SOUTH ASIAN CONSORTIUM KIRKLEES

INDIAN MUSLIM WELFARE SOCIETY (IMWS)

To visit our official website click on the link: (www.imws.org.uk)

PURPOSE:
The purpose of IMWS is to enhance the economic, social well being of the Indian Muslim community in the Batley
area. The Society aims to:
• Portray a positive image of Muslims in British society
• Promote good interfaith relations
• Tackle social deprivation
• Promote social inclusion
• Address educational disadvantage
• Address the needs of Women and Youth

BACKGROUND:
The Indian Muslim Welfare Society was established in 1957 to support the well-being and development of Indian Muslims in the Batley area.The Society is an umbrella organisation for 6 affiliated organisations with a membership of
around 15000. The acquisition of a four and a half acre site named ‘Al-Hikmah Centre’ now provides a focal point for many of the activities listed below.

ACTIVITIES:
IMWS provides a wide range of facilities and services designed to encourage the active participation of all sections of the community, to develop the confidence, capacity and capabilities of members of the community. Al Hikmah Centre provides a safe and secure environment paying due regard to religious and cultural sensitivities.

The major focus of activities currently includes:
• Job search and other employment related activities through Jobwise.
• An integrated programme of activities to address the learning needs of women in the community.
• IT courses, including tools aimed at assisting non-English speakers.
• Monthly trilingual community newspaper.
• Regular business seminars and conferences.
• Sport and leisure facilities.
• Fundraising campaigns for national and international charities.
The Al-Hikmah Centre accommodates a range of tenant organisations and provides a base for a range of community surgeries.