Nishkam SWAT (Punjabi: ਨਿਸ਼ਕਾਮ ਸਵਾਤ) is a Sikh charity which supports the homeless within India, Argentina and the United Kingdom.[1]

Nishkam SWAT
Sikh Welfare & Awareness Team
ਨਿਸ਼ਕਾਮ ਸਵਾਤ
Founded2008
Founder
  • Randeep Lall
HeadquartersSouthall, London, England
Servicesservices for the homeless
SubsidiariesNone
Websitenishkamswat.org

Nishkam SWAT's work edit

Nishkam SWAT was launched in 2008 by charity founder Randeep Lall and since then it has grown to provide 4000 meals for the homeless every week.[2][3]

The homeless charity provides meals in a number of English towns including London,[4] Reading,[5] Oxford,[6][7] Bristol,[8] and Luton[9] with volunteers including students[10] and members of the interfaith community.[11]

The charity was founded on the principle of Langar started by Guru Nanak and is the first charity to take Langar to the streets.[12][13]

During the COVID-19 pandemic they have worked with the NHS, Government and medical advisors to continue providing homeless feeding services.[14]

Awards and recognition edit

  • 2018: Awarded 'Outstanding Achievement' at the Observer Food Awards.[15]
  • 2019: Awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.[16][17]

References edit

  1. ^ Guardian, Source: The (22 October 2018). "The Sikh charity that feeds the homeless across the UK- video". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  2. ^ "Sikh charity feeding homeless people in London". BBC London.
  3. ^ Chamberlain, Zoe (16 March 2020). "Homeless charity pledges to help those in need throughout pandemic". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  4. ^ Braddick, Imogen. "Mayor joins Ilford homeless charity to serve free meals to community". Ilford Recorder. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  5. ^ "Soup kitchen volunteers to sleep rough in Reading". InYourArea.co.uk. 2 April 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  6. ^ "A team of Sikhs spread kindness and warmth as they care for city's homeless". Oxford Mail. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  7. ^ "BBC Radio Oxford - Sophie Law, Sikh Welfare Awareness Team + social housing myths". BBC. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  8. ^ "Volunteers bring Sikh cuisine to the homeless". BBC News. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  9. ^ "Voluntary charity launches free community kitchen in Luton". www.lutontoday.co.uk.
  10. ^ "City Sight staff and students take part in Nishkam SWAT initiative to help the homeless". City, University of London. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  11. ^ "Indian Jewish Association joins forces with Sikh charity". The Jewish Chronicle.
  12. ^ "Why homeless Britons are turning to the Sikh community for food". BBC News. 22 February 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  13. ^ "BBC Radio 4 - The Food Programme, A different kind of S.W.A.T team". BBC. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  14. ^ Today, The Asian (16 March 2020). "UK National Homeless Charity Say "COVID-19 WILL NOT STOP US SERVING THE HOMELESS" - Latest, National, News, Top Stories, Uncategorised". The Asian Today Online. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  15. ^ Hansen, James (19 October 2018). "Sikh Charity Feeding the Homeless Wins Prestigious Award". Eater London. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  16. ^ Braddick, Imogen. "Ilford homeless charity 'humbled' to be recognised with Queen's Award for Voluntary Service". Ilford Recorder. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  17. ^ UAE, britishasianews com, Abudhabi-. "London: NishkamSWAT - The first UK Sikh charity bags prestigious 'Queens Award'". www.britishasianews.com. Retrieved 15 April 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)