Coffee and Carrom – Men’s Wellbeing

We’re absolutely delighted to announce the launch of Coffee and Carrom, a brand new monthly gathering designed specifically for men in our community who are looking for a relaxed, supportive space to connect, share, and simply be themselves.

Starting this month, we’re inviting you to join us for an evening that combines the timeless joy of Carrom with meaningful conversation, delicious food, and genuine connection. Whether you’re a Carrom champion or haven’t played since childhood, everyone is welcome at our table.

More Than Just a Game

We know that talking about how we’re really doing isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve created an environment where conversations can flow naturally over the strike of a striker and the friendly competition of the board. Coffee and Carrom isn’t just about winning matches – it’s about creating a safe space where South Asian men can open up about life’s challenges, share experiences, and support one another without judgment.

Mental health and wellbeing in our community matters deeply, and sometimes the best conversations happen when our hands are busy and the pressure is off. Over a warm meal and the satisfying click of Carrom pieces, we’re building a community where you can laugh, compete, vent, celebrate, and know that you’re among friends who understand.

What to Expect

Each monthly gathering will feature multiple Carrom boards, plenty of coffee and refreshments, and a shared dinner that brings us together around the table. Come solo or bring a friend – either way, you’ll leave with new connections and a lighter heart.

This is peer support at its most organic: no formal structure, no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with, just genuine human connection and the reminder that you’re not alone in whatever you’re facing.

Join Us

South Asian men’s health matters. Your wellbeing matters. And we believe that creating spaces for authentic connection is one small but powerful step toward building a healthier, more supported community.

Keep an eye on our website and social media for dates and times for our monthly Coffee and Carrom gathering. We can’t wait to see you there, striker in hand, ready to connect.

Community Regeneration Capital Grant Award

We are absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news with our community! On 26 March, Yuvanis was awarded funding as part of the Community Regeneration Capital Grants Programme, marking a significant milestone in our journey to serve the people of Chadderton and beyond.

The award ceremony was truly a memorable occasion, bringing together a wonderful tapestry of organisations and individuals who share our vision of creating positive change across Oldham. The energy in the room was electric as we celebrated not just our own success, but the collective commitment of so many passionate people dedicated to strengthening our communities.

A New Home for Our Young People

This exciting funding will enable us to establish a brand new dedicated youth centre right here in Chadderton. We’ve listened to our young people, and we know how important it is for them to have a space they can truly call their own. This centre will be more than just a building—it will be a safe haven where young people can explore their potential, develop new skills, build lasting friendships, and receive the support they need to thrive.

A Community Café for Everyone

Alongside our youth centre, we’ll be creating a welcoming community café—a warm and inclusive space where everyone can find belonging, comfort, and support. Whether you’re looking for a friendly chat over a cup of tea, seeking advice, or simply want to connect with your neighbours, our café will be here for you. We believe that communities are built on connection, and this café will be a hub where relationships can flourish.

Our CEO Zakir said, “None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of some truly dedicated individuals. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Councillors Arooj Shah, Elaine Taylor, Nazrul Islam, and Mohon Ali for believing in our vision and championing our cause. Special recognition also goes to Action Together, whose partnership has been invaluable throughout this journey.”

Their meaningful investment of time, effort, and resources in our community demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together with shared purpose. This is investment where it truly matters—directly into the heart of our community, benefiting real people and creating lasting positive change.

We can’t wait to share more updates as this exciting project develops. Together, we’re building something special in Chadderton!

King’s Award for Voluntary Service Presentation

On Monday 29 April, Yuvanis Foundation was officially presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service during a prestigious ceremony at The Monastery, Manchester. This award — the highest honour given to local volunteer groups across the UK — recognises the outstanding contribution of our volunteers to the lives of individuals and families across Greater Manchester.

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Mental Health Inequalities

We all have mental health needs – and we all face challenges

Mental health impacts everyone, regardless of background or life path. However, the risk of facing mental health challenges is not the same for everyone. Our mental well-being is shaped not only by our biology but also by the circumstances we are born into, the environments we grow up in, and the conditions in which we live and age. For those facing significant social or economic hardships, the risks to mental health are particularly high. These disparities are what we refer to as mental health inequalities.

At Yuvanis Foundation, we are dedicated to tackling these inequalities head-on. Our work is guided by a clear understanding: addressing social disparities is crucial in reducing the prevalence of mental health issues. We see a pressing need for cross-sectoral action to advance mental wellbeing across our communities.

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Empowering South-Asian Men

In response to community needs, Yuvanis Foundation has established a unique, dedicated hub focused on men’s empowerment, with the mission of supporting men in leading fulfilling, healthy lives. Recognising that men’s mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing are often underserved areas, the foundation has taken a comprehensive initiative dedicated to reducing health disparities among South Asian men in our community. This hub is designed as a space for men to access a holistic range of resources, programs, and support networks aimed at improving physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

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Wellbeing Hubs Launch

Yuvanis Foundation has been a cornerstone of community support in Oldham for many years, offering a diverse range of activities aimed at improving the lives of all sections of the community. Drawing from years of experience and feedback from beneficiaries, the foundation is proud to announce the launch of its new initiative: Wellbeing Hubs.

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Yuvanis Youth Centres

Yuvanis is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest initiative, Yuvanis Youth Centres, aimed at providing safe spaces and meaningful activities for young people. With the closure of government-funded youth centres leaving a void for over a decade, Yuvanis is stepping in to fill this gap and offer opportunities for young individuals to engage in positive activities away from anti-social behaviour.

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Empowering Girls Through STEM Play

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our latest initiative aimed at inspiring and empowering girls in the fascinating realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, andMathematics (STEM). With generous funding and capacity support from First Choice Homes Oldham’ s (FCHO) ROCA Grant, we held our first STEM Play day for girls on 21 February 2024. As advocates for gender equality in STEM fields, we believe it’s crucial to nurture interest and confidence in these areas from a young age. That’s why we’re introducing our STEM-based play initiative, designed specifically to ignite curiosity and foster a love for science and technology among young girls.

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