Women’s Coffee Morning Hosts Inspiring Mental Health Workshop

On Thursday, 4th December 2025, Leftley Sports Club’s Women’s Coffee Morning welcomed two community psychologists from Barking for an engaging and insightful workshop on mental health in women.

The session provided a safe and supportive space for women to share their experiences and learn practical ways to maintain good mental health. Delivered with cultural sensitivity and a judgment-free approach, the workshop encouraged open conversation and personal storytelling, making the discussion relatable and empowering.

The expert speaker captivated the audience with her wealth of knowledge and approachable style. Women were invited to share factors that affect their mental health, leading to an eye-opening discussion on challenges such as:

Family life stresses
Stigma surrounding mental health
Barriers like language and lack of awareness of available support

Together, participants explored solutions and resources to overcome these challenges. The speaker highlighted practices within culture and faith that can support mental well-being and reassured attendees about seeking help from medical professionals and mental health charities.

This workshop, like many others at our Women’s Coffee Morning, is designed to educate, empower, and create a safe space for ethnic women to discuss topics often considered taboo. These sessions not only inform women about judgment-free, impartial advice but also help identify barriers to accessing support, insights that benefit the wider community.

We invite you to join us for future sessions that are educational, interactive, and fun. Together, we can break down stigma and build a healthier, more supportive community.

Leftley Sports Club Marks Milestone with Thursday Night Football

We are proud to announce a major milestone in our long-running Thursday night football sessions at Barking Abbey Astro Pitches. For more than six years, we have hosted weekly matches without fail, creating one of the most consistent and inclusive sporting traditions in the local area.

Yesterday, we welcomed our 200th different player to take part in the sessions, highlighting the growing reach and impact of the initiative across the community and beyond.

As Joynal Hussain, our trustee, said:

"This achievement shows the power of sport to bring people together. Thursday night football has become a place where young people find purpose, belonging, and the joy of teamwork.”

About Thursday Night Football

Running every Thursday for over six years at Barking Abbey Astro Pitches
Open to players from the local community and beyond
Focused on youth engagement, fostering discipline, friendship, and healthy living

Our sessions continue to provide a safe, welcoming environment where young people can enjoy football, build confidence, and strengthen community ties.

Centre Administrator & Facilities Coordinator Needed

Location: LSC Community Hub, Barking, IG11 9FE
Pay: National Living Wage (currently £14.80 per hour age 21+)
Hours: Minimum 5 hours per week starting, flexible across Monday to Sunday
Responsible To: Trustees, Leftley Sports Club

About LSC Community Hub

The LSC Community Hub, operated by Leftley Sports Club, is a vibrant, non-profit volunteer-led initiative serving Barking & Dagenham and surrounding areas. Located at Martin Peters Court on Meadow Road, our 72 sqm indoor space is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all ages. The hub supports a wide range of community-led activities - from fitness and wellbeing sessions to cultural events and social projects - and is available for hire by local residents and organisations. Our mission is to foster community cohesion, promote healthy lifestyles, and empower local people through accessible and engaging services.

Role Overview

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in community settings, and wants to make a tangible difference locally.

We are seeking a reliable, proactive, and community-minded individual to join our team as a Centre Administrator & Facilities Coordinator. This is a varied and rewarding role combining administrative responsibilities with caretaking duties. The successful candidate will play a key part in the day-to-day running of the centre and will have the opportunity to grow into a Centre Manager role as the service expands.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Duties

Answering phone calls, taking messages, managing diaries, and handling correspondence
Maintaining organised electronic and paper filing systems
Issuing invoices, processing payments, and managing financial records
Liaising with external service providers (e.g. utilities, telecoms, waste services)
Responding to venue booking enquiries and managing bookings
Updating social media and website content (Facebook, YouTube, WordPress)
Supporting grant applications and funding reports

Facilities Management

Supporting health and safety compliance, including weekly fire alarm tests
Coordinating with contractors for maintenance and repairs

Caretaking

Opening and closing the centre for users
Conducting pre and post-booking inspections
Monitoring and replenishing stocks and supplies
Organising cleaning schedules and undertaking cleaning duties when necessary

Essential Skills & Experience

GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade A–C or equivalent) or equivalent qualifications or demonstrable skills
Strong communication and customer service skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media platforms
Basic financial administration (invoices, petty cash, spreadsheets)
Professional, clear verbal communication
Proactive, enthusiastic and able to work independently
Excellent time management and organisational abilities
Collaborative and dependable
Passion for community service and engagement

Desirable Skills

Experience in community work
Bookkeeping experience

What We Offer

Flexible working hours
Ongoing training and development
Long-term career progression opportunities
A chance to be part of a dynamic and growing community organisation
Opportunity to shape the future of a growing hub

How to Apply

We’d love to hear why you’re passionate about community work. Please send your CV and a short cover letter to: info@leftleysportsclub.org.uk

Closing Date: 5 December 2025

The LSC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicant will be required to undertake enhanced DBS disclosure.

Leftley Sports Club Celebrates 8 Years of ‘Walk and Talk’ in Mayesbrook Park

The Leftley Sports Club (LSC) has marked a significant milestone, successfully celebrating eight years of its popular ‘Walk and Talk‘ sessions in Mayesbrook Park.

Since its inception, the weekly gathering has served as a vital community fixture, promoting physical health, reducing social isolation, and fostering strong neighbourhood bonds within Barking and Dagenham and the surrounding areas.

A Consistent Community Anchor

The ‘Walk and Talk‘ sessions, held every Saturday morning at 10:30 AM at the park, exemplify the LSC’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the local community. What began as a simple idea has flourished into a dependable event for hundreds of residents.

”Our activities are growing along with our participants. We are committed to ensuring ours is a fit community. LSC is open to everyone and we would welcome more new faces,” said LSC Chair, Muhammed Ali, upon a previous milestone.

The sessions offer a supportive and informal environment, allowing participants to enjoy the outdoors, engage in light exercise, and share conversations. This focus on both physical activity and social connection is key to the program’s longevity and success.

More Than Just a Walk

While the Mayesbrook Park ‘Walk and Talk‘ is a cornerstone of the club’s offerings, the Leftley Sports Club is a broader, non-profit, volunteer organisation. Its activities have expanded over the years, often in partnership with local authorities and health services, to include:

Regular women’s coffee mornings focused on wellbeing.
The opening of the LSC Community Hub at Martin Peters Court for indoor activities.
Various other sports and fitness programmes like cycling and football.

The club is an accredited healthy lifestyle partner for the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, continually working to inspire residents, including those considered “hard-to-reach,” to engage in sporting activities.

As the Leftley Sports Club looks ahead, the continued success of the ‘Walk and Talk‘ in Mayesbrook Park demonstrates the enduring power of simple, consistent community initiatives to make a genuine difference in the lives of local residents.

Women’s Coffee Morning – Macmillan Cancer Support

Together for the community, with the community
Celebrating community togetherness

☕ Women’s Coffee Morning
In support of Macmillan Cancer Support

📅 Date: Thursday, 23rd October 2025
🕙 Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Venue: LSC Community Hub
Martin Peters Court, Meadow Road, IG11 9FE

Join us for a morning of warmth, friendship, and purpose. Every cup shared helps make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

This event is hosted by Ansarun and the Coffee Morning Team, and proudly supported by Leftley Sports Club and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Let’s come together as a community to support a great cause. Your presence matters!

✅ Why Attend?

Enjoy coffee and conversation in a welcoming space
Support Macmillan Cancer Support
Connect with your local community

We look forward to seeing you there!
For more details, contact the LSC Community Hub.

Leftley Sports Club Empowers Women Through Community, Culture & Wellbeing

The Leftley Sports Club (LSC) Women’s Coffee Morning programme has successfully delivered a year of impactful activities for women in Barking & Dagenham. Over 90 women took part in initiatives designed to build confidence, tackle isolation, and improve wellbeing.

Highlights included:

Bhortha Party (June 2025): A vibrant celebration of Bangladeshi cuisine and culture, featuring homemade dishes, fundraising stalls, and opportunities for women to step into leadership roles.
Southend Beach Trip (June 2025): A summer day out that promoted relaxation, connection, and cultural enrichment for 30 women.
Ghusl Workshop (July 2025): A spiritual and practical session on Islamic funeral rites, attended by 50+ women, fostering unity and intergenerational knowledge sharing.
Health Awareness Workshops (July 2025): Sessions on mental health and breast cancer awareness, breaking stigma and empowering women with essential knowledge and self-care practices.

The programme not only enhanced social bonds but also equipped women with vital skills, health awareness, and cultural pride. Supported by local partners, volunteers, and the NHS, the initiative reflects LSC’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and strengthening community cohesion.

Read the full report here.

Join us as we resume the Women's Coffee Mornings again this Thursday! (11 Sep 2025)

A Fantastic Time at our Women’s Coffee Mornings

We’re excited to share that our Women’s Coffee Mornings have been a huge success! Over 30 women regularly attend, ranging in ages from 30 to 60, enjoying a fun, relaxed atmosphere filled with good conversation and new friendships.

Attendees were treated to delicious snacks, tea, and coffee, and we ensured that transportation was provided for elderly and disabled guests, making it easy for everyone to join the fun. It was wonderful to see such a diverse group of women come together to share stories, laughter, and a sense of community.

But don’t worry if you missed it – the next one is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for the next Women’s Coffee Morning on October 24th at the LSC Community Hub.

Come for a cuppa, a chat, and to enjoy mind & body wellness workshops, games, and activities. It’s the perfect way to unwind and make new friends!

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to welcoming more of you soon!

Core Telecom supports Leftley Sports Club

A huge thank you to Core Telecom! As a charitable organisation, we are always looking to reduce our expenses. The free 0300 number donation by Core Telecom has saved us money and streamlined communication.

#CoreTelecom #MakingADifference #MehielFoundation

LSC launches Women’s Coffee Mornings

Join Us every fortnight on Thursdays starting 23 May 2024

An informal get together over tea/coffee/refreshments.

Applications open for operating Friday Prayers Service

The LSC Community Hub, based in Sebastian Court, has announced that it is opening up the application process for Muslim community groups interested in running Friday Prayers (Jumu'ah) services.

This initiative aims to provide more inclusive and accessible opportunities for various community groups to participate in and lead these important religious services.

Application Deadline: 19 January 2024

Apply Now