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Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum

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Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum

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Visit www.smef.org.uk for all the latest news, events, photo galleries, useful research, reports and information

http://www.smef.org.uk/2017/03/29/smefs-official-promotional-video-is-out-now/

08/10/2026

🤝 Learning, sharing and connecting at the Surrey Community Action Charity Mash Up

SMEF was delighted to attend this year’s Surrey Community Action Charity Mash Up, bringing together charities and voluntary organisations from across Surrey.

It was a fantastic opportunity to meet people from a wide range of organisations, learn more about the work they are doing and make new connections.

The marketplace was buzzing, with organisations sharing information about their projects and services and plenty of opportunities for conversations and networking.

With six workshops to choose from, it was difficult to select just two!

The morning Volunteer Management workshop provided some really useful insight into recruiting and retaining volunteers, including some of the challenges organisations can unintentionally encounter.

The afternoon session, Purpose to Pounds, looked at creating an effective marketing strategy for fundraising and offered practical guidance that charities can take back and apply within their own organisations.

There was also a fantastic buffet lunch and plenty of time to connect with colleagues from across Surrey’s voluntary and community sector.

A huge thank you to the team at Surrey Community Action for creating such a warm, welcoming and informative event.

Days like this are a great opportunity to learn, share ideas and strengthen relationships across Surrey’s charity and community sector.

07/10/2026

A wonderful afternoon at the SMEF Annual Celebration 2026!

It was fantastic to bring together our members, community groups, young people, families, partners and friends for an afternoon of culture, creativity and community.

Our member groups brought the event to life with cultural stalls and activities including Indian Rangoli, Nepalese instruments and traditional tools, Bulgarian name-writing, Moroccan tea making, Afro-Caribbean drumming and henna. A real highlight was our Young People’s Art Exhibition, showcasing work from different minority ethnic communities, alongside a powerful video created by one of the young people involved. As Saba Khan, our CEO reflected on the day, communities bring with them different ways of seeing, as well as shared values. Culture gives us a way to celebrate who we are, whilst curiosity about each other, friendship and family connections build understanding, trust and stronger communities.

The afternoon was also a special opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Neelam Devesher MBE DL, SMEF’s Founder and former Chair. Heartfelt tributes from co-founders, members, partners and community leaders reflected on the huge impact she has had on SMEF. Neelam shared the story of SMEF’s beginnings, from early meetings at her home with co-founders Judi Linny and Raj Chhetri, to an organisation now supporting more than 80 community groups.

As Neelam reminded us: “Our members have always been the true strength of SMEF”
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed, spoke, volunteered and helped make the day so special. ❤️

07/10/2026

☕🍰 Coffee, cake and community spirit for a wonderful cause

SMEF was delighted to join the ladies at The Hive for the GRT Women’s Health Group’s Macmillan fundraiser coffee morning.

There was such a warm and friendly atmosphere, with plenty of smiles, great company and a fantastic sense of community.

From delicious cakes and baking to raffle prizes and generous donations, everyone played their part in making the morning a success.

And together, an amazing £335 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support! 💚
It was wonderful to see people coming together not only to support such an important cause, but also to spend time with one another, strengthen connections and enjoy being part of the community.

A huge thank you to everyone who organised the event, baked, donated, contributed prizes or supported the fundraiser in any way.

Thank you also for making us feel so welcome. SMEF was very pleased to be part of such a lovely morning and to support this fantastic community effort.

06/10/2026

🕯️ Standing together in solidarity with Nepal

Following the devastating floods in Nepal, the Camberley Nepalese Gurkha Association (CGNA) held a vigil outside Surrey Heath Borough Council on 5 September.

Members of the Nepalese community were joined by residents from across Surrey Heath to remember those affected, honour lives tragically impacted and stand alongside families facing loss and uncertainty.

For many people in Surrey, the tragedy is deeply personal, with relatives and loved ones in Nepal affected by the floods.

The vigil provided a quiet and respectful space for reflection, prayer and remembrance, while also giving the wider community an opportunity to show its support.

In times of tragedy, coming together matters. The gathering was a powerful reminder of the strength of community, compassion and solidarity.

SMEF stands with Surrey’s Nepalese community and with everyone whose lives have been affected.

🙏 If you would like to support people in Nepal who have lost their homes, loved ones or livelihoods, donations can be made through the Nepal Disaster Appeal Fund: https://moha.gov.np/en/post/ha-ra-tha-ka-apa-l-11

06/10/2026

🌼 Celebrating Onam with the Surrey Heath Malayalee Association

SMEF was delighted to join the Surrey Heath Malayalee Association’s Onam celebrations at Normandy Village Hall.

Onam is a very special festival for the Malayalee community, celebrating the harvest and the legendary return of King Mahabali. At its heart, it is about togetherness, happiness, tradition and community.

The day began outdoors with traditional games, including a very lively tug of war, with adults and children joining in and enjoying the celebrations together.
Afterwards, everyone gathered inside for a wonderful traditional lunch, with more than 16 delicious dishes beautifully served on banana leaves.

The celebrations continued with fantastic dance performances and beautiful songs, filling the hall with colour, laughter and joy. 🎶

Most of all, the day was marked by a genuine sense of warmth, hospitality and belonging.

At SMEF, we value opportunities to celebrate the many cultures and traditions that make Surrey such a diverse place. Events like this help communities to come together, build understanding and strengthen connections.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at the Surrey Heath Malayalee Association for the warm welcome and for such a memorable celebration. 💛

06/10/2026

☕ Connections over coffee

What can happen when 33 women from different faiths and cultures sit down together over a cup of tea or coffee?

A lot of conversation, laughter, learning and new connections. 💛

On Wednesday 23 September, Woking People of Faith, supported by Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF), welcomed women from across Woking to a ladies’ interfaith coffee morning at The Lightbox.

To get the conversations started, everyone was invited to meet someone they had not spoken to before from a different faith background and find:
🤝 Three things they had in common
🌍 Three things that were different

The activity quickly broke the ice and opened the door to some thoughtful and meaningful conversations.

Women spoke about everything from death and funeral rites in different faith traditions to family life, moving to a new country and the different journeys that had brought them to Woking.

The conversations then continued while the group explored The Lightbox galleries. The history of Woking exhibition was particularly popular, and many participants said they had learned things about their local area that they had never known before.

Several women told us they would definitely return to The Lightbox with friends and family.

And perhaps the best feedback of all?

Before the morning had even finished, many were already asking when the next coffee morning would be!

These gatherings are a simple but powerful way of creating space for people to meet, listen, learn and build friendships across faith and cultural differences.
We hope to hold our ladies’ interfaith coffee mornings twice a year, alongside many other interfaith events throughout the year.

📩 For information about future events, contact [email protected]

05/10/2026

💛 Faith communities come together for SMEF’s first Su***de Prevention training session

On 17 September, SMEF delivered the first session of our Faith Links Su***de Prevention Programme at the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking.

Faith leaders, safeguarding leads, pastoral workers, volunteers and representatives from faith settings across Surrey came together to build their knowledge and confidence around a subject that can often be very difficult to talk about.

The session explored how to recognise possible warning signs, start compassionate conversations about su***de, listen without judgement and know when and where to signpost someone for further support.

There was also important discussion around safeguarding, cultural and faith sensitivities, stigma and the role faith communities can play in creating safe and supportive spaces.

One participant said the most valuable part of the training was:
“Being given ‘permission’ to ask the question directly.”
Another said they left with:
“A clear plan when talking with someone who has suicidal thoughts.”

Participants also began thinking about what they could do within their own communities — from sharing the learning with leadership teams and updating referral information to raising awareness and arranging further training for staff and volunteers.

Faith communities are often among the first places people turn to when they are struggling. Giving those communities the confidence and tools to respond appropriately can make an important difference.
📢 Our next session is in Stanwell
📅 Wednesday 4 November
🕥 10.30am–2pm
📍 Stanwell Events, Cambria Gardens, Stanwell, Staines, TW19 7ER

The training is open to faith leaders, safeguarding leads, pastoral workers, trustees, staff and volunteers within Surrey faith communities.

Places are limited. To register, email [email protected]

***dePrevention

04/10/2026

🌊 A day by the sea with the Trust Project

The Trust Project recently took some of our clients on a special day trip to Littlehampton for a relaxing picnic by the sea.

For many of the ladies, it was a rare opportunity to enjoy some precious time for themselves, away from children, everyday responsibilities and the pressures of daily life.

Once we arrived, everyone settled by the sea, enjoyed their lunches and snack bags, dipped their feet in the water, went for a leisurely walk and simply had time to relax, chat and enjoy being together. 💛

It was lovely to see everyone unwind, laugh and enjoy the surroundings.
One of our clients told us:
“I had such a lovely time! The weather was perfect, the scenery was beautiful and I really enjoyed the coach journey. I also appreciated the lovely, packed bags of snacks… and how caring and thoughtful you were, always checking that everyone was okay and happy.”

She added:
“It was such a wonderful day, and I can't wait for you to organise another event or trip.”

We are incredibly grateful to Guildford Poyle Charities for their generous funding, which made the trip possible and gave our clients the opportunity to relax, connect and enjoy some well-deserved time away.

🌊 Sometimes, a little fresh air, good company and the sound of the sea can make all the difference.

04/10/2026

Many Hands Drop-in Sessions returns!

Our free weekly drop-in sessions are returning after a summer break and will continue to offer welcoming and supportive spaces for both men and women to improve their English, build confidence, and connect with others in a friendly environment. The sessions provide English lessons, job-readiness skills, and help with CV writing, along with opportunities to socialise. Alongside this, our women’s groups also offer Yoga and Zumba classes, as well as wellbeing workshops. No booking is required, and everyone is welcome; simply come and be involved!

For more information and timings of our upcoming session, please contact:
Rajan at [email protected] regarding the men’s group or
Pooja at [email protected] for our women’s groups in Redhill and Woking or
Yasmine at [email protected] for the groups in Staines and Camberley.

03/10/2026

Hidden Heroes: the stories we almost lost

Just one week into our interview programme, SMEF's Hidden Heroes project is already uncovering histories that mainstream Britain has long overlooked.

Over 2.5 million men from the Indian subcontinent served in the British Indian Army across WWI and WWII - the largest volunteer army in history. Yet when the wars ended, Indian soldiers received pensions set at colonial rates, a fraction of what their British counterparts received for the same sacrifice on the same battlefields. For some families, the medals earned at enormous personal cost never became heirlooms, they were sold simply to survive.

Equally surprising is the story of how these men were recruited in the first place. The British Army's "martial race" theory classified communities like Sikhs, Gurkhas, and Punjabis as naturally suited to combat. For many families with few economic alternatives, service within the British Army was the only option for survival during those times.

Within just two weeks, Hidden Heroes has shown us how much has been lost and how much is still waiting to be found.

Do you have a family connection to this history? We would love to hear from you. Contact SMEF at [email protected]

Pooja Patel
Community Links Officer, Many Hands 2

Address

Astolat, Coniers Way
Guildford
GU47HL

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://smef.org.uk/

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