The news
On Monday 3rd November, the COSARAF Foundation was delighted to host its first-ever Conversations with COSARAF workshop at Parkview, Uxbridge.
We were joined by representatives of eight of our valued partners, from organisations working both in the UK and internationally, delivering a diverse range of impactful work, from education and enterprise development to interfaith engagement and support for unpaid carers.
Alongside trustees and members of the Sheikh family, the COSARAF team, with expert facilitation from Bean Research, engaged in a warm, interactive, and inspiring afternoon of conversation and collaboration.
A Day of Connection and Collaboration
The workshop opened with a welcome our trustee, Farouq Sheikh, followed by an introduction from the Foundation Director, who outlined the aims of the day: to strengthen connections between trustees and partners, share impact stories, and gather insights to help shape the Foundation’s next strategic plan (2026–2029).
The programme included a Partner Spotlight session, where each organisation shared highlights of their work supported by COSARAF. This was followed by two dynamic World Café–style workshops, facilitated by Charlotte Turner and Cath Weight of Bean Research, focusing on the Foundation’s core themes of Thriving People and Sustainable Communities.
Open Dialogue and Inspiring Ideas
The World Café model encouraged small-group discussion and cross-partner collaboration, generating fresh ideas, innovation, and honest dialogue. The atmosphere was lively and engaging, with conversation flowing naturally throughout both the workshops and networking sessions.
Trustees and family members had the opportunity to hear directly from partners about their challenges, successes, and ambitions for the future, encouraging deeper mutual understanding and a shared sense of purpose.
Informing the Future
The insights gathered during the session will play a crucial role in helping inform and advise trustees as the Foundation develops its 2026–2029 strategy.
“We were particularly pleased to see such open and constructive dialogue,” said Tashmina, Director. “The level of engagement and collaboration on the day truly reflects the spirit of partnership that drives our work.”
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many partners requesting that the Conversations with COSARAF workshop become a regular event.
So, watch this space — as the Foundation’s roster of engagements and activities continues to grow, we look forward to creating more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and learn together.
