About us
Who We Are
Barawak is a community‑rooted organisation based in SE8, dedicated to supporting families with dignity, warmth and practical help. We exist to make sure no one in our neighbourhood faces hardship alone — whether they need food support, children’s clothing, personal care items or simply a safe, welcoming space.
What We Do
Every day, our volunteers travel through Lewisham rescuing good food that would otherwise go to waste. Back at our centre, the team sorts and prepares everything with care, ensuring that the produce, clothing and essentials we offer are of the highest quality for the families we serve.
Each Wednesday, our food bank becomes a vibrant community hub where people can choose what they need, connect with others and feel supported without judgement. We believe in dignity‑first support — empowering families to make their own choices in a warm, respectful environment.
Why We Exist
Life brings moments when any of us may need help. Barawak stands in that gap. We support families through crisis, rising living costs and unexpected challenges, ensuring they feel seen, valued and cared for. Our work is built on compassion, cultural understanding and a deep commitment to strengthening our community.
Our Vision
To build a world where individuals and families of African, Caribbean and wider communities, have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. We envision a community where cultural heritage is celebrated, social inequalities are addressed, and all people, regardless of background, can achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and a higher quality of life.
"We believe that everyone should have access to the same opportunities, regardless of their race or background."
Barawak
Our Purpose
Barawak is a charity organisation that was initially established to support and uplift individuals and families of African, Caribbean and wider community, by addressing poverty, improving welfare, and fostering community resilience.
Through tailored resources, advocacy, and cultural empowerment, we aim to provide opportunities for stability, self-sufficiency, and improved quality of life, while promoting unity, dignity, and inclusion for all in need.
Our Mission
Barawak is dedicated to identifying, supporting, and improving the lives of African, Caribbean, and wider local communities by providing 'real help' from the point of need—alleviating poverty, enhancing welfare, and equipping individuals through care in community initiatives, health and wellness programs, economic empowerment, education, job and business development opportunities, sports, and cultural advocacy.
Our Vision
To build a world where individuals and families of African, Caribbean and wider communities, have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. We envision a community where cultural heritage is celebrated, social inequalities are addressed, and all people, regardless of background, can achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and a higher quality of life.
Our Strategy
Poverty Relief
by providing direct and indirect support to individuals in need.
Economic Empowerment
Promote economic empowerment through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Improve the job readiness and employment rates within these communities.
Community Engagement & Racial Harmony
Foster community engagement and racial harmony by engaging communities in collaborative initiatives and dialogue.
Health & Wellness
Advance amateur sports and promote mental and physical health through community programmes and mentorship.
Our core direction
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To assist single parent homes
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To assist the underserved
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To assist the elderly