Established in 1979, the Marylebone Bangladesh Society (MBS), based in London, UK, is a grassroots, community-led charity dedicated to promoting and improving the economic well-being of the Bangladeshi community in Marylebone and St John’s Wood. MBS provides much-needed support in social welfare, addressing the educational and health needs of the wider community.
Marylebone Bangladesh Society’s services include advice and information on welfare benefits, debts, housing, education, immigration, and pensions. The society also assists with filling in forms and offers support for youth clubs and exercise classes. Additionally, MBS organizes community projects such as computer training, healthy living, sports activities, vocational training, and language classes.
Activities
- Physical Health
- Women’s Only Exercise Classes: Group fitness sessions specially tailored for Bangladeshi women to promote physical health and well-being
- Women Over 55 Chair-based Exercises: Gentle exercise classes designed for women over 55, focusing on mobility and strength using chair support.
- Women’s Swimming: Swimming sessions exclusively for women, promoting cardiovascular health and relaxation.
- Over 55 Women’s Luncheon Club: Social gatherings for women over 55, featuring healthy meals and opportunities for social interaction.
- Over 55 Men’s Luncheon Club: Social gatherings for men over 55, offering healthy halal meals and a chance to connect with fellow peers.
- Healthy Cook and Eat Classes: Interactive cooking sessions teaching and sharing with participants how to prepare nutritious meals on different budgets.
- Health Workshop: Educational sessions covering topics like smoking cessation, diabetes management, blood pressure, dental health, first aid, and food hygiene.
- Mental Health
- Women’s Sewing Classes: Creative sewing workshops for women to enhance mental well-being through a relaxing and productive activity.
- Women’s Massage: Therapeutic massage sessions for women to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Health Workshop: Educational sessions focused on mental health topics to raise awareness and provide support.
- Emotional Health
- Women’s Tea and Coffee Drop-in: A casual gathering for women to enjoy tea, coffee, and conversation in a supportive environment.
- Home Visits: Supportive visits to individuals in their homes to provide companionship and emotional support.
- Cooking Classes: Interactive sessions teaching cooking skills, fostering a sense of accomplishment, and emotional well-being.
- Social Well-Being
- ESOL Classes: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes to help Bangladeshi adult speakers improve their language skills and integrate into the community.
- Day Trips: Organized outings to local attractions, promoting social interaction and community engagement.
- Community Events: Festivals, fairs, and gatherings that bring the Bangladeshi community together to celebrate and connect.
- Youth Activities
- Junior Youth Club: A safe and fun environment for younger children to socialize and participate in age-appropriate activities.
- Girls Youth Club: A supportive space for girls to engage in activities, build confidence, and develop social skills.
- Senior Boys Youth Club: A club for older boys to participate in activities, build camaraderie, and develop leadership skills.
- Holiday Activities: Special events and programs during school holidays to keep young people engaged and active.
- Jiu Jitsu: Martial arts classes teaching self-defense and discipline.
- Football: Soccer sessions promoting teamwork, physical fitness, and sportsmanship.
- Mentoring: One-on-one or group mentoring programs to guide and support young people in their personal and academic development.