The kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home, and for Mum’s United, food is an essential part of their mission. Founded by Sahira, a mother of two, the organisation began as a response to youth violence, knife crime, and child exploitation. Recently, Mum’s United partnered with ShefFood as part of a city-wide initiative to create a better food system. They offer services and support in fitness, food assistance, parenting courses, and much more. While food provision is crucial, Mum’s United is dedicated to improving lives holistically and creating inclusive spaces. Their efforts support ShefFood’s key goals of a fairer, healthier, and greener food system for Sheffield, but their offering extends far beyond food.
Mum’s United’s focus on food and health is deeply intertwined with their broader efforts to improve wellbeing in Sheffield’s communities. While their food bank and weekly community meals provide vital nutrition, the organisation recognises that health goes beyond what’s on the plate. That’s why they offer a variety of free fitness classes for women and children, including Zumba, yoga, and boxing. These sessions aren’t just about physical fitness—they are about creating a supportive environment where women and young people can feel empowered.
For many women, Mum’s United is a sanctuary where they can focus on their health and wellbeing. In a world where women often juggle multiple responsibilities, these free fitness classes provide a much-needed space for relaxation and camaraderie. The sessions are free for children aged 8-16, and adults can join for a small fee, ensuring fitness remains accessible for all.
In addition to physical fitness, Mum’s United offers critical support through its Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities program. This free parenting course, held every Sunday, equips parents with the tools to build strong, healthy relationships with their children, helping them navigate the complex issues families face today—such as youth violence and exploitation.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Mum’s United is their commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can thrive. Many of Sheffield’s youth, particularly those at risk of gang involvement and exploitation, often feel isolated or trapped. Mum’s United addresses this by offering not only a youth club but a place for learning and empowerment.
Their Breaking the Cycle program is a youth-centred workshop that promotes gender equality and seeks to reduce violence against women and girls. By engaging young people in conversations about respect, equality, and gender roles, Mum’s United is helping lay the groundwork for a future where violence and exploitation are less prevalent.
Education plays a pivotal role in Mum’s United’s strategy to break cycles of violence and poverty. Their youth programs not only provide young people with a safe space but also equip them with the skills they need to lead positive, productive lives. Whether it’s learning about food sustainability through their charitable bank or gaining confidence through boxing classes, the impact is undeniable.
Mum’s United’s open-door policy ensures that anyone in need can access its services without fear or hesitation. The organisation understands the complex, intersecting challenges faced by the families it supports, from food insecurity to housing instability and youth violence.
Their Charitable Bank, a youth-led initiative, provides packages of food, clothing, and toys to vulnerable families. By involving young people in the process, Mum’s United fosters a sense of responsibility and community spirit among Sheffield’s youth. To date, over 800 packages have been distributed, providing essential support to families in need.
Additionally, Mum’s United helps families navigate the benefits system, providing vital assistance that helps secure financial stability. For many mothers, this support can be life-changing, ensuring their families remain safe and well.
In a show of global solidarity, Mum’s United also raises money and sends donations to disaster zones, including Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Pakistan. Their commitment to supporting those in crisis, both locally and globally, reflects their deeply rooted values of compassion and community care.
While Mum’s United’s mission is broad, its work with food continues to be one of the key pillars of its community efforts. Its community meal, held every Wednesday, brings together over 25 people, offering not just food but a sense of belonging. The group also redistributes surplus food from local supermarkets through its food bank, ensuring that no one in its community goes hungry.
As a new partner of ShefFood, Mum’s United contributes to the food citizenship pillar, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for Sheffield’s food system. By involving local residents in redistributing surplus food, they empower the community to engage with and shape their local food systems. Whether it’s through the Charitable Bank or their regular food bank, Mum’s United ensures that food waste is minimised and resources are shared with those who need them most.
Like many community organisations in the city, food is more than just sustenance—it’s a tool for building community. It’s about fostering connections, creating opportunities for residents to come together, and encouraging everyone to take part in making Sheffield a better, more equitable city.
It’s about more than just addressing immediate needs; it’s about building long-term resilience in Sheffield’s communities. A holistic approach—spanning fitness, food provision, education, and skills—makes this group a crucial partner for ShefFood as they work together toward a more sustainable food system and a stronger city.
By celebrating organisations like Mum’s United, we celebrate the power of community action. Let’s take inspiration from their work and continue building a stronger, more resilient Sheffield—together. Visit www.mums-united.com for more information