Can you tell us a bit about the Shree Prajapati Association Leicester and its mission within the community?

Shree Prajapati Association Leicester (SPAL) is a member-based registered charity dedicated to promoting the Hindu religion and culture while also working to alleviate poverty and sickness through partnerships.

Established in 1975, SPAL is a non-profit organisation committed to enhancing the quality of life within the local community. We promote cultural, social, religious, and sporting activities, fostering a strong sense of unity and support.

Today, we are proud to be one of the oldest Indian community organisations in Leicester. Over the past 50 years, our trustees, volunteers, and members have worked tirelessly to serve the community, and we remain dedicated to continuing this mission for generations to come.

What inspired you to choose Crohn's & Colitis UK as the cause for your recent fundraising efforts?

A community member, affected by Crohn's and Colitis, looked to increase awareness of these conditions. The symptoms of Crohn’s and colitis are often not visible unless disclosed, and many individuals are unaware of these symptoms or how to manage them. Consequently, we have undertaken an initiative to enhance awareness within the community while simultaneously raising funds for charitable research into these diseases.

How have conversations about Crohn's and Colitis been received within your community? Do you feel the stigma surrounding these conditions is being broken? Are members more open about their experiences?

The Crohn’s and Colitis initiative was very well received by the members, reducing the stigma of discussing the issue. We were unaware of its prevalence in the community; many believed they were alone, but we discovered many members and their families affected by this condition. The availability of the leaflet "All About Crohn's and Colitis" in Gujarati was beneficial, allowing members to learn about the condition, symptoms, and support at their convenience.

It also helped educate those unfamiliar with the disease. The conversation about the Crohn’s and Colitis has had a positive effect on our members as we’ve heard more members talking about symptoms they have had, and it has encouraged them to get further help.

Can you share any positive feedback or quotes from members about their involvement in the fundraising or awareness efforts?

Many members were unaware of the available support. The leaflet in Gujarati was highly sought after, as it is both informative and useful. Additionally, members found the radar key and sunflower lanyards to be valuable. The availability of these items provided reassurance to members when they were out, reducing concerns about access to toilets. Members were very happy we were highlighting the condition, and it enabled them to talk freely about their condition.

What are two key things you've learned about Crohn’s and Colitis or about the charity during your fundraising journey?

Our team and many members have learned a lot about Crohn’s and Colitis, particularly the fact that these conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. We also discovered that there is help available, and we found the Crohn’s & Colitis UK website to be an excellent source of information on the condition, self-help resources, and support groups and events.

Helen and Ben from the Leicester & Rutland Crohn’s & Colitis UK Local Network have visited our group to give talks and support our fundraising. These interactions with our community have been incredibly valuable, providing our members with the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and openly discuss their conditions in a supportive environment.

How did the Navratri festival in 2024 go? What role did the community play in making the event such a success?

The Navratri festival in 2024 was a great success! Many members generously donated to the charity during the festival, making a significant contribution to our fundraising efforts.

For the first time, we also organised a cake sale during the festival. Members of the community came together to bake and prepare a variety of sweet and savoury treats, which were sold throughout the event. This initiative was incredibly well received and proved to be a great success. It has given us the confidence to explore similar fundraising activities in the future.

What does it mean to your association and its members to support causes like Crohn's & Colitis UK?

Supporting Crohn’s & Colitis UK is incredibly important to our association and its members. Raising awareness of Crohn’s & Colitis UK helps our community understand the conditions and how to seek support.

This understanding also allows us to better accommodate those affected by these conditions at our events, ensuring they feel included and supported whenever possible.

What are some future events or initiatives you’re planning to help continue supporting Crohn's & Colitis UK or other charitable causes?

We are committed to continuing its support for Crohn’s & Colitis UK. This year, all our religious events will help raise awareness and funds for the charity.

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we have several events planned to mark this milestone, providing further opportunities to support Crohn’s & Colitis UK.