In a vibrant display of community spirit, the recent survey conducted from 28 May to 22 June 2025 has illuminated the needs, challenges, and aspirations of our local Muslim community. With 194 respondents, the survey provides a compelling case for establishing a new Islamic Centre, offering insights into how it can serve as a beacon of inclusion, connection, and support. Here’s what we learned and how it shapes the path forward.
| Here is the TLDR 🌟 SOMA Community Survey – Key Findings 🌟 Here are some key takeaways: ✅ Top Priorities • Dedicated prayer space, especially for Jummah • Islamic education for children and youth • Eid, Iftar, and family-friendly events 👨👩👧 Who Responded • 74% South Asian, 15% Arab, with others underrepresented • ¾ hold university degrees • Most live in Northbourne, Ladygrove, or GWP • ⅔ of households have children under 18 🤝 Engagement & Volunteering • 32% can give time weekly • 75% have never volunteered – but many are open to it • Skills offered: admin, teaching, events, IT, finance 📣 What’s Next? The data makes it clear: we are a skilled, committed, and diverse community, ready to contribute. These findings will shape our path toward building an inclusive Islamic Centre rooted in spiritual growth and community support. |
Download the survey presentation here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KaYnvVDIfG9B5ru3v3XHooHfCT-5SYVy/view?usp=sharing
Research Objectives: Understanding Community Needs
The survey aimed to explore the community’s needs and priorities for a proposed Islamic Centre. Its objectives included assessing current levels of community engagement, identifying barriers to participation (especially for women, youth, and the elderly), and pinpointing the services and spaces most desired by residents. By gathering these insights, the survey sought to inform the design and planning of a centre that truly reflects the community’s diverse needs and fosters a sense of belonging.
Survey Demographics: A Diverse and Educated Community
The survey captured responses from a diverse group, with a gender breakdown of 110 males, 68 females, and 2% identifying as other or preferring not to say. A notable aspect of the respondent profile is their education level, though specific details on education were not fully provided in the survey excerpt. The data suggests a community with varied backgrounds, likely including a mix of secondary, further, and higher education levels, reflecting the diverse skill sets available for volunteering and knowledge sharing. Household sizes predominantly averaged four people, with very few living alone or in households of six or more, indicating family-oriented communities that the Islamic Centre could serve.
Community Engagement: A Willingness to Contribute
The survey revealed a strong appetite for community involvement, with 32% of respondents able to offer 1–2 hours of assistance per week and 22% willing to contribute 3–5 hours weekly. This enthusiasm for roles like administrative event planning and fundraising highlights a community ready to take an active part in building and sustaining the Islamic Centre. The preference for WhatsApp as the primary communication channel (80% of respondents) underscores the importance of real-time, accessible platforms, with email, websites, and in-person events as secondary channels to ensure inclusivity for less digitally engaged members.
Top Challenges: Addressing Inclusion and Connection
The survey identified three key challenges facing the community:
- Lack of Inclusive Spaces (37 respondents): Women, youth, and the elderly feel excluded from existing activities and spaces, highlighting the need for tailored programs that cater to diverse age groups and genders.
- Social Fragmentation (26 respondents): Many reported feeling disconnected or isolated from the wider Muslim community, suggesting a gap in community cohesion that a central hub could address.
- Discrimination and Identity Barriers (13 respondents): Experiences of Islamophobia or discomfort in expressing a visible Muslim identity were noted, emphasising the need for a safe, welcoming space where cultural and religious identities can be celebrated.
These challenges underline the urgency of creating an Islamic Centre that prioritises accessibility, inclusivity, and community connection.
Priorities for the Islamic Centre: Why It’s Needed
The survey respondents clearly articulated the need for an Islamic Centre that serves as a multifaceted hub. Key priorities include:
- Prayer Space: A dedicated area for worship was a top demand, reflecting the community’s spiritual needs.
- Educational Programs: Respondents emphasised the importance of Islamic education and general learning opportunities for all ages.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Flexible, culturally sensitive programs that cater to women, youth, and the elderly were highly valued, ensuring the centre is a welcoming space for all.
The need for an Islamic Centre is evident in the community’s desire for a space that fosters belonging, counters isolation, and provides safe, inclusive environments to address discrimination and support cultural identity. With strong community momentum and a clear demand for these services, the centre is poised to become a vital resource.
Implications for Planning: Building an Inclusive Future
The survey’s findings have significant implications for planning the Islamic Centre:
- Inclusivity First: The centre must prioritise spaces and programs that actively include women, youth, and underrepresented groups, addressing the 37 respondents who noted exclusion.
- Community-Driven Design: Leverage the community’s willingness to volunteer (32% offering 1–2 hours weekly) by creating clear pathways for skilled volunteering, such as event planning or educational workshops.
- Multi-Channel Communication: Use WhatsApp for real-time updates, supplemented by email, a project webpage, and community events to reach all members, including those less digitally engaged.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Develop age-relevant, culturally appropriate activities to bridge social fragmentation and foster a sense of belonging.
These insights ensure the centre’s design aligns with community needs, maximising engagement and impact.
Summary: A Community Ready to Act
The 2025 survey paints a clear picture of a community ready to embrace and support an Islamic Centre. Key takeaways include:
- High Willingness to Engage: With 32% of respondents offering 1–2 hours and 22% offering 3–5 hours weekly, the community is eager to contribute through volunteering and fundraising.
- Inclusion Matters: Addressing the exclusion of women, youth, and the elderly is critical to the centre’s success.
- Spaces Reflect Needs: Prayer spaces, educational programs, and family-friendly activities are top priorities to meet spiritual and social needs.
- Time to Act: The strong evidence of need and community momentum makes now the ideal time to move forward with the Islamic Centre.
The survey’s findings are a call to action, highlighting the community’s readiness to build a space that fosters connection, inclusion, and cultural pride. By unlocking community skills and prioritising inclusive, family-oriented programs, the Islamic Centre can become a cornerstone of unity and support for all.
For more information or to get involved, join our WhatsApp group or visit our project webpage. Let’s build this together!
