Spotlight on Family Voice
Connecting with Compassion, Creativity, and Community
"We believe that when people feel safe they naturally create healthy, supportive and resilient communities." — Kate West
Last week, I was delighted to visit Kate, Nasim and the community at Family Voice, I had the privilege of experiencing a community that exemplifies the essence of Project Ignite. Hosted at Ammi’s Kitchen, a vibrant space buzzing with energy, it was clear that this charity’s heart lies in its people – their stories, their strengths, and the connections they’re forging.
Kate, Nasim and and Janine work together as Co-Directors with a dedicated team at Family Voice. They are champions of building trust and creating peaceful, safe spaces where individuals can be their authentic selves. Their approach is about more than just providing services; it’s about nurturing well-being, cultivating empathy, and empowering those who need it most. The community they’re building is one rooted in shared purpose, where people feel they belong and come together to create something much bigger than the sum of its parts.
What Makes Family Voice Special?
Family Voice stands as a beacon for empowerment, with their focus on connection as the foundation for everything they do. From women’s art courses that provide not just a creative outlet but a space for personal growth, to their unwavering support for those facing trauma and isolation, Family Voice embodies the core principles of Project Ignite:
Kindness and Compassion: The Family Voice community is absolutely focused on creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This has been a key factor in their success in building meaningful, lasting relationships that transform women’s quality of life.
Creativity: Whether through art or problem-solving, Family Voice encourages everyone to tap into their creative potential. This not only helps individuals express themselves but also sparks innovation and wealth within the community.
Community Building: At the core of Family Voice is a network of individuals dedicated to uplifting one another. As Kate puts it, "We believe that when people feel safe, they naturally build healthy, supportive, and resilient communities. Our food social enterprise celebrates the strength of women and honours the extraordinary culinary skills passed down through generations." This approach strongly aligns with Project Ignite’s mission of recognising and nurturing the inherent strengths within every individual.
A Conversation About Change
As I sat down with Kate, the conversation naturally gravitated towards the challenges communities face in securing funding while maintaining their independence and authenticity. Kate spoke passionately about the dynamics of funding models that turn human connection into a business transaction, which often leaves communities feeling undervalued and overburdened.
This is where Project Ignite aligns seamlessly with Family Voice’s philosophy: we are not looking to impose solutions from above, but to support community-led change, where the wisdom of those closest to the issue is the driving force. Family Voice’s work exemplifies this approach perfectly, proving that when communities are trusted to lead, they can create something extraordinary with minimal financial resources. Family Voice works with 350 local migrant women with what adds up to less than 3 full-time-equivalent (fte) jobs.
Reflections on Community and Connection
One of the key takeaways from my visit was a story Kate shared about two women who met through Family Voice’s English classes. Despite coming from very different backgrounds, they formed a lasting bond, supporting each other, for the last 13 years, through life’s ups and downs. This connection, built on shared values and mutual respect, is a testament to the power of communities that value kindness, compassion, and creativity above all.
It’s these small acts of connection, often unseen and uncelebrated, that make a difference in people’s lives and transform communities.
Project Ignite and Family Voice: A Shared Vision
Family Voice’s work is a perfect example of how the principles of Project Ignite can be brought to life in Sheffield. By embracing local agency, focusing on authentic relationships, and encouraging organic growth, this team are creating an environment where people can thrive, not through top-down solutions but through their own collective wisdom.
The next steps for Project Ignite are clear: we must continue to build on these kinds of grassroots efforts, support communities like Family Voice, and amplify their work to reach even more people. Through shared stories, mutual support, and a commitment to kindness and creativity, we can ignite something powerful in Sheffield that will ripple out to transform lives.
How You Can Get Involved
Share the Message: Talk to your friends about the incredible work being done at Family Voice. Let them know how they can support the movement for positive change.
Join the Conversation: Get involved in Project Ignite by connecting us with community builders in your neighbourhood.
Donate or Volunteer: Consider supporting Family Voice with your time, skills, or donations to help them continue their vital work on https://localgiving.org/charity/familyvoicesheffield / 07951510366 / info@familyvoicesheffield.org
Together, let’s continue to unite hearts and ignite change in Sheffield. Through connection, compassion, and creativity, we can build a future where everyone thrives.
Kind regards,
Brian Mosley
Founder, Love Sheffield & Project Ignite
Author of "Uniting Hearts, Igniting Change"