About Sahara
Supporting older South Asian people to live happier lives.
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Who We Are
Sahara Wellbeing CIC is an award-winning community organisation working across Medway in Kent. We support older South Asian people to feel connected, valued and supported as they age.
Our aim is simple.
To help people feel they belong and can enjoy later life.
How It Started
Sahara was founded from love, grief, and a sense of responsibility.
When Paramjot’s grandmother, Sukhwant, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she moved into the family home and Paramjot’s mother became her primary carer. Over the next three years, they witnessed her decline first-hand.
Continue our story...
It quickly became clear that there was a gap in support for elderly Punjabi people and their carers.
While day services existed, Sukhwant couldn’t communicate or connect with anyone there. Care workers didn’t speak her language or understand her cultural background.
Having lost her connection to her community, and placed in unfamiliar settings that felt nothing like home, she became increasingly isolated, confused and scared.
Perhaps most difficult of all was that neither Paramjot nor her family knew enough about dementia. Had they understood what to expect, or known what support was available, the experience could have been very different.
Paramjot didn’t want other people’s stories to unfold like that. Sahara was created to offer something better.
Our Team
Paramjot Kaur
Founder & Director of Operations
Paramjot founded Sahara in 2020, determined to do something about the loneliness experienced by older South Asian people. With a background spanning older people's services, community development, social inclusion and programme management, and as an artist, she brings both sector experience and a creative approach to her work. Her aim is to foster a space rooted in love and compassion, and to make sure that Sahara reaches those who need it most.
Bhinder Dhothar
Director of Safeguarding & Wellbeing
Bhinder joined Sahara through her desire to help people connect and socialise, particularly where language can be a challenge. With 37 years of experience supporting people with their financial needs, alongside her volunteering experience, she brings a strong ability to listen, offer support and signpost people when they need further help. As Director of Safeguarding and Wellbeing, Bhinder is passionate about creating safe spaces where people feel heard and supported, and about giving back to her community.
Simran Aluwalia
Director of Finance
Simran joined Sahara because she values being part of a caring community dedicated to supporting others. With a background in banking, finance, and customer service, she brings relevant experience to her role as Director of Finance. She is passionate about helping Sahara manage its finances effectively so it can continue supporting the community and older people.
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Satinder Shokar
Director of Partnerships
Satinder joined Sahara because he believes everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy later life with dignity, friendship and a sense of belonging. His career has focused on bringing people and organisations together to tackle health inequalities and strengthen communities. As Director of Partnerships, he is passionate about building relationships that help Sahara grow its impact, reach more isolated older people and create opportunities for older South Asian residents to thrive.
Beth Atkins
Director of Commercial Activity
Beth has worked across complementary therapy, education, palliative care and community care, giving her first-hand experience of the impact that loneliness and isolation can have on people’s wellbeing. She is passionate about empowering people to achieve their full potential for a fulfilled life. Beth joined Sahara because of its commitment to embracing the diverse needs of older people, and she values the warmth and sense of family that defines Sahara.
Sahara is made up of volunteers, and we greatly appreciate all they do.
We could not exist without them.
