Himmah is a Nottingham-based grassroots organisation tackling poverty, racism and educational inequality through a deeply embedded neighbourhood model. Working across Hyson Green, Radford, Sneinton and St Ann’s, the organisation combines emergency relief with long term empowerment, acting as a trusted local anchor.
As Himmah explains, its ethos is rooted in “compassion, service and justice,” ensuring that immediate needs are met while addressing the structural causes of hardship.
Operating directly within the communities most affected by deprivation enables Himmah to reach residents who might otherwise fall through service gaps. This proximity builds strong, trust-based relationships – an essential benefit of neighbourhood working. Himmah emphasises that being “locally embedded” makes support accessible and inclusive, and many volunteers are former service users who now help shape and deliver services.
Their food poverty work illustrates this well. In 2023-24, the organisation distributed 13,053 food parcels, including 3,037 Halal parcels, and served 150 hot meals weekly through partnerships.
This great service allows people who have no money to have enough food to eat a decent meal
Framework Housing Association, referral partner
A key enabler is the breadth of Himmah’s partnerships. With 146 referral agencies, a community hub hosting over 20 grassroots groups, and collaborative projects across mental health, education, and racial justice, the organisation benefits from a rich ecosystem of shared expertise and supported referrals. By pooling resources, the organisation is able to offer a wide range of accessible services under one roof—reducing duplication, streamlining support, and ensuring residents receive holistic, joined up help.
Himmah’s collaborative model creates a single, trusted access point where people can receive food support, mental health guidance, educational opportunities, and community advocacy in one place. This shared space approach strengthens local resilience, enhances service continuity, and ensures that residents experience support as seamless, dignified, and community led.
Find out more about the work of Himmah here
