Somali Development Services (SDS) CIC
Supporting new additions to our community since 2001
Somali Development Services (SDS) was established in Leicester in 2001, incorporated in 2004 to support the growing Somali community and other new arrivals to ensure that people could participate in the city’s economic, social, and community life. Since 2017 SDS has been operating as a community interest company (CIC)
We are a community-based, non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals and families through education, inclusion, employment, health & wellbeing, advice, foodbank, and environmental awareness. We believe small actions can create big change
Our story
Services
Advice, Information & Guidance
Our experienced staff of advisors help hundreds of new and established members of our society and holistically guide them on a number of issues. Users of our AIG services come to our centre for a range of issues, including, but not limited to, housing, family support, financial advice, employment, healthcare, GP information, education and careers guidance
Education & Careers Support
Our programs and projects have thousands of new and established members of our community find employment, achieve qualifications and become assets to society. We provide services to youth and adults, including language courses, educational integration, social inclusion through a careers pathway, and tackle poverty in the community through careers training and employment support
Childcare and Nursery
Our in-house nursery and has a ‘Met’ rating from Ofsted. The nursery is open between 8.30-5.30 and accepts children from the ages of 2-4 and offers free 15-30 hours of entitled childcare for eligible parents and children (TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE - ENROLMENT ON HOLD)
Reports
SDS Annual Report 2023
SDS Annual Report 2022
Reaching Communities Mid-project Review
This report offers a summary of the projects conducted by Somali Development Services (SDS) during the year 2023
This report provides an overview of the projects Somali Development Services (SDS) has run between 2021-2022, as well as highlight the service usage of its clients. These services have ranged from employment and benefits advice to guidance on education and housing. Using the data collected from our wide-ranging clientele, this report will showcase the advice, information, and guidance (AIG) that our staff provide to the community, while also highlighting how such services have impacted their lives
The project is a tutoring support service for up to 150 disadvantaged children who are at risk of falling behind in their core educational subjects, as a result of inequalities which have been exacerbated by COVID-19. The service plan was to provide up to 4 hours per week over a period of one term each (8 weeks) per child.
Accessibility and Support for All
At Somali Development Services (SDS), we are committed to ensuring that our services are accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of ability or circumstance
Physical Access: Our building is equipped with a ramp to support wheelchair users and anyone who may find steps difficult. While our main office is located on the first floor, our advisers are always happy to come downstairs to meet with service users who are unable to access the upper level
Assistance for Visually Impaired Visitors: We offer personalised guidance for service users who are visually impaired, ensuring they are supported in a way that suits their preferences whether through verbal direction, physical guidance, or other methods
Supportive Staff: Our team is trained to offer compassionate, flexible assistance and is always willing to adapt based on individual needs. If you require extra help or accommodations, please let us know in advance or when you arrive, we are here to support you
Communication Support: We aim to provide clear, accessible information and can assist with reading forms or filling out paperwork if needed. If English is not your first language, interpretation support may also be available on request
We believe no one should face barriers to receiving support
Please feel free to reach out if you have any specific accessibility needs or questions before visiting visit our centre or contact us at 0116 2855888 or 07958166960 (WhatsApp) or email us at admin@somdev-services.com
Postcode Places Trust is a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Our organisation received £24742 from the Trust to provide a community-centred advice service providing holistic interventions to support our service users and ensure that our service users can access an advice service which is tailored to their specific needs and ensuring that socially excluded and marginalised people receive the support they need.
Support from the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund
Support from the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund, provided by The National Lottery Community Fund, has had a substantial effect on our community. It has played a vital role in enabling SDS to establish a drop-in advice centre and food bank, offering essential assistance to those facing difficulties, especially in challenging circumstances. This initiative not only meets urgent requirements like food access but also delivers valuable guidance and aid through the advice centre to individuals who are among the most vulnerable in society. We extend our gratitude to the Government for enabling this impactful endeavour
Testimonials from our service users
“I was depressed and looking for support as I was struggling to manage during COVID - 19. My adviser helped with a food parcel and helped me with a welfare benefit application. I am happy. SDS is doing a good job in the community”
I was new to Leicester and came to SDS for help with completing GP registration and also looking for work. My adviser completed the form and enrolled me on a project to support my employability skills and CV. I am very happy.”
“I am new to the UK and came to SDS for help with employment and NI application. The adviser was very helpful, and he supported me with the applications. I am grateful for the support received from the adviser.”Our Partners & Funders
Get involved
If you would like to work with us, volunteer, or donate to us in any shape or form, please get in touch with us using this form. You can also get in touch with us if you have any questions with regards to how you can get involved and help us build a better community in Leicester.