New multi-cultural women's group launched at gurdwara

The new group was officially launched by the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner

A multi-cultural women's support group has been launched in Shropshire.

It will be based at a new £2.5m Sikh temple inside former tax offices in Priorslee, Telford.

Volunteer Kuldip Sidhu said after a couple of unsuccessful attempts to get the group started, the new premises should make a big difference.

The building was converted with funding from Telford and Wrekin Council and has replaced a smaller gurdwara in Oakengates.

Volunteer Inderjit Singh Gill said the old premises were small and the people using them felt "quite hampered by the facilities".

The new gurdwara was larger, had a car park, inside toilets and was not surrounded by neighbours, allowing large ceremonies to take place without disturbing anyone, the group said.

It also had kitchens able to cater for 1,000 people a week and housed a food bank, warm space and teaching space, making it a better venue for groups like the one for women in Telford, he said.

Kuldip Sidhu said there were several unsuccessful previous attempts to set up a women's group

The women's group has about 40 members, including Kuldip Sidhu, who said it was a place to talk and share problems.

She said: "Since Covid I think mental wellbeing is a really big focus."

The women behind the group said they tried several times to set one up without success but hoped the new gurdwara would make the difference this time.

Almas Mansural said she wanted women of all backgrounds to know there was help available

Almas Mansural, another member, said it was open to all cultures and added: "The main focus is socialisation, it's getting people to come out to understand that there is a support network here."

Amarjit K Bansi joined because she said she lived nearby and added: "It's a good place to be, you'll be at peace, and brings you happiness and a bit of exercise and at the end you've got food, what else do you want?"

Amarjit K Bansi said the new gurdwara was peaceful

The new gurdwara was officially opened by the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire Anna Turner and will open throughout the week, between 07:00 and 18:00.