Chai & Community: South East Asian Heritage Drop In

A community‑led celebration of heritage, storytelling, and shared space

As part of our commitment to South East Asian Heritage Month, Valence House is proud to open our doors for an afternoon of conversation, creativity, and cultural exchange. This event continues our ongoing collaboration with members of Lajna Imaillah, who will be sharing personal objects, stories, and reflections on equality as part of our community‑centred programming.

From 12–2pm, visitors are invited to drop in, enjoy tea and cake, and take part in a relaxed afternoon shaped by the people of Barking & Dagenham.

Two short presentations will explore themes of equality and lived experience, ensuring that guests can catch a session whenever they arrive.

12:30pm Equality in Islam: Beyond Race, Culture and Status
1:30pm Justice in Islam: Standing Firm for Truth and Fairness will explore themes of equality and lived experience, ensuring that guests can catch a session whenever they arrive.

Alongside the talks, families can enjoy a range of hands‑on activities, including:

• Henna art
• Calligraphy
• Bracelet making

Visitors are also invited to bring an object of personal significance to share in our open “show‑and‑tell” table — a space for community stories to take centre stage.

To help us manage numbers and support future community events, we are asking for a £2 adult / £1 child contribution, which will go towards hosting a public Iftar during Ramadan. Your ticket directly supports our mission to create inclusive, culturally representative programming for all.

This event is part of our ongoing work to ensure that Valence House is a space shaped by the communities it serves — a place where local voices lead, heritage is shared, and everyone is welcome.

#SouthAsianHeritageMonth | #UnityInDiversity