Making Space launches Sahaara Sisters to support South Asian women carers in Peterborough
Published 16 April 2026
Making Space is proud to have launched Sahaara Sisters, a new monthly support group for South Asian women who provide unpaid care in Peterborough. Rooted in our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), the group has been created to ensure that more carers feel seen, heard and supported.
“Sahaara” means support in several South Asian languages, including Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi, reflecting the heart of this initiative: creating a safe, culturally familiar space where women can connect, share experiences and access the support they deserve.
At Making Space, we are continually reviewing who is accessing our services, and importantly, who may be missing out. Through this work, the Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service (PCWS) identified that South Asian women carers are currently under-represented.
PCWS Service Manager, Fasihah Kousar, said:
At PCWS we are always looking at who is accessing our support, and just as importantly, who isn’t. We have identified a gap in carer support for South Asian women in our city.
While our existing groups provide valuable support, most of our current caseload is White British, with limited engagement from carers from South Asian and wider BAME communities.
Cultural expectations, language barriers, stigma, and social norms can make it difficult for some carers to access more general groups. This means many women may be caring without support, connection, or a space where they fully feel understood. Sahaara Sisters has been developed to respond directly to this need.
We had a really positive first session, with lovely and meaningful conversations throughout. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed – we shared Kashmiri chai, gave out roses as a small welcome gesture, and, as always, the cakes and biscuits were a hit. It felt like a very special start to what we hope will become a strong, consistent community group, and it was clear just how important a space like this will be for South Asian women carers in our city.
Sahaara Sisters is led by a South Asian Carer Support Worker and is designed to feel warm, inclusive and accessible. Each session offers:
- Time for informal conversation and peer support
- A welcoming environment where women can share experiences openly
- Regular wellbeing activities to support emotional and mental health
- A relaxed setting – often with a cup of chai – to help build connection and reduce isolation
The group began on 8 April and then every second Wednesday of the month, from 11am to 1pm at South Bretton Family & Community Centre, Redpoll Place, Tyesdale, Bretton, Peterborough, PE3 9XZ. The next three sessions are 13 May, 10 June, and 8 July.
The group complements existing carer support, providing an additional pathway for those who may not yet feel comfortable accessing more general services.
As the project develops, partnership working will be key to its success. Making Space is keen to collaborate with organisations and community groups that support South Asian women and families.
Opportunities for partnership include:
- Referrals into the group
- Joint outreach and engagement
- Shared promotion
- Collaborative learning and insight
By working together, we can ensure that carers who may otherwise remain unseen are able to access the support they need.
Volunteering opportunities
We also recognise the wealth of skills, experience and generosity within local communities. As Sahaara Sisters grows, there may be opportunities for volunteering to help strengthen and shape the group, developed carefully in line with its needs.
The Peterborough Carers Wellbeing Service supports unpaid carers aged 18 and over with personalised one-to-one support, wellbeing activities, peer groups, and help to develop Emergency Support Plans for unexpected situations. Based in St Neots, the service is dedicated to improving the wellbeing, resilience and quality of life for carers across the region. Carers can self-refer or be referred by a professional.