Services & Projects
We help Somali families to develop in the UK. We run projects for children, young people and adults
Please follow this link to watch our film about our Somali Mother tongue class. The film shows children performing a Somali story called Ali Duluf. It shows the impact on children when they learn about their culture and heritage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHF_iFL1dlk
Please follow this link to hear an English language version of a traditional Somali folktale - The Golden Mouse. You can download our book of this story containing both Somali and English language versions below.
https://youtu.be/eLudJ6KA96s
HAF (Haringey Activities & Food)
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
Dalmar Heritage and Family Development delivers the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in Haringey, providing children aged 5–16 with a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment during school holidays. The programme offers a range of activities, including football, basketball, boxing, badminton, arts and crafts, and healthy eating education. Children also receive nutritious meals, helping to promote healthy lifestyles while developing confidence, teamwork, creativity and social skills. The programme particularly supports children from disadvantaged families, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
During summer 2026, Dalmar successfully delivered 16 days of holiday activities, supporting 83 children and young people at the Selby Centre in Tottenham. The programme provided opportunities for children to stay physically active, build friendships, learn new skills and enjoy positive experiences outside school. It also supported parents and carers by providing structured holiday activities and connecting families with relevant community services. Through HAF, Dalmar continues to promote children's wellbeing, social inclusion and positive development.
Healthy Neighbourhoods Challenge Fund
Healthy Minds, Active Neighbours
Dalmar Heritage and Family Development delivered the Healthy Minds, Active Neighbours project to improve physical and mental wellbeing and reduce health inequalities among residents in Haringey, particularly within the Somali community. The project provided weekly yoga, chair exercises, walking groups, wellbeing workshops and individual mental health support. We also welcomed NHS healthcare professionals to deliver health awareness sessions, speak directly with residents, answer questions and provide advice and guidance on managing health concerns, including diabetes, high blood pressure and mental wellbeing. These sessions helped residents better understand their health and access appropriate healthcare services.
The project supported 30 residents, helping participants improve their physical activity, mobility, confidence and social connections. Participants reported reduced stress, better sleep and greater confidence in managing their wellbeing. By combining physical activities, mental health support and direct engagement with NHS professionals, Dalmar helped address language, cultural and practical barriers that can prevent residents from accessing health information and support. The project demonstrated the importance of providing accessible, culturally sensitive health services within trusted community settings.
Haringey Health and Wellbeing Project
Haringey Health and Wellbeing Project:
The impact and outcomes of the Haringey Health and Wellbeing Project have been profound, fostering positive change within the local Somali community. Through educational workshops, health check-up events, and financial advice sessions, we've successfully engaged and supported 81 individuals. The project's focus on increasing knowledge, reducing stress, and improving budgeting skills has yielded tangible results, supporting 50 families in achieving these objectives. Beyond numbers, our initiatives have created a more informed and connected community, evidenced by the success of interactive events like breast cancer and mental health awareness workshops. The lasting impact is reflected in the community's enhanced understanding of health issues, improved well-being, and strengthened social connections, contributing to a more resilient and empowered Haringey community.
VRU Online Safety Project
VRU Online Safety Project:
We are excited to announce the commencement of our Online Safety Project within our community, generously funded by VRU and Rocket Science. The primary goal of this initiative is to heighten awareness among young children aged 9-16 regarding crucial internet safety topics. With a focus on cyberbullying prevention, online privacy protection, phishing and online fraud, and the importance of robust passwords, the campaign aims to empower children to make informed decisions while navigating the digital landscape. By specifically targeting the vulnerable middle age group, we aspire to create a safer online environment for them. Moreover, imparting these essential skills not only ensures their immediate safety but also equips them with valuable knowledge that may inspire pursuits in computer science careers in the future. The project will be conducted at our offices in the Selby Centre, providing a secure and conducive space for this important educational initiative.
Healthy Eating Project
We wanted to learn about ways of improving diet and how to cook and grow healthy food. Please download our project book for recipes and advice.
Supporting Communities, Empowering Families
In our Somali classes, we learn to read and write in Somali; we learn about Somali culture. we tell and act out Somali stories. We tell Somali stories in Somali and English in schools and libraries. We produce books of Somali stories and cultural information
This book was created during a storytelling project that was run by Dalmar Heritage and Family Development in Enfield during 2010. We worked with parents and their children to tell stories and talk about Somali culture. We made this book to contribute to the hope among our parents that their children
would continue to speak and read Somali and remember the wealth of Somali folktales that is so important to Somali people everywhere.
This book could not have been produced without the help of many people. We would like to thank everybody who contributed to the project. Please download our published Somali Storybooks
Grass Roots funded this project
Supplementary School and Storytelling Project
We run numeracy and literacy classes. We run Somali classes to teach Somali language and culture. Our classes are run by qualified teachers
and all our lessons are fun as well as educational.
In our Somali classes, we learn to read and write in Somali; we learn about Somali culture; we tell and act out Somali stories. We also invite other organisations to deliver workshops at our Supplementary School. The Storytelling project has been funded by the Trust for London.
Mothers and Daughters Project
The project funded by People's Health Trust and lasted for two years and provided a weekly session for mothers and daughters. Over the course of the project, we developed a space where mothers and daughters could meet together, make new friends and develop confidence through being an active member of a group.
The participants were responsible for all aspect of the project. They selected the activities, supported each other and developed a social network that continued outside the project.
The project challenged participants to learn and participate, and the results were very powerful for everybody who took part.
“Never in my life did I think I would learn so many things. Now when I am at home, I have things to do with my daughters instead of watching the TV.” (Project participant)
Active Parents
Active Parents was a course that we provided through funding from Awards for All.
The course enabled the parents who participated to learn new strategies and ideas about parenting.
They learned important facts about child emotional and cognitive development and used this information to help their children reach their full potential in a happy and loving home.
We studied a range of areas – how to understand children’s needs at different stages of development; how to communicate with children; how to handle conflict with children; how to keep children safe; understanding the UK education system
“This course made me a strong and confident mother and changed my family” (project participant)
Sewing Project
We run sewing classes for Somali women to learn sewing skills. It has been funded by the London Borough of Enfield. The sewing classes help the women who take part to acquire a useful skill that leads to employment. We provide employment advice, work experience, help with CVs and employment training
Welcome to the Dalmar Heritage and Family Development Newsletter
Here, you’ll find the latest updates on our community-focused activities, engaging workshops, and upcoming events. Our newsletter is your go-to resource for staying connected, informed, and involved. Whether you’re interested in cultural celebrations, family enrichment programs, or skill-building opportunities, we’re dedicated to providing experiences that support and strengthen our community. Explore our content and join us as we honour our heritage and foster meaningful growth together.
Trips and Holidays
We go on trips to places of interest in London.
We want to find out more about the culture of the UK, and we do this by going on trips and holiday breaks with families. These trips enable parents to find out about the UK culture.
We have been to city farms, museums and parks. We have also been on a three day holiday to Degmo in Wales, which enabled us to learn about Somali nomadic culture.
