Charities We Support

Key Components

The key initiaitves we support at The Koolesh Shah Family Foundation include; *Education Initiatives:** The foundation invests in programs that enhance educational opportunities for underserved communities, including scholarships, grants for schools and educational institutions, and initiatives that promoteeducation and literacy. **Community Development:** The Foundation is actively involved in community development projects that aim to upliftContinue reading “Key Components”

Koolesh Shah awarded Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 at the GG2 Awards

Koolesh Shah awarded Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 at the GG2 Awards

PRESS RELEASE: Koolesh Shah awarded Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 at the GG2 Awards London Town Group and Koolesh Shah Family Foundation are thrilled to announce that visionary founder Koolesh Shah, has been honoured with the prestigious Social Entrepreneur of the Year award at the renowned GG2 Awards. The GG2 Leadership & Diversity Awards,Continue reading “Koolesh Shah awarded Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 at the GG2 Awards”

Finalist in the East Midlands Leadership Awards. 

Celebrating the Remarkable Achievement of Koolesh Shah as a Finalist in the East Midlands Leadership Awards.  We are thrilled to announce that our Founder and CEO, Koolesh Shah, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious East Midlands Leadership Awards. This esteemed recognition celebrates individuals who serve as role models within their organisations.  As we eagerlyContinue reading “Finalist in the East Midlands Leadership Awards. “

We are proud to support Framework Nottingham

More than 2,700 people across Nottinghamshire will spend Christmas without a home this year. New figures show more than 2,700 people across Nottinghamshire will spend Christmas without a home this year and local charity Framework says it is “no surprise.” The national housing charity Shelter says the figures for Nottinghamshire include around 1,340 children who are stuckContinue reading “We are proud to support Framework Nottingham”

Proud sponsors of the Asian Business Awards

We are excited to share that we had the pleasure of sponsoring the prestigious Asian Business Awards. It was an incredible event that celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of British Asian entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses in various industries. It was truly inspiring to witness the talent, innovation, and dedication displayed throughout the evening. AsContinue reading “Proud sponsors of the Asian Business Awards”

We are delighted to support Blind in Business

Blind in Business was founded in 1992 by three blind graduates. After graduating from university with good degrees they initially found it difficult to gain work, due to misconceptions and wariness from employers who were wary about visual impairments. But with pure persistence, two of them became partners in leading law firms. The third wentContinue reading “We are delighted to support Blind in Business”

Koolesh Shah visits Buckingham Palace to celebrate UK-Kenyan community

Koolesh Shah was thrilled to attend Buckingham Palace last week. The King and Queen welcomed members of the UK-Kenyan community to celebrate 60 years of independence and look ahead to next weeks State Visit to the country. We are extremely proud of our work in Kenya as a result of the Koolesh Shah family directContinue reading “Koolesh Shah visits Buckingham Palace to celebrate UK-Kenyan community”

Life changing care with St Mungo’s

We are extremely proud to support St Mungo’s in the city, The charity operates two care services, which are both registered with the CQC. They are licensed to provide accommodation for persons who require nursing or personal care and adults who have mental health conditions or substance misuse problems. These are specialist care homes targetedContinue reading “Life changing care with St Mungo’s”

Proud to be supporting the work of Framework Nottingham

Framework Nottingham are committed to providing better futures for everyone We believe that everyone has the right to a better future: Our work is about empowering those people to address the challenges they face and supporting them to live independently in our communities. Tackling homelessness and disadvantage We hold a clear vision of the futureContinue reading “Proud to be supporting the work of Framework Nottingham”

We are delighted to be supporting the work of St Mungo’s in the UK

St Mungo’s is a leading UK homelessness charity supporting over 3150 people every night. The last few months have been a busy but hugely productive time for St Mungo’s, As the cost of living soars, they are already beginning to see more people forced into street homelessness, and the demand for services is rapidly rising. The mostContinue reading “We are delighted to be supporting the work of St Mungo’s in the UK”

Teenage mental health referrals in London double after lockdown

Private health provider Cygnet sees referrals jump by 113% in four years Mental health referrals for teenagers in London have more than doubled in four years, according to new figures that lay bare the impact of lockdown and the cost of living crisis on young people.  Cygnet Healthcare, a private provider, said that individual referrals to its ChildContinue reading “Teenage mental health referrals in London double after lockdown”

Eastern Eye’s Arts Culture & Theatre Awards Sponsors

Eastern Eye’s Arts Culture & Theatre Awards Sponsors

Eastern Eye’s Arts Culture & Theatre Awards (ACTAs) recognise British Asian talent in a wide range of disciplines, including literature, film, television, theatre, comedy, music, dance, visual arts and contribution to the creative industries in general. It was our pleasure to sponsor the awards held at the Mayfair hotel on 3rd February 2023. According toContinue reading “Eastern Eye’s Arts Culture & Theatre Awards Sponsors”

More people are becoming homeless in Leicester as cost of living crisis deepens says charity

Around half of the people seen by Action Homeless have used their services before – but it has seen ‘more new faces’ than ever this year. The boss of a Leicester homeless charity has said they have seen a large amount of new people this winter as a result of the cost of living crisisContinue reading “More people are becoming homeless in Leicester as cost of living crisis deepens says charity”

Cost of living: Charity warns of mental health pandemic

The cost-of-living crisis is leaving people in Northern Ireland less able to do things that support good mental health, a charity has warned. The Mental Health Foundation said concerns over finances are negatively impacting people’s quality of life. In a survey of 1,498 people, 27% of adults reported poorer quality sleep, while 22% said theyContinue reading “Cost of living: Charity warns of mental health pandemic”

Mental health services are creaking under the pressure of rising demand

Mental health services

Public attitudes to mental health have transformed, as increasing numbers reject the stigma historically attached to conditions such as anxiety and depression. In 2021, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy conducted a survey of more than 6,000 people and found that, compared to five years ago, 83 per cent think it is more sociallyContinue reading “Mental health services are creaking under the pressure of rising demand”

Mental health staff to work in ambulances and 999 call centres as crisis hits UK

Mental health staff

Mental health nurses and psychiatrists will work in 999 call centres and accompany paramedics on ambulance callouts, it has been announced. People facing mental health crises can access immediate help with the new scheme, it’s hoped. The move, announced by NHS England today, comes after demand for mental health crisis services doubled since 2017. Since the start of the Covid pandemic, it has increased byContinue reading “Mental health staff to work in ambulances and 999 call centres as crisis hits UK”

I Afrika provides a safe and loving home away from the streets

New Borehole for the I Afrika Property in Kenya

The streets and alleyways of Kenya’s cities are no place for children, yet tens of thousands of boys and girls call these harsh, violent and hungry places their home.  I Afrika was established more than a decade ago to offer street children an alternative – a place of support, safety and family. A place where kids can againContinue reading “I Afrika provides a safe and loving home away from the streets”

New Borehole for the I Afrika Property in Kenya

New Borehole for the I Afrika Property in Kenya

We are delighted to have funded the drilling and creation of a new borehole on the I Afrika property in Kenya.  I Afrika is a grassroots organization which provides holistic care for children rescued from the brutal streets of Nairobi. Many of these children, some as young as five, have complex emotional and physical needsContinue reading “New Borehole for the I Afrika Property in Kenya”

A wonderful case study from Ben utilising the Framework Housing Association services

A wonderful case study

Ben* was living with his brother upon release from prison. When his brother was evicted, Ben was left homeless and was placed in hostel accommodation. Ben was supported to make applications to housing providers and to attend meetings and assessments. Due to his offending history (which classed him as high-risk), Ben was unable to accessContinue reading “A wonderful case study from Ben utilising the Framework Housing Association services”

Proud to support Leicester Hospitals Charity

Proud to support Leicester Hospitals Charity

Leicester Hospitals Charity exists to support patients, their carers, and the NHS staff who look after them in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and beyond. If you live in Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland or even the wider East Midlands, it’s almost certain that you or someone you love will rely on one of the hospital services at some point.Continue reading “Proud to support Leicester Hospitals Charity”

UK faces biggest increase in homelessness for centuries

UK faces biggest increase in homelessness

Benefit freezes, soaring prices and the end of eviction bans are behind the sharpest rise in homelessness for centuries, the Big Issue’s founder said. Lord John Bird gave the stark warning as Shelter figures indicate one in 17 private renting households have either been served with an eviction notice or were likely to receive oneContinue reading “UK faces biggest increase in homelessness for centuries”

More than 1,200 died while homeless in the UK in 2021

More than 1,200 died while homeless

More than 1,200 people in the UK died while homeless in 2021, a 32% increase on the previous year, as cuts to mental illness, drug and alcohol, and housing services took their toll, according to research. The annual audit by the charity Museum of Homelessness found most deaths occurred among people living in emergency housing or hostels.Continue reading “More than 1,200 died while homeless in the UK in 2021”

Framework charity to hold spring service at Southwell Minster

Framework charity to hold spring service

Supporters of Framework will gather at Southwell Minster on Saturday, at 10.30am, for its spring service. We are delighted to support the work of Framework in Nottingham and beyond. The service offers the chance to hear from people who have been supported by the charity. This year, the speakers will include Lisa Terry who wasContinue reading “Framework charity to hold spring service at Southwell Minster”

How many people are homeless in the UK? And what can you do about it?

Many people are homeless in the UK

The scale of homelessness is a notoriously difficult thing to quantify. It’s not just rough sleeping — there are people trapped in temporary accommodation or hostels and shelters.  Homelessness is not always a visible problem. Hidden homelessness, also known as sofa surfing, is virtually impossible to count as people staying at friends or relatives homes are out of sightContinue reading “How many people are homeless in the UK? And what can you do about it?”

274,000 people in England are homeless, with thousands more likely to lose their homes

274,000 people in England are homeless

More than 274,000 people are homeless in England right now, including 126,000 children, according to new research published by Shelter today.  Of these, 2,700 people are sleeping rough on any given night, nearly 15,000 single people in direct access hostels and nearly 250,000 people are living in temporary accommodation – most of whom are families.Continue reading “274,000 people in England are homeless, with thousands more likely to lose their homes”

Homelessness set to soar in England amid cost of living crisis

Homelessness

The number of people homeless in England is predicted to jump by a third by 2024 as councils warn of a “tidal wave” of need caused by benefits freezes, soaring food and energy bills and the end of Covid eviction bans. More than 66,000 more people will be homeless by 2024, with the bulk ofContinue reading “Homelessness set to soar in England amid cost of living crisis”

Homelessness and rough sleeping evaluation UK 2022

Homelessness

1. Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Evaluations, 2016 to 2020: 2. Methodology Homelessness Prevention Trailblazer: Mixed methods. Rough Sleeping Initiative: Process and impact evaluations. London Homelessness Social Impact Bond: Process and impact evaluations. 3. Findings Homeless Prevention Trailblazer Evaluation: Rough Sleeping Initiative: Social Impact Bond: SIB Cohort​ Comparison​ group Mean number of bedded down contacts in the two yearsContinue reading “Homelessness and rough sleeping evaluation UK 2022”

Framework Nottingham, Beat the Streets

Framework Nottingham, Beat the Streets

The latest edition of the renowned Beat The Streets music festival took place in Nottingham on 30th January 2022 – a heart-warming coming together of musical and organisational talent with an enthusiastic music-loving public keen to put the fun into fundraising. We are extremely proud as a foundation to support the work of Framework Charity,Continue reading “Framework Nottingham, Beat the Streets”

Koolesh Shah Family Foundation support the North Paddington Food Bank

North Paddington Food Bank

Koolesh Shah Family Foundation are proud to have supported the North Paddington Food bank, thank you to the food bank team for the kind words provided… Dear Koolesh Shah,  Thank you for your recent donation.  North Paddington Food Bank is changing. From 8th November 2021 for an initial eight-week period, we will be providing ourContinue reading “Koolesh Shah Family Foundation support the North Paddington Food Bank”

The foundation support Nottingham Nightstop in association with Open Homes

The foundation support Nottingham Nightstop in association with Open Homes

The Koolesh Shah Family Foundation is delighted to be supporting the initiatives of Open Homes charity that aims to provide accommodation for 16-25 year olds who are homeless or living in inappropriate accommodation. The main project currently is Nottingham Nightstop, which provides emergency accommodation in the homes of trained volunteer hosts and is affiliated to DePaul NightstopContinue reading “The foundation support Nottingham Nightstop in association with Open Homes”

I Afrika outreach, care and education

I Afrika outreach, care and education

I Afrika is a grassroots street kids rehabilitation organisation which places grace, love, commitment and faith as the cornerstones of its work.  Koolesh Shah Family Foundation is extremely proud of our work with Peter and Esther from I Afrika. The iniative grew out of one Kenyan couple’s desire to provide a safe refuge for streetContinue reading “I Afrika outreach, care and education”

We are proud to collaborate with Framework supporting more than 18,000 people per year.

We are proud to collaborate with Framework

‘Without Framework I would be in prison’ Koolesh Shah family foundation are proud to support the work of Framework, Nottingham. Framework support more than 18,000 people a year across the Midlands and the North of England – providing a network of interlinking services that have the potential to change and even save people’s lives. WeContinue reading “We are proud to collaborate with Framework supporting more than 18,000 people per year.”

Koolesh Shah Family Foundation sponsor the prestigious Asian Business Awards 2021 Philanthropy award

Asian Business Awards 2021

The Koolesh Shah Family Foundation is delighted to be sponsoring the Philanthropy award at the 2021 Asian Media Awards and Rich List event taking place on Friday 19th November. These prestigious awards, organised by Asian Media Group, are held to identify, recognise and reward a wide range of organisations and individuals that perform exceptional workContinue reading “Koolesh Shah Family Foundation sponsor the prestigious Asian Business Awards 2021 Philanthropy award”

A Thank you from I Afrika

I Afrika

In collaboration with Charity Connect, Koolesh Shah Family Foundation are proud to be partnered with I Afrika, supporting them in their initiatives to provide a safe and loving home for children, keeping them off the streets of Kenya.  I Afrika was established more than a decade ago to offer street children an alternative – a place of support, safety and family. AContinue reading “A Thank you from I Afrika”

Koolesh Shah Family Foundation working in partnership with I Afrika

Koolesh Shah Family Foundation working in partnership with I Afrika

Providing a safe and loving home away from the streets! We are proud to be partnered with I Afrika, supporting them in their initiatives to keep children off the streets in Kenya. The streets and alleyways of Kenya’s cities are no place for children, yet tens of thousands of boys and girls call these harsh,Continue reading “Koolesh Shah Family Foundation working in partnership with I Afrika”

Charity Connect, our initiatives in Kenya

Education for all students

Charity Connect is a part of the Koolesh Shah Family foundation, a community of genuine, vetted charitable initiatives and founders, who are carrying out incredible grassroots efforts to alleviate hunger and hardship within disadvantaged communities in Nairobi, Kenya. Our current programs in Kenya include: 1. Our Education For All program which matches donors to vettedContinue reading “Charity Connect, our initiatives in Kenya”

Our work in Kenya

Charity Connect

As part of the Koolesh Shah Family Foundation the Charity connection initiative is a community of genuine, vetted charitable initiatives and founders, who are carrying out incredible grassroots efforts to alleviate hunger and hardship within disadvantaged communities in Nairobi, Kenya. Charity Connect aims to identify and support initiatives that truly give back to the mostContinue reading “Our work in Kenya”

Why helping others is so important

As a charity ourselves, we take great pride in helping others through our various schemes and initiatives. Whether it’s supporting education or assisting with the homeless pandemic, we find it incredibly important to always give back. Many charities like us do similar work with the hope to make the world a better place. However, haveContinue reading “Why helping others is so important”

The pandemic and education – What impact has covid had on learning?

The importance of schools and education is critical to the development of the young generation. Not only is it important for their personal growth, but also their mental stability and health.  Education comes in the form of schools or various learning centres, providing children with stability, routine and consistency within their lives. This helps toContinue reading “The pandemic and education – What impact has covid had on learning?”

Covid homeless scheme provided over 37,000 rough sleepers with a place to stay during the COVID 19 pandemic

More than 50 percent of homeless individuals diagnosed with traumatic brain injury

Fewer than one in four homeless people housed by the government’s Everyone In scheme have moved into permanent accommodation, according to the BBC figures. The government initiative provided over 37,000 rough sleepers with a place to stay during the COVID 19 pandemic. But housing charity Shelter warned many were still in temporary homes or mayContinue reading “Covid homeless scheme provided over 37,000 rough sleepers with a place to stay during the COVID 19 pandemic”

The homeless pandemic in the UK

Homelessness has and will continue to a problem in UK. It has always been a widespread issue throughout the country, and with the growing uncertainty surrounding COVID 19, the problem is likely to get worse.  According to the Guardian, 70,000 households were made homeless during the pandemic, highlighting that homelessness can and does affect everyone.Continue reading “The homeless pandemic in the UK”

Why charities are needed in today’s society

As you may or may not be aware, our foundation is a UK charity. Our objective is to harness the activities and initiatives of the family’s ongoing philanthropy work. We recently wrote a piece on the importance of charity, but why are they needed more than ever in today’s society? Well, charities like ours bring together peopleContinue reading “Why charities are needed in today’s society”

Why is education so important for children’s development?

Everyone knows that learning begins from the minute you take a breath into this world. From the first cry, the first yawn, the first mishap, each child is learning, and educating themselves.   Early childhood education is critical for the brain development of young people. This stage is very crucial for a child’s physical and mentalContinue reading “Why is education so important for children’s development?”

The importance of charity

The Koolesh Shah Family Foundation is a UK charity. The focus of our foundation is to help aid the homeless and support individuals who struggle with mental health issues. We aim to promote ‘excellence’ in each act of giving or charity. As a foundation, we are specifically interested in encouraging applications from all areas aroundContinue reading “The importance of charity”

Frequently asked questions about Sri Aurobindo

We work hand in hand with the Sri Aurobindo Trust, as we approach Sri Aurobindo’s birthday in just a few weeks’ time, we thought we’d cover some frequently asked questions about the famed philosopher. As you may or may not be aware, Sri Aurobindo was born on the 15th August 1872. Not only was he wasContinue reading “Frequently asked questions about Sri Aurobindo”

A closer look at our foundation

A true part of being a person is about helping others. In a way, helping others is a way we help ourselves. At the Koolesh Shah Foundation, we believe in a world where every child can read. Our mission is to invest in early childhood education in order to empower the next generation. We feelContinue reading “A closer look at our foundation”

SOAS university to offer Modern Indian Philosophy module sponsored by Sri Aurobindo Trust

SOAS university

Koolesh Shah and the Sri Aurobindo Trust have once again agreed to support SOAS university department of Religions & Philosophies, School of History, Religions & Philosophies. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to key thinkers and visionaries in Modern Indian Philosophy, and the impact of their ideas on philosophical and political life today. The courseContinue reading “SOAS university to offer Modern Indian Philosophy module sponsored by Sri Aurobindo Trust”

Thank you for your recent donation to First Steps

First Steps

Dear Koolesh Shah, Thank you for your recent donation. Your support will cover the costs to provide one of our Children and Young People with our full 6-week counselling service with a member of our team where they receive weekly peer support for their disordered eating or eating disorder. These services are usually delivered faceContinue reading “Thank you for your recent donation to First Steps”

Sri Aurobindo Trust supports Modern Indian Philosophy module for fifth year

Sri Aurobindo Trust supports Modern Indian Philosophy module for fifth year

The Koolesh Shah Family Foundation has been associated with the Sri Aurobindo Trust for over 30 years. The trust has supported the Modern Indian Philosophy module for the fifth year running. A message to the trust from SOAS university…. “Now in our fifth year of the Modern Indian Philosophy module, which is made possible withContinue reading “Sri Aurobindo Trust supports Modern Indian Philosophy module for fifth year”

The Homelessness Monitor

1800 homeless man in subway by coldsnowstorm

The Homelessness Monitor: England 2019 is the eighth annual report of an independent study, commissioned by Crisis and funded by Crisis, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, of the homelessness impacts of recent economic and policy developments in England.