The HeArt Centre was initiated and opened in 2003 through the blessings of the Sufi Master and Saint, Mawlana Shaykh Nazim (may God sanctify his secret). Throughout his life, the Sage tirelessly worked to bring communities together spreading peace and love.

In 2013 the HeArt Centre was renovated, to bring the community hub up-to-date with amenities and facilities to best cater for the needs of its users, to maximize the space and facilitate education courses, community and development programs.

Since the opening the centre has needed continuous support to maintain rent and costs. We have this great opportunity now to buy the building and remove the stress of rent for current and future generations who will use it. We need to raise £150,000 by July 2018 to make this happen.

The centre has received longtime assistance from the Islamic nasheed band Aashiq al-Rasul (AAR) and aim to spread this message of love to the wider community [www.aashiqalrasul.com]. AAR extends the outreach of the HeArt Centre via it’s numerous performances and workshops, locally, nationally and internationally. These activities target people of faith as well as those with none.

Our History

Founded in early in 2003 by a small group of volunteers, it was realised that there was a need for a place that could act as a focal point for the Muslim and non-Muslim local community to integrate and develop a social environment that was friendly, and safe and that encouraged the personal growth and development of individuals and families.

What do we do?

• The HeArt Centre is an arts and education centre focusing on enriching the health of the community by empowering children, young people, women, community elders and families.

• We serve the community, to allow growth and stimulate a healthy environment to educate individuals, to bring a variety of cultures together and to be a place of fun, learning, exchange and peaceful retreat.

Activities though the HeArt Centre : Drumming , Singing , Drama , Theatre , Art, Meet Friends , Annual BBQ , Picnic in the Park , Board Games Evening, Networking Events, Weekly Meditation & Congregational Prayers.

Community Meditation : To nourish the mind, body and spirit through the invocation of the Divine . An uplifting and a ‘light’ evening/day . A moment of peace in our hectic lives. A family based activity of ALL ages and background . Educational for individuals and families . Allows a safe and enjoyable environment for sharing, meeting and having a rich experience of other cultures .

Mentoring : With the variety of volunteers there is a large pool of experience, knowledge and skill that people can pull on. To discuss, to share and to understand. We have people that are business owners that are professionals in computing, law, building, teachers and lecturers, newly married, ‘seasoned married couples’, social workers and much more. All lending themselves to mentoring activities.

Study Groups : Study groups, with themes of social unrest, family cohesion, marriage and parenting, health and education considerations. Also themes of religious awareness and education. With invited guests that can lend an informed view. In particular the behavioural problems of the young and the negative effects of crime (drugs, stealing etc) vs. the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle and environment.

Community Cohesion : Interfaith Music & Visits to Diverse Places of Worship.

Early Learners Council : Project management , Planning , Business acumen, Empowering, expression, implementation .

Visitors to our Centre: A variety of cultures and backgrounds. Both Females and Males . Adults and children of various ages . Various working professions . From diverse geographic locations. All are welcome and all do attend . We especially encourage cultural culinary diversity.

Patronage by Aashiq Al Rasul (AAR), an international Nasheed band . The centre is home to the world renowned music band Aashiq Al Rasul, who constantly support and develop the centre and are pivotal in the promotion and service of the centre, since it's opening.