Building the confidence and capacity of minority ethnic women is at the heart of this project.

Language barriers, low income levels and not knowing what’s available are some of the common issues. It is widely acknowledged that minority ethnic elderly women suffer from greater levels of ill health such as diabetes and arthritis and come up against a variety of barriers in accessing health and social care provision.

Improving the quality of life of women is a priority for Hamara and is to be achieved by focusing on four main areas:

• Training and education
• Advice and information
• Social and leisure activities
• Preventative ill health measures

Current activities offered to women by Hamara include a walking group, yoga and pilates.

Hamara are starting a new project called Leeds Muslim Womens Forum, this is a unique volunteering opportunity and will give the muslim women of Leeds a platform to raise their concerns and issues. If this is something you are interested in then please give Hamara a call.

The walking group has gone from strength to strength and now attracts over 30 people for the regular walks.

The walks have two levels, easy and harder, and are adapted to the abilities of the participants. Originally set up for Asian men the group now attracts both men and women from all sections of the community. The project has been used as an example of good practice, in attracting difficult to reach groups.

Yoga and pilates are designed for people of all ages and abilities.

These two gentle exercises work on the entire body; they tone muscles and also work the entire system within the body (eg. heart, liver, nervous system, kidneys etc) so is therefore also a great means of preventing illness and boosting the immunity system. The posture work in these two exercises is excellent for those who suffer from back pain and inverted postures as the techniques if carried out correctly help improve circulation.  Yoga and pilates can also help reduce stress by using relaxation techniques, help improve concentration and balance between mind, body and spirit.

Chair based aerobics are geared toward those who have physical limitations that make traditional exercising difficult.

Benefits of this program if practised two or three times a week include:

•  Strengthened heart and lungs.
•  Lower blood pressure.
•  Improved circulation, flexibility and co-ordination.
•  Increased stamina and muscle strength.
•  Enhanced sense of well being and reduces susceptibility to depression.
•  Activity includes upper and lower bodywork using the bodies own weight or hand weights and bands.

We offer many services for women at Hamara.

Services available to women at Hamara include:

• Information and Advice
• Health Promotion
• Luncheon Club
• Physical Activities
• Gym
• Walking Group
• Outings / Leisure Activities
• Citizen’s Advice Bureau
• ESOL
• Community café
• Welfare / Benefits Advice