Growing up in Firvale and experienced firsthand the lack of support available to friends and family. As an economic migrant, her father along with other ex-steelworkers decided to set up something that really helped their community. After studying Applied Social Sciences at university, Gulnaz began a career in community development work but had always volunteered at the hub, and is now the CEO of Firvale Community Hub as well as a commissioner on the Independent Sheffield Race Equality Commission.
Key Fund invested £250k to Firvale Community Hub to cover building purchase costs.
Who
Located amongst the 3% most deprived areas in the UK, Firvale Community Hub provides unemployment support, education and training, health and well-being services and community advocacy.
Working primarily with migrants from Eastern Europe and Muslim communities, promoting community cohesion, and is a founding member of the Sheffield Roma Network.
From a front room in the 1960s, to becoming the Pakistani Advice and Community Association in 2013; Firvale Community Hub was renamed in 2017 to reflect the increasing cultural diversity in the area.
The Challenge
With a very diverse community, there is often struggle gaining access to support or resources because of misunderstandings around cultures.
The Community Hub was run out of rented premises which restricted their expansion.
