Strengthening Community Initiatives
By Suad Hassan
On 11th February 2025, SASCA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing together trustees, volunteers, and community members to review progress, discuss key issues, and outline future initiatives. The event featured a range of presentations and discussions on health outreach, volunteer contributions, and local council engagement.
The meeting which was facilitated by our esteemed board member Roger Bysouth, opened with a welcome from manager’s update from Mahdi Mahamed, who provided an overview of SASCA’s recent activities and ongoing projects. A key focus of the AGM was the health and outreach services provided by SASCA, with an update on initiatives aimed at improving community wellbeing and increasing access to essential support.
Volunteer experiences were shared, highlighting the contributions of those who have played a crucial role in delivering services and supporting local residents. This was followed by a presentation from Cllr Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, on how council policies and developments impact voluntary sector organizations in the neighbourhood.
Further discussions explored neighbourhood health projects in partnership with SASCA, along with opportunities for community members to get involved. A session dedicated to listening to the local community allowed attendees to share their perspectives, with small group discussions facilitating an exchange of ideas on how SASCA can better meet community needs. Trustees then gathered and reviewed key insights, ensuring that feedback would inform future strategies.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Roger Bysouth, reaffirming SASCA’s commitment to supporting the local community. Attendees were then invited to network over refreshments, reinforcing connections and exploring further collaboration opportunities.
The AGM provided a valuable platform for discussion and engagement, highlighting the collective efforts driving SASCA’s work and setting the stage for continued progress in the year ahead.
