We spoke to our member Ankita from EVR to learn more about her organisation and its purpose. We asked her how being an Impact Hub London Kings Cross member helps her meet the demands of her role.
Name: Ankita Banerjee
Organisation: End Violence and Racism against East and Southeast Asian Communities (EVR) is an anti-racism organisation that employs intersectional approaches to educate, address, and prevent structural racism and inequalities targeting East and Southeast Asian communities in the UK. We provide support to these communities through mental health services and research initiatives.
Job role: Head of Services
Tell us about your organisation and what you do?
As the head of services, I am responsible for the planning and implementation of our mental health programme through services. I along with my team also work closely with community members to develop workshops and events to offer a space for them to build community and enhance their mental well-being. This is the most enjoyable part of the job as I get to meet people from different backgrounds, learn about their culture and their unique mental health needs.
Operating as a SESAME organisation and registered CIC (Community Interest Company) since March 2021, committed to addressing structural racism and inequalities impacting East and Southeast Asian communities.
Services:
- Support victims of hate crimes through a trustworthy and independent service via mental health support, providing guidance and a support network.
- Establish an online reporting system for reporting incidents of hate crime to collate statistics and data for advocacy and research purposes.
- Set up and provide multilingual support to offer advice and materials in ESEA languages.
- Build and support a coalition of anti-racist and migrant justice organisations.
Advocacy:
- Research and campaign on issues/racism faced by people of East and Southeast Asian heritage including and not limited to reports and surveys.
- Hold Community Conversations, workshops and empowering talks on anti-racism and supporting victims of racism.
- Hold advocacy events such as fundraising livestreams, and fundraising events such as community kitchens, heritage celebrations, etc.
- Partner and engage with other ESEA, anti-racist and migrant justice organisations across the UK to grow a strong, multi-faceted, supportive community.
Which Impact Hub are you part of and for how long?
Impact Hub London, Kings Cross York Way since June 2023.
Discover more about the coworking space at Kings Cross.
How did you discover Impact Hub London?
I wanted a co-working space for our small team and was looking for affordable spaces that host charities and community organisations. I have a friend who was a member of Impact Hub Athens and told me about it.
Which aspects of membership do you use and why?
We use the co-working space and also attend events hosted by Impact Hub.
What are the benefits of being part of Impact Hub London?
You get to meet a lot of people doing really interesting work. We have been able to form partnerships with various organisations through Impact Hub. We have also been able to advertise our activities, services and events at IHL.
What surprised you about Impact Hub London?
The welcoming environment and a sense of community.
Connect:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankita-banerjee-64487976/
End Violence and Racism against East and Southeast Asian Communities
