Based at Abbey

Henna Asian Women’s Group is a long-established, user-led organisation founded in 1982 by Asian women who had migrated from India, Pakistan and East Africa. The group was created to bring women together across diverse backgrounds and continues this mission today through a wide range of inclusive, multi-lingual services.

Based at Abbey Community Centre, Henna provides a welcoming, safe and familiar space where women can meet, build confidence, and feel a strong sense of belonging. From here, the organisation delivers social activities, wellbeing sessions, skills workshops, advice, and community events, all designed to support women to stay connected, healthy and independent.

Henna’s work focuses on reducing social isolation, overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers, and helping women build positive relationships with others who share similar experiences, values or traditions. Their programmes are open to all women, regardless of background, ethnicity or religion, reflecting a strong commitment to cohesion and inclusion.

South Sudanese Women’s Skills Development (SSWSD) is a long-established community organisation founded in 1991 by Sudanese women who sought refuge in the UK. The group supports South Sudanese and other marginalised women and girls to build skills, confidence and social connection through accessible, culturally informed activities.

SSWSD is now re-establishing its Kilburn base here at Abbey Community Centre, where it has previously held office space and run activities in partnership with our team. From the centre, the group delivers free weekly sewing and healthy cooking workshops, alongside monthly social trips and community events. Activities are designed to reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing, and help women gain practical skills for everyday life.

The organisation’s founder, Elizabeth Ajith—who is also a trustee of Abbey Community Centre—works from the building each week to coordinate programmes, support members, manage volunteers, and build links with local services and new arrivals to the area.

Contact Elizabeth at sudanwomen@hotmail.co.uk