About Us
> Our History
From two women with a vision,
to a lifeline for thousands
The power of willingness, passion and belief - since 1998.
How It Began
Established in 1998 by local Bangladeshi women.
Shantona was founded to provide a separate, safe place for women, children and young people in the Bangladeshi community. What started as two women seeing a need in their local community - and working hard to address it together - has now grown into a staff team of over 20, supporting women, children and families with a range of issues and advocating for BAME communities across Leeds.
Shantona is at the heart of Harehills, where our multi-cultural organisation responds to the needs of local people and local issues. And that will never change.
1998
The year it all began
2
20+
20+
Founders
Staff today
Staff today
our journey
Milestones along the way
Shantona is born
Two local Bangladeshi women see a need in their community and create a safe, separate space for women, children and young people.
Duke of York Award & Genderwise
Shantona wins the Duke of York Community Initiatives Award. Nahid coordinates the UK side of "Genderwise", a transnational European project on gender equality, with 8 partners across the EU.
Duke of York Award - again
The organisation is recognised a second time with the Duke of York Community Initiatives Award for its outstanding community work.
Best Women's Centre
Shantona receives the A1 Business Excellence Award for "Best Women's Centre", celebrating the quality of its services.
An Honorary Doctorate
Nahid Rasool receives an Honorary Doctorate from Leeds Beckett University for her tireless dedication and significant contribution to public and voluntary services.
A growing legacy
A team of over 20 supports families from the most vulnerable backgrounds - with projects delivered locally, nationally and internationally, often used as a template by other organisations worldwide.
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Awards & Achievements
Recognised for tireless dedication
The team's work has steered Shantona to numerous accolades - locally, nationally and internationally.
Duke of York Community
Initiatives Award Won twice, recognising Shantona’s outstanding work in the community.
2007 & 2012
A1 Business Excellence Award
“Best Women’s Centre” – recognising the quality of Shantona’s services.
2015
Honorary Doctorate – Leeds
Beckett Awarded to Nahid Rasool for her contribution to public and voluntary services.
2017
Leeds Young Film Maker’s Golden Owl
A production from Shantona’s Hope Film Project was honoured by Leeds City Council.
Recent
