The Bengali Workers’ Association (BWA), formerly known as the Bengali Workers’ Action Group, was established in 1976. Over the years, it has transformed from a small group of community activists residing in temporary portakabins. It has now become the largest community-led voluntary organization in Camden. Serving over 5,000 residents from diverse backgrounds, including those from Bangladesh, the BWA has become a significant presence in the community.
Since 1990, the BWA has been based at the Surma Community Centre, a multi-purpose building in London, UK. This venue has served as a central hub for the Bangladeshi community, hosting a wide range of social, cultural, and religious events.
For nearly three decades, the BWA has been a steadfast advocate for local communities, particularly the Bangladeshi community in Camden. The organization provides essential infrastructure support. It empowers local individuals to manage their lives more effectively and take greater responsibility for themselves and their communities. Through its initiatives and collaborations with partners and stakeholders, the BWA has witnessed the growth and development of local communities.
Vision
The vision of the Bengali Workers’ Association is of a thriving local Bangladeshi community and other Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Here, people can work, play, and learn. They can realize their full potential and make a positive contribution to their local and wider community.
Misson
The BWA is committed to improving the quality of life of the Bangladeshi community and other BME communities by encouraging their active participation in society.
Values
Bengali Workers’ Association (BWA)
- value all people from the local Bangladeshi community in Camden and neighboring boroughs.
- value all positive aspects of the Bangladeshi community and culture.
- value the active participation of local Bangladeshi residents, businesses, and community groups and the contributions they can make to organization, environment, and community.
- value a quality service provided in a flexible and adaptable manner that meets the needs of the Bangladeshi community.
- value encouraging local Bangladeshi residents’ active involvement and participation in decision-making processes.
- value respect for the principles of tolerance, honesty, integrity, trust, and decency.
Services
As a community anchor, the BWA provides services and support to help local people manage their lives more effectively and take greater responsibility for their communities. The services include:
Advice & Advocacy: Offer welfare benefits advice and advocacy services, providing welfare, housing, debt, and legal advice on an appointment basis, combined with a generic drop-in service.
Employment & Training: The employment service offers one-to-one support and advice to unemployed individuals seeking new employability skills, those looking for a career change, or those wanting to start a business.
Healthy Lifestyles: Offer a range of health-related activities, including exercise, aerobics, dance, health walks, health MOTs, and more as part of healthy lifestyle sessions and health awareness campaigns.
Older People’s Service: Provides culturally appropriate services for vulnerable older people (50+) in the community, including social activities to help deal with isolation, build confidence, and encourage independence.
Women’s Development: Equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to overcome barriers to socio-economic participation and provide opportunities for empowerment, enabling them to become leaders and peer mentors in the community.
Younger People’s Service: Successful outcome-focused service for young people develops them for the future by addressing their needs holistically, empowering them to overcome obstacles, and raising their aspirations.
Emergency Response: Work with local partners to support the community in the London Borough of Camden through initiatives such as the elderly outreach project, weekly community hot meals service, and food parcel and essential shopping assistance.
Venue for Rent
Bengali Workers’ Association (BWA) has spaces available for rent, suitable for a variety of events, including community meetings, group exercise, language classes, and corporate events. Rates for businesses and community groups vary, with special discounts available for residents and their services. Venues are open for bookings seven days a week.
Business Hours
Mon-Fri, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun, depends on programs