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Gambian Association of Dorset




A Home Away From Home for Gambians in Dorset

Building connection, celebrating culture, and supporting our community — together.


Welcome

We bring together Gambians and friends of The Gambia across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the wider Dorset area.

Our association creates a safe, welcoming space where individuals, families, and young people can connect, celebrate their heritage, and build meaningful relationships.

Here, community means support, identity, and belonging.

What We Do

From supporting new arrivals to celebrating culture and empowering young people — we are here at every step of the journey.

Support for New Arrivals

We welcome families and individuals settling into Dorset, offering guidance, community connections, and practical orientation to help them feel at home quickly and confidently.

Cultural & Community Events

Our events celebrate Gambian heritage through music, food, storytelling, and tradition — creating moments of joy and pride that bring our whole community together.

Youth Engagement & Mentoring

We invest in the next generation — providing safe spaces, mentoring, and activities that build confidence, identity, and a strong sense of belonging for young Gambians in Dorset.

Access to Services & Information

Navigating life in a new place can be daunting. We connect members with local services, signpost essential information, and make sure no one falls through the cracks.

Our Mission

To promote unity, wellbeing, cultural pride, and community cohesion among Gambians and the wider community.

We believe that strong communities are built through connection, shared identity, and mutual support.

1

Unity

Bringing people together across backgrounds, ages, and experiences.

2

Wellbeing

Supporting the health, happiness, and resilience of every member.

3

Cultural Pride

Celebrating Gambian heritage as a source of strength and joy.

4

Cohesion

Building bridges between communities for a stronger Dorset.

Meet Our Board

The board behind the Gambian Association of Dorset

Mavrick Manneh

Chairman

📞 07973 689611

Kitabu Balajo

SECRETARY

📞 07951 830869

Pape Sow

Treasurer

📞 07868 973872

Modou Faal

Project Manager

📞 07590 817468

Wouri Bah

Organisational Secretary

📞 07814 562572

Amie Sowe

Women Secretary

📞 07771 363706

Our Community in Action

We support a growing community across Dorset — creating meaningful opportunities for connection, wellbeing, and cultural pride every single month.

1

Community

New members joining regularly from across DORSET.

2

Membership

A vibrant, engaged network of families, individuals, and young people.

3

Events & Sessions

Cultural celebrations, youth activities, and information sessions held throughout the year.

Family Networking Events

Bringing families together to share experiences, build friendships, and support one another across Dorset.

Storytelling Sessions

Inspiring children and young people through the rich oral traditions and folklore of The Gambia.

Youth Activities

Engaging programmes that keep young people active, confident, and connected to their cultural roots.

Information Sessions

Practical guidance on housing, health, education, and local services — helping our community thrive.

Bringing Our Community Together

Creating spaces where culture is celebrated and connections are built — one event at a time.

1

🎉 Cultural Celebrations

Marking Gambian traditions, national days, and seasonal festivities with food, music, and community spirit.

2

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Networking

Relaxed, welcoming events where families can meet, connect, and support one another in a friendly environment.

3

📖 Storytelling for Children

African storytelling sessions that nurture imagination, cultural pride, and a love of language in young minds.

4

🛡️ Youth Safe Spaces

Dedicated programmes where young people can express themselves, build friendships, and feel truly supported.

5

⚽ Sports & Recreation

Bringing people together through sport — promoting health, teamwork, and community bonds in a fun setting.

6

ℹ️ Information Sessions

Regular sessions covering rights, services, wellbeing, and local resources — empowering our members with knowledge.

Supporting Our Members

From the moment you arrive to wherever life takes you, we are here — offering practical help, emotional support, and a genuine sense of belonging.

🏠 New Arrival Support

Starting fresh in a new place is a big step. We help smooth that transition with warm community connections, practical orientation, and clear guidance on accessing local services — so you never have to figure it out alone.

  • Community connections from day one
  • Guidance and local orientation
  • Access to essential services

💛 Wellbeing & Social Support

Life has its challenges. Our peer support networks, regular community gatherings, and family-friendly activities create a safety net of care and friendship. We also provide compassionate bereavement support when it is needed most.

  • Peer support networks
  • Community gatherings and social events
  • Family activities and shared meals
  • Bereavement and emotional support

🌟 Youth & Family Engagement

Young people deserve to feel proud of who they are and where they come from. We create safe, nurturing spaces where children and teenagers can explore their identity, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of belonging — both in Dorset and within their Gambian heritage.

  • Safe, inclusive spaces for young people
  • Confidence-building activities and mentoring
  • Identity, heritage, and belonging programmes
Trust & Funding

Growing and Supporting Our Community

We are proud to have recently secured funding to support families, children's activities, storytelling sessions, and community information services across Dorset. This recognition of our work reflects the trust and confidence that funders and partners have placed in our association.

This support allows us to continue strengthening our community — expanding what we offer, reaching more families, and creating truly meaningful, lasting impact for Gambians and the wider Dorset community.

"Together, we are building something real — a community that uplifts, supports, and celebrates every member."

Become Part of Our Community

Joining the Gambian Association of Dorset means becoming part of a supportive, welcoming, and empowering network that genuinely cares about you and your family.

🤝 Connect

Build genuine friendships and relationships with others who share your background and values.

🎊 Celebrate

Honour your culture, heritage, and identity with pride — in the heart of Dorset.

🌿 Access Support

Get practical help, guidance, and a community that has your back when you need it most.

✨ Make a Difference

Contribute to something bigger — shaping a stronger, more connected community for everyone.

Volunteering

Get Involved

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our association. From organising vibrant cultural events to supporting newly arrived families and mentoring young people, our volunteers make a real and lasting difference in people's lives.

Whether you have a few hours a month or want to take on a more regular role, your time, skills, and energy are genuinely valued here. No experience is necessary — just a willingness to show up and care.

Organise & Lead Events

Help plan and deliver cultural celebrations, youth sessions, and community gatherings.

Support Families

Offer a friendly face, practical guidance, and a warm welcome to those new to Dorset.

Mentor Young People

Share your experience and inspire the next generation to thrive with confidence.

Partner With Us

We believe that strong partnerships create stronger communities. We actively collaborate with local councils, charities, schools, faith groups, and cultural organisations to promote inclusion, wellbeing, and shared understanding across Dorset.

Local Councils

Working alongside local authorities to ensure Gambian voices are heard and community needs are met.

Charities & Third Sector

Collaborating with charitable organisations to extend our reach and deepen our community impact.

Schools & Education

Partnering with schools to support children's wellbeing, cultural understanding, and family engagement.

Cultural Organizations

Joining forces with arts and heritage groups to celebrate diversity and promote mutual respect across Dorset.

PAST EVENTS

JULY - SUMMER BBQ 2026



Summer BBQ 2026

Summer BBQ 2026 — In Pictures

A wonderful day of food, music, and community spirit in Dorset.

Gallery

Community Highlights

Moments from our events, celebrations and community life — captured together.

Share your own photos with us — tag us on social media or send them to contact@gambianassociationofdorset.org

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about joining and getting involved with the Gambian Association of Dorset.

1

Who can join the Gambian Association of Dorset?

Anyone is welcome! Whether you are Gambian, have family ties to The Gambia, or simply love Gambian culture and want to support our community — there is a place for you here. We are open to all ages, backgrounds and nationalities.

2

Is membership free?

Yes, joining our community is completely free. We believe that no financial barrier should prevent anyone from accessing support, connection and belonging.

3

Where do your events take place?

Our events are held across the BCP area — Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole — as well as other locations across Dorset. All event details including venues are shared on our website and social media pages.

4

How can I volunteer?

Simply get in touch via our contact form. We welcome volunteers of all skill levels and availability — even a few hours a month makes a real difference.

5

Do you offer support for newly arrived families?

Yes. We provide practical guidance, signposting to local services, and a warm welcome to anyone new to Dorset. You don't have to navigate life in a new country alone — we are here to help.

6

How can organisations partner with you?

We actively seek partnerships with local councils, charities, schools and cultural organisations. Please reach out via our 'Work With Us' section or email us directly to discuss collaboration opportunities.

Contact us - Gambian Association of Dorset

📍Dorset, United Kingdom
Serving Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

Email: gambianassociationofdorset@gmail.com

Contact Form click here

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