The Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston

The community centre and temple with its portico of carved marble is a remarkable sight in a Preston suburb. Founded in the early 1960s by a small group of Hindus, GHS was set up to serve the religious and cultural needs of the Hindu residents of the area.

At first the funding came from the faith community members, and they bought and refurbished an old school building. When this became too small, grants, further community efforts and a loan made the new building possible. The smart new, well equipped premises are well managed and used, providing an income stream as well as benefitting of the community.

"Other organisations like to use our Centre because it’s in the right place, it’s convenient for the town centre and the station, it’s well equipped and there’s plenty of parking."
Ishwer Tailor, President of GHS

"It is also about the type of building, it’s about relationship. Lancashire County Council sees GHS as a faith organisation that has achieved a great deal against the odds. They are proud to be associated with a Hindu faith organisation that has raised the profile of the area."
Vijayanti Chauhan, External Relations Policy Officer, Lancashire County Council

For local people the Centre provides: Jobs information and advice IT Training A youth development programme A lunch club run by elders Sports activity for all ages A worship centre Over the years it has established itself as one of the major community organisations in the borough, and worked in partnership with Social Services to provide services for older people, the Youth Service to train leaders and support youth work, the Learning and Skills Council, and, with the North West Lancashire Health Promotion Unit, has set up a Gujarat Health Users Forum.

GHS has thrived and grown because, while remaining rooted in its own community, it has had the vision to make a place for itself in the wider world, and has never been afraid of a challenge.

www.ghspreston.co.uk