Our Story
The journey of creating Events 2 Empower began with a small but meaningful moment.
Our founder, Puja Lakhmania, started volunteering at local community events in Barking in 2010. During one of those early events she was helping at a stall and remembers selling a live fish in a bowl for £10.
It may have seemed like a small moment but the sense of achievement and joy it brought was powerful. That moment planted the seed of an idea. The idea that community events could bring people together, create happiness and build meaningful connections.
Before moving to the UK our founder was working in the aviation busy industry back home. Moving to a new country meant leaving behind family, friends and everything familiar. Like many people starting a new life there were moments of isolation.
Instead of letting that isolation define the experience our founder decided to create the sense of community she was missing.
She began organizing small market style gatherings where local women could run stalls, showcase their talents and share their skills. These events created opportunities for women to step forward, build confidence and connect with others.
Gradually more women joined. Families came together and children participated in performances and activities. What began as small gatherings started growing into vibrant community celebrations.
Around 2014 the vision became clearer and the concept of Events 2 Empower began to take shape. A platform dedicated to empowering women, celebrating culture and strengthening community connections.
Over time the initiative evolved into a community movement bringing residents together through cultural festivals, family events, youth engagement and health awareness programmes.
What began with a simple volunteer moment selling a fish in a bowl at a community event has grown into a movement that continues to empower individuals and bring communities together.
The journey continues as Events 2 Empower keeps creating opportunities, celebrating diversity and strengthening communities.
Our Vision
Events 2 Empower envisions a vibrant, inclusive, and empowered community where people from all backgrounds come together through culture, creativity, and shared experiences.
Our vision is to create opportunities that uplift women, strengthen families, and inspire communities by using events as a powerful platform for connection, wellbeing, and learning.
We aim to build spaces where voices are heard, talents are celebrated, and individuals feel confident to grow, contribute, and thrive. Through culturally meaningful events, workshops, and public health initiatives, we strive to break barriers, promote equality, and support the wellbeing of diverse communities.
What do
we do?
At Events 2 Empower, we organise a wide range of community activities designed to inspire, engage, and empower.
Cultural Festivals
We celebrate culture through vibrant events such as Holi – Festival of Colours, Diwali celebrations, Indian Independence Day, and community cultural showcases, bringing families and communities together in joyful celebration.\
Community Health & Awareness
Working closely with local Public Health teams, GP Federations, and health organisations, we deliver outreach events that raise awareness around important health issues, including vaccination awareness, health checks, and wellbeing education.
Women Empowerment
A core part of our mission is to support and uplift women by providing platforms where they can showcase their talents, start small businesses, build confidence, and connect with supportive networks.
Through Empowering Women initiatives, we help women turn ideas into opportunities.
Youth & Family Activities
We run engaging programmes for children and young people including dance workshops, creative activities, youth performances, and family fun days that promote confidence, creativity, and community participation.
Community Wellbeing Programmes
Our weekly programmes include activities such as Bollywood dance classes, Zumba sessions, arts and play activities, and community meetups, helping people stay active, socially connected, and mentally well.
Our Impact
Our events regularly bring together hundreds of families and residents from across the borough.
Through our initiatives we have successfully:
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Delivered large-scale community events attracting over 1,000 residents
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Supported public health outreach and vaccination awareness
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Provided opportunities for local women entrepreneurs and community performers
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Created inclusive spaces where diverse cultures are celebrated together
We are proud to work in partnership with local councils, public health teams, community organisations, and volunteers who share our vision for a stronger community.