Welcome to Tassibee

A Brief History of Tassibee

Tassibee started in 1993 as a volunteer-led support group for isolated and socially excluded Pakistani women in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Over the last 7 years we have developed into a locally respected organisation that has developed and delivered a range of successfull, innovative training, outreach and capacity building projects that focus on building on the strengths and enabling change in the lives of Pakistani women in Rotherham.

Tassibee focuses on four core areas:

* Mental Health

* Healthy Lifestyles

* Capacity Building and Outreach

* Developing the capacity of the organisation

An essential element of all Tassibee's work is Education & Training. By providing a supportive and culturally appropriate atmosphere, Asian women are able to enjoy learning and progress onto other work and learning opportunities

Tassibee estimates that upwards of 400 women are in contact with the project through one or more of its activities, and this represents a significant proportion of all British Pakistani households in Rotherham. Tassibee always works to reach the more isolated, excluded women and especially those whose first language is Punjabi or Mirpuri and who may be at the first stage of gaining confidence in using English. In particular we work with first generation migrants, including women who have migrated recently following marriage and older dependants who have come to this country to join other family members. We also target women who may be particularly vulnerable, such as women who are carers, lone parents, have mental health problems, or at risk of domestic abuse or living in families where one or more member is affected by substance misuse. Our long-standing relationships with many partner organisations, alongside our religious and cultural credibility in the community, enable us to do this successfully.

Tassibee currently has three permanent staff; a full time manager, part time finance worker and a part time administrator. The organisation also employes a number of staff on short-term, part-time contracts to support the various projects that we undertake. We rely heavily on over 20 volunteers, who carry out a variety of roles including tutoring,adminstration, outreach and capacity building, fundraising, trustees and as advisory members of the management board. The majority of volunteers are also service users, including some women who are not literate in any language and are at the early stages of gaining Confidence in English.

Within Capacity Building and Outreach we spend a lot of time with the women to develop skills for them as individuals and for the communties. By raising confidence and self esteem through learning this encourages stability within the families and helps them to engage in social and economic activity. As an organisation we offer Outreach on a regular basis and also have support groups for lone parents and young women and also organise many community events. We have many classes that are run on a regular basis for the women to attend.

Tassibee is always developing the capacity of the organisation It has has been important for the organisation to adopt an incremental approach to managing its own affairs. OCN Confidence Building and Personal Development Courses, Financial Management - all finances including payroll which is now managed in house. Monitoring and evaluating the quality of provision and to constantly develop Policies and Proceedures.

Partnership & Networking

Tassibee has a long and well established track record of working successfully with a range of partners, including organisations within the statutory sector and other voluntary organisations.

Partner Organisations - Voluntary Sector

Rotherham Ethnic Minority Alliance (REMA)
GROW
Apna Haq
Voluntary Action Rotherham (VAR)
Unity Centre
Voluntary & Community Training Consortium (VC Train)
Yorkshire Trust

Current Funders

Tudor Trust
LanKelly Chase
Mencap
Rmbc

FEBRUARY 2010

During the month of February at Tassibee, there are some events taking place that we think you may be interested in.

On the 25th February, we have the Rotherham Link event taking place where you can find out what services your GP and the local Hospital provide. You can learn what choices your GP should give you when you book your first appointment at the hospital. There is also an opportunity to find out what you should do if you are unhappy with the way you have received the services.

Also coming soon is the Healthy Heart Event where you can learn how to look after your heart.

As usual we have various classes running that you can take part in. Click on our Timetable to see the days and times of the classes.

To see exciting pictures of our Launch Day back in April 2009, please click on the photos page on the left hand side of this page.

PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW TIMETABLE. WE HAVE MANY NEW COURSES AVAILABLE AND STILL HAVE MANY MORE TO COME.

TASSIBEE IS NOW ALSO OFFERING ROOMS TO LET, TO DOWNLOAD A BROCHURE. CLICK HERE

Khalida's husband Luqman visited the girls school for a couple of months at the beginning of the year whilst he was out there he purchased playground equipment for the girls. The fundraising event that was held in February was again very successful and as usual we had a fantastic turnout. We will be arranging another event in the near future so keep checking our website for an update on this date.

The pictures above show the girls playing on there new playground equipment they look so happy and excited. All this would not be possible without the support of people in our communities your money really does make a difference. We still have other classrooms we would like to set up within the school so please keep making your donations however small they are they make change happen for these girls in Pakistan.