours in a class, we can make a significant difference in their lives. This small act can transform their daily routines. Engaging them with activities that lead to education is truly impactful. I believe that by educating a woman, we can educate her entire household”.

She recalled one case in particular: “I met one woman during a session and suggested she join the English classes. She agreed, and I also helped her find volunteer work at a local café. She lacked confidence and was afraid of facing people, but this work experience provided a supportive space for her to overcome her fear.”

Philomina continued: “She later wrote me a note to say: ‘Thank you ma’am, for bringing me out of fear to freedom.’ Hearing lovely feedback like that really drives me forward.”

Short-term spaces for long-term impact

ACC is just one of the initiatives that operates from Open Havelock – alongside organisations like Our Moving Stories.

A total of 36 former garages and 2,000 square meters of space have been repurposed into facilities like workshops, multi-purpose rooms, a community kitchen, children’s play areas, and storage. Peabody housing association is coordinating this project in partnership with Ealing Council, City Hall, and the Canal and River Trust, with significant input from the local community.

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “Open Havelock’s innovative use of neglected areas has enabled organisations to offer a range of services and programmes tailored to the needs of local residents. Initiatives like Asian Community Concern are a fantastic example of a community project responding to a local need innovatively and compassionately.

“If you have a businesses or project with a community focus, spaces like these offer the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact.”

Want to hire a space at Open Havelock? Contact junior.cheeseman@peabody.org.uk