Simi was a hugely dedicated and influential figure in Bristol’s voluntary sector, devoting her life to the betterment of services for the city’s South Asian community, developing a wealth of activities that included a multi-faith youth service for young people, the first Asian youth festival, an Asian radio show on BBC Bristol and a day care centre for elderly Asian people.

She is most known for her work with Awaz Utaoh, meaning 'raise your voice'. The charity was established in 1997 and has supported women primarily from across Bristol's South Asian community for decades.

Through her work with Awaz, Simi was able to develop and deliver a regular programme of activities embracing and connecting women of all religions. She was a strong and inspiring figurehead for a core group of women who met every Wednesday at Trinity, until her retirement prior to the pandemic. She crafted a safe space for well-being and empowerment that helped to unite and give voice to women of all ages.

For anyone who was blessed with the good fortune to attend Awaz, you were welcomed by a space full of music, dancing, food and fun. Thanks to Simi’s generosity and spirit, everyone was made to feel like part of one big family, of which she was very much the mother figure.

Over the years, Simi’s dedication and work in the voluntary sector has been recognised through several awards including the Lord Mayor’s Medal.

Towards the end, sustaining this valuable work became an increasingly uphill struggle, with the challenges of cuts to funding compounded by Simi’s own declining health. Still, she persisted, never giving up, to ensure that the women who relied on this service continued to have somewhere to go. As one of the women using this service was quoted; "What the statutory agencies of the city could not do for them over the last 15 years, Awaz Utaoh did it.”

We give thanks to this hugely important woman and hope that her work and vision will serve as inspiration to others that - in spite of all our differences and the challenges we face - if we raise our voice, one woman can have the power to bring change, hope and light to the world around her.

Simi's family have created a memorial page where those who knew her can leave their words, photos and memories.

Charitable Objects

to promote, maintain, and advance education through the presentation of creative and performing arts

to advance the education of people of all ages in the creative and performing arts, information technology and life skills

to preserve, protect and improve for the public benefit the Trinity Centre, formerly the Holy Trinity Church, and promote the heritage of this building

to provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life

to promote racial harmony by promoting equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial and cultural identities and by encouraging the use of the Trinity Centre or other Trinity Arts Centre facilities for multicultural activities

Trinity Community Arts (TCA) is a registered charity (no.1144770) and Limited Company (no.4372577) and is VAT registered (no.123388420)  Trinity Community Enterprises (TCE) is a Limited Company (no.7848421) and is a wholly owned subsidiary trading on behalf of TCA and is VAT registered (no.123388420).

TCA registered as a charity in November 2011 and secured a 35 year leasehold of The Trinity Centre from Bristol City Council in 2013. Further information about our charity's purpose can be found in our Memorandum & Articles of Association.

Bristol Samba is a community band that welcomes new and experienced drummers and dancers from all backgrounds and abilities. They hold regular weekly sessions and occasional workshops throughout the year. Even if you've never drummed or danced before, come and give it a try! Sessions are held on Mondays at Trinity 6pm - 10pm.

DRUMMING:

If you are interested in joining the drumming band please email: newmembers@bristolsamba.co.uk (enrollement in advance is necessary)

6-7:30pm Beginner Drummers (Main Hall)

8:30-10pm Later Drummers (Main Hall)

DANCE:

The dance classes are aimed towards performance, but you don't have to be a performer to take part - you can join us for the fun and the exercise. Learn samba reggae, ijexa (afoxe) and samba carnival style.

8-9:00pm Dance Class (Fyfe Hall)

For more information about the Dance Classes please email: dancers@bristolsamba.co.uk

Please note: Trinity operates a 24hr Pay & Display Car Park and all Visitors are required to Pay & Display.