Eid Mubarak to everyone who is celebrating!
In March, for the second year, Community Action supported our local Muslim VCSE groups to host a Community Iftar - a festive celebration of Islamic culture and faith. Open to people from all walks of life, the event focused on embedding unity and celebration. This year, attendees were also invited to experience dry fasting (no food or drink) for the day leading up to the Iftar.
Brett Sentance, one of our Derby Wellbeing team leads, has written a piece reflecting on this year's event, which you can read below.
"I was very grateful for being invited to the Community Iftar again this year as I attended my first one this time last year, which was such a humbling and wonderful experience.
It was the same this year too, at the Pakistani Community Centre, where the room was all set out very beautifully and real attention was paid to the room in that way which made it very inviting again for anyone who was fortunate to come along.
There was a good representation of people from across various communities again like last year, and the scene was set very well for those that may have a limited understanding of Ramadan and what the evening was all about. A real celebration of communities coming together for a few hours to eat and pray in the same room, powerful stuff indeed.
Food was also central to the whole evening, and we all ate at the time of the sun setting and the ending of the fast for those that were disciplined enough to do so in support of those that do this every year. Again, like last year, the food was amazing and shared with everyone, some even took food home!
The strong message that came through for me was about how we can come together from diverse backgrounds and celebrate each other, as well as work with each other, to strengthen the bond between us all and serve communities in a way that is respectful and honouring.
A very spiritual experience that has landed and will stay with me for the rest of the 2024."
Here are some photos from the event:
Above - Members of our DHIP (Derby Health Inequalities Partnership) team enjoying the event
Above - Members of our DE23 Active team enjoying the event
Above - Community Action's Deputy CEO Ejaz (left), CEO Kim (2nd left) and Specialist Projects Manager - Tackling Inequalities Amjad (right), with guests
Above - Community Action's Vice Chair Roger Dale (centre) with guests
Above - Community Action's Resource Officer Stef Jowle enjoying the event with her husband
