Charity staff ‘gobsmacked' after significant donation from Duke of Sussex
Nottingham-based Himmah said the 'significant' undisclosed sum will fund more than 650 much-needed food parcels for vulnerable families in the city.
The donation by Harry comes four years after the Duchess of Sussex donated £10,000 with funds from The Royal Foundation for the charity to purchase equipment and fund the Salaam Shalom Kitchen, a joint Muslim and Jewish community project offering hot meals and groceries.
Charity director Sajid Mohammed (Himmah/PA)
Himmah, which tackles poverty, racism and social exclusion and is based in Gamble Street in the Radford area of the city, said it was 'hugely humbled' at Harry's donation.
Sajid Mohammed, director at Himmah, said: 'I could not believe it when we got the email.
'To have been chosen by such a high-profile royal once is amazing but to have been supported by Prince Harry too left us completely gobsmacked.'
In a letter to Himmah released by the charity, Harry said: 'Nottingham holds a special place in my heart, having had the privilege of visiting and supporting the community there for over a decade.
'The incredible work Himmah does to address food insecurity, poverty and social exclusion should be recognised and applauded. I'm happy to be able to play a small part in your mission to bring communities together by creating opportunities and support for those facing hardship.'
Himmah provides more than 1,300 emergency food parcels every month to people across the city and serves more than 1,200 hot meals from its city centre community hub.
The charity also runs a community garden, distributes school uniforms to low-income families, and provides budgeting advice and services.
Mr Mohammed added: 'The number of people in need in Nottingham shot up during Covid and has only gotten worse as more people suffer the cost-of-living crisis and others lose their jobs due to the cost-of-business crisis.
'Many of our service users are working people who are struggling to make ends meet and unable to afford the basics, like fresh produce, toilet roll or toothpaste.
'Government grant and bid opportunities have declined and competition for the funds is fierce, meaning we're increasingly dependent on community giving and so grateful for every penny our supporters provide. Himmah's work is not just about providing food – it's about restoring dignity, hope and stability to people's lives.'
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Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
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But last month its founder Michelle Evans confirmed the restaurant would have to close as their lease on the farm had not been renewed by its landlord Pembrokeshire County Council. Since receiving the news Michelle and her family have been fighting for answers from the local authority. The mother-of-two has expressed frustration at the council's handling of the situation, claiming they haven't provided her answers on why the business' future was abruptly cut short and offered to another party without consultation. "It's been mentally exhausting," Michelle said. "When I already had a full life anyway – the farm work, the restaurant, admin, and kids – this happens. Article continues below "I've got two kids who maybe we're not doing as much with them as we would normally try and fit in because I'm working on this. "I'm constantly writing something. I'm doing FOI (freedom of information request), then another FOI, and then another FOI. "It takes a lot out of you. 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During the Covid-19 lockdowns Michelle initially opened a farm shop selling home-reared meat and pastries which then evolved into a restaurant (Image: Paternoster Farm ) According to Michelle the family had "no doubt" the tenancy would be for a decade but when they asked Pembrokeshire County Council about the likelihood of renewing their tenancy after the first 10 years the council hoped there would be no issue. In an email exchange between Michelle and an asset manager for the council in April of last year, seen by WalesOnline, Michelle was told that there was a "lot of support" within the authority for the county farms and that they hoped that "any decision on a renewal would be favourable". In response to WalesOnline's query to this exchange a Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said they had "hoped to be able to offer and provide a tenancy in one of [their] larger farms",but confirmed the "language used in correspondence with [their] tenant did not make that clear" and "may have given the impression that a renewal of the current tenancy at Paternoster would be possible". The restaurant has received rave reviews from The Times and The Good Food Guide (Image: Paternoster Farm ) Michelle explained that in November of last year representatives of the council came to inspect the farm and conduct a survey. She said: "They came out, they spent about two hours here – we walked the land, they looked at the livestock. "They were really happy with how the animals looked, happy how the land was. It was looking really good for that time of year." The conclusion of their visit did not come until four months later. "We heard nothing then until a letter arrived in February," Michelle said. "It was just this one paragraph saying: 'We're not renewing your tenancy. We're offering you a larger farm in Solva. Here's a map. Yours faithfully…'. That was literally it – one paragraph." Hundleton is around an hour's drive from Solva in Pembrokeshire. According to Michelle such a move would disrupt their business, livelihoods, and their children's education. Michelle said she has tried to get an answer on the council's decision not to renew their lease at Paternoster Farm. Michelle has sent a request asking for records including emails, reports, minutes, and transcripts of all meetings in regards to the decision not to renew the lease. But in response the local authority said they had searched their records and the information requested was not held by them. While Michelle feels frustrated by the council's response she also feels uncertain about the future. "It's the uncertainty of not knowing," she said. Michelle has said she feels 'mentally exhausted' and uncertain about the future following the news (Image: Paternoster Farm ) "We're obviously looking at alternative sites for restaurants and cafes because we'd be daft to just tread along fighting this but not have a Plan B. "I'm worried about money. The cost of having to move is going to be enormous. "It's a terrible time for restaurants as it is but the cost of moving a restaurant and establishing somewhere else, as well as the cost of being closed for that time, will be huge." But the recent news has also had an impact on Michelle's children and especially her 14-year-old daughter who has a passion for farming. "When she first found out she took it upon herself to write a letter to the farm's manager," Michelle said. "We didn't know – I didn't know about it until afterwards. "She hopped off the school bus in the village, got some stamps, and posted the letter. They didn't reply to her. 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Michelle and her husband Leum have launched a petition calling for a full and thorough review of a policy (Image: Paternoster Farm ) Following the news that their lease renewal was denied Michelle and her husband Leum have launched an online petition calling on Pembrokeshire County Council to conduct a full and thorough review of its County Farm Policy. Previously the county council said their proposals at Paternoster Farm were in line with the policy offering the tenancy to new tenants and providing "those who wish to farm a way of entering into the industry". But the petition argues that the policy is "not fit for purpose" as it does not support "farm diversification nor integration into the community". It continues: "If County Farm Policy does not support and encourage our type of farming enterprise, one which farms the holding to its fullest whilst caring for the land, farms regeneratively, provides employment, fosters community links, supports a wealth of local businesses, supports local schools, feeds farm produce to the community every single week of the year, then it cannot possibly be said to be fit for purpose." It later adds: "County Farm Policy lists its objective as facilitating entry into farming, and moving tenants up to larger farms, but to what end? "Has the authority actually considered who it aims to benefit, and why do they not seek to measure the success, or otherwise, of the policy? "It is all very well to seek to help new entrants into farming, but what are the authority really trying to achieve? Farming for farming's sake is not enough. The authority has to ask, who will benefit, and to what extent?" So far the petition has received more than 500 signatures. In response the county council has said the petition will be "fully considered" with the policy said to be due for a renewal next year. "The amount of support we've received is unbelievable," Michelle said. "I didn't expect it. I thought some people would be angry but everyone was really supportive." She added: "And that support continues with people signing the petition. Within less than two hours we got the 500 signatures that we needed to enable it to be heard by the full council. "I think the restaurant has eclipsed the farm and that's why there's been a bit of a pushback from people." Although no official closing date has been set Paternoster Farm is expected to remain open into the autumn with bookings made available through the restaurant's Instagram page and via For now Michelle and her family remain hopeful that they will get answers. "We've been here nine years," she said. "It's our home, it's our children's home. This place means a lot to us because we've made a huge success at the restaurant. "But at the same time had we known in advance that we'd need to move we'd have made quite different business decisions. "I'm not an unreasonable person. We could have made plans to move and I think, although it would have been difficult, we would have been okay with that as we would've kept other options open. "My issue is the way they've treated us – that's what it comes down to. "The fact that in November, when we spoke about renewal, they went away to do their report and made the decision and then came back in February and only had until March to give us notice if they were going to renew or not. "So it was right down to the last minute. And the way that letter was so unceremonious with one paragraph and no explanation." 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The County Farm Policy is due for renewal next year and will therefore be reviewed in the near future; the petition contents will also be considered as part of this review. "The council supports and commends the contribution and success of the Paternoster Farm restaurant. "However extending the tenancy to facilitate the restaurant on a long-term basis would contravene the existing County Farm Policy; this aspect will be further reviewed along with the policy. "Any relevant information will be released to our tenant in accordance with our data control policies, freedom of information requests, and subject access requests as appropriate." Article continues below
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Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
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What is the law on taking time off work for Eid? The dates of the Eid festivals are only confirmed a few days prior, so employers might find themselves receiving annual leave requests at short notice. This can pose a challenge for businesses trying to organise staff schedules, reports Birmingham Live. Eid ul Fitr marks the beginning of a month, with its date set just after a moon sighting confirms it, usually giving little notice. In contrast, Eid ul Adha's date is known well in advance as it falls on the 10th day of a month. This unpredictability is why Saudi Arabia uses a national calendar with religious festivals pre-scheduled based on astronomical predictions. UK employment law specialists at Peninsula have offered guidance, stating: "Eid is an important celebration for Muslims and it is likely employers will receive annual leave requests for those who wish to observe this festival. Employers should deal with holiday requests through their normal procedures and any company policies. It is important to act reasonably and fairly, following the normal system to determine whether the request can be approved." Clarifying the legalities surrounding holiday requests, they added: "The law states that employees have to give a notice period of double the length of their holiday to their employer to request holiday i.e. six days' notice for three days' leave. Employers can also extend this notice period through their contractual holiday policy. Where the employee fails to give the required notice, the employer is not under an obligation to consider the request." What happens if your Eid holiday request is refused? Peninsula is advising employers to seriously take into account any holiday requests linked to observing Eid. However, should there be a need to decline such requests, bosses are encouraged to engage with the employee to explore mutually agreeable alternatives. They clarified: "It may be the case that the holiday request cannot be accommodated because of the needs of the business. It may be necessary to refuse leave where, for example, the workplace will be understaffed or the request is during a period of high customer demand. The Working Time Regulations allow employers to refuse holiday requests by giving employees the required notice. The required notice is equal to the amount of leave requested so if an employee requests a week off the employer has to give a minimum of one week's notice to refuse the request." Bethanie Booth, from Napthens Solicitors, emphasised that when time off isn't viable, employers ought to contemplate flexible working arrangements as an alternative. She notes that Eid is the perfect moment for companies "to encourage staff engagement, to educate staff and to improve their understanding of different religions across the workforce." Booth highlighted the importance of inclusivity within workplaces, suggesting businesses that acknowledge religious holidays like Easter or Christmas should also think about how to celebrate other important cultural festivities such as Eid. Firms are being urged to show flexibility and cooperation in handling last-minute holiday requests, including deviating from standard policies that normally require advance booking. She said: "If employees, for whatever reason, have insufficient holidays to cover their absence for the requested religious holiday, we would encourage employers to consider granting a period of unpaid leave." Moreover, companies should take a proactive stance by suggesting employees inform management of their intention to use annual leave for Eid, enabling better staffing and cover arrangements. She urged firms to: "We would also encourage employers to maintain a consistent approach to support members of staff who are observing a religious holiday to ensure that the business is not discriminating against members of staff who wish to observe religious holidays." What's the best practice for employers on Eid holiday requests? Ms Booth issued the following guidance on best practice for employers on Eid holidays: Agree to last-minute requests for holidays or unpaid leave where possible; Allow for flexibility among the workforce; and Communicate openly with all employees. She added: "We would also encourage employers to maintain a consistent approach to support members of staff who are observing a religious holiday to ensure that the business is not discriminating against members of staff who wish to observe religious holidays." Similarly, the Peninsula law firm warned: "Applying a fair and consistent holiday request policy across the workforce will not constitute direct discrimination on the grounds of religious belief, however, it can be classed as indirect discrimination because the policy applies to all but puts those of the Muslim faith at a particular disadvantage. This makes it crucial that employers have a genuine, objective business reason for refusing in order to objectively justify any indirect discrimination complaints."
