Spotlight on Mums United

Empowering Sheffield’s Most Vulnerable: Combatting Youth Violence and Exploitation.

Today, I had the privilege of spending time with my friend, Sahira Irshad, and the wonderful team at Mums United. Located in a community facing challenges like youth violence and the devastating effects of the drug trade, Mums United stands as a beacon of hope, offering support through connection, creativity, and genuine care. The work being done here is a shining example of Project Ignite in action, and I wanted to share their inspiring journey with you.

Creating a Safe Space for Connection and Empowerment

Mums United was born out of necessity. Sahira’s personal journey started with a deep concern for the safety of children in her community—many as young as nine or ten involved in drug dealing and gang activities. When her concerns were dismissed, she took action, creating a space where people could gather, connect, and rise above these challenges.

The team at Mums United focuses on youth programs, community meals, and even activities like boxing and yoga, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and safety. By addressing the underlying issues of trauma and resilience, Mums United is building a foundation of self-reliance and long-term change.

Their asset-based approach reflects the core of Project Ignite: looking at what’s already strong within the community and building upon it, rather than focusing on deficits.

A Place to Be Seen, Heard, and Supported

The heart of Mums United lies in its focus on empowering people through connection. Whether it’s mothers coming together to share experiences, young people finding their voice, or community members getting involved in projects like "KNIVES: BROKEN LIVES" the value of genuine, human connection is clear.

Sahira shared with me how important it is to create an environment where no one is judged, and everyone has the chance to contribute. This aligns deeply with Project Ignite’s principle that every individual has something of value to offer.

Sustainability: Building for the Long Term

One of the core principles of Mums United is sustainability. While their work is powered by love and community support, it’s also grounded in the recognition that for real transformation to occur, long-term solutions must be in place. The charity shop and gym downstairs are examples of how Mums United is working to become more self-sufficient, though like many grassroots organisations, they face financial challenges.

During my conversation with Dave, who has a workspace above Mums United, he shared how, over time, he realised he was forming strong friendships with the community. His passion for writing and filmmaking led him to create a short documentary about knife crime, told from the perspective of an ordinary kid who becomes a random victim. The film was even recognised and shown at the Showroom Cinema in Sheffield. Dave explained that becoming a trustee of Mums United was a natural progression of these friendships and his desire to contribute to the community in a meaningful way.

The challenge of sustaining Mums United’s work came up in my conversation with Desmond too. Desmond works with Dave, he’s a creative fashion entrepreneur, is deeply involved in supporting the young people at Mums United. During my visit, they were working on a fashion design project, creating custom trainer designs and other fashion pieces. Desmond’s active role as a volunteer with the kids, guiding them through their entrepreneurial ideas, is a powerful example of how these young entrepreneurs are connected with the community through service. It’s remarkable that their talents aren’t more widely recognised in Sheffield—they’re an inspiring group, and Project Ignite will help bring their contributions into the spotlight, supporting a future where creativity and entrepreneurship can thrive.

Harun’s Heartfelt Commitment to the Vulnerable

I was deeply moved by my conversation with Harun, who runs a CIC called Unity Outreach and is deeply committed to supporting Sheffield’s most vulnerable. Harun’s work focuses on providing essential services to rough sleepers, distributing food like sandwiches, tea, and coffee, and offering vital life skills, including cooking and budgeting, in partnership with the Salvation Army.

What struck me most about Harun was his profound empathy for the people he serves. It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about restoring their dignity, offering them hope, and showing them that they are seen and valued. In a world where society often overlooks those most in need, Harun’s compassionate approach to homeless outreach is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection.

He shared how crucial it is to understand the complexities behind homelessness, recognising that each person has their own story and needs. Harun’s work epitomises what Project Ignite is all about: creating space for connection, where people feel seen and heard, regardless of their circumstances.

Aligning with Project Ignite Principles

Mums United's work resonates deeply with the values of Project Ignite. Here’s how:

• Asset-Based Approach: They build on the existing strengths within the community, empowering individuals to take charge of their own futures.

• Emphasis on Connection: Mums United fosters authentic relationships that break down isolation and empower change.

• Kindness, Compassion, and Creativity: These are the foundation of their work, ensuring every interaction is grounded in empathy.

• Long-Term Vision: They’re not looking for quick solutions—they’re investing in sustainable change.

What’s Next for Mums United and Project Ignite?

As Mums United continues to grow, I see incredible potential for collaboration within the Love Sheffield community. By sharing stories like Sahira’s and supporting grassroots projects, we can amplify the impact of initiatives like Mums United across Sheffield.

Are you ready to contribute to a community that values connection, compassion, and creativity? Whether through volunteering, supporting Mums United's initiatives, or simply spreading the word about their work, every action makes a difference.

Let’s continue to ignite change across Sheffield, one connection at a time. If you know someone in your community who is making a positive impact, let us know! Together, we can create a city that thrives on kindness and collaboration.

Thanks for reading! Let’s keep igniting change, one spark at a time.

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Kind regards,
Brian Mosley
Founder, Love Sheffield & Project Ignite
Author of "Uniting Hearts, Igniting Change"