Gambian Community (Birmingham)
Charity 1205482
Overview
Summary
Gambian Community (Birmingham) appears to be a faith-centred community organisation whose formal role extends beyond worship alone. Its objects place Islamic practice within a Birmingham and wider Senegambian context, while its listed methods suggest it may combine a physical gathering space with practical support to individuals. The available evidence points to an organisation potentially serving as both a religious anchor and a community-support platform, though its actual reach, partnerships and day-to-day activities remain unclear.
Operational geography
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Bordesley and Highgate
Confidence: medium
Direct evidence shows the charity publicly uses a Birmingham contact address on both its own website and the Charity Commission register. However, a contact address is not, by itself, evidence of operational activity in this ward, and neither source confirms that services, prayers or other activities are delivered there.
- GICAB official website, About Us
The site identifies itself as Gambian Community (Birmingham), gives charity number 1205482 and lists a Birmingham address. - Charity Commission register, GAMBIAN COMMUNITY (BIRMINGHAM), charity 1205482
The registered charity contact address is in Birmingham.
Remaining uncertainties
- The available evidence does not identify the location of the regular Friday prayers, Ramadan gatherings, counselling, education, welfare support or funeral services described on the organisation's website.
- Although the official website describes a mosque construction and beautification project, it does not state whether a mosque is currently owned, occupied or operating, or where it is located.
- The Birmingham address is repeatedly published by the organisation, but it may be a correspondence or administrative address rather than a venue from which services are delivered.
- The Charity Commission records Birmingham City as the area in which the charity operates. This supports a citywide Birmingham footprint, but does not evidence activity in particular wards or show that services are evenly available across the city.
- The website refers to charitable support in Gambia as well as Birmingham, but the scale, delivery arrangements and whether this represents current direct overseas operations are not specified.
Additional evidence needed
- A current annual report or activity report identifying service venues, event locations and the areas reached in Birmingham.
- A current timetable or event notices for Friday prayers, education, counselling, welfare and funeral services, identifying venues or areas served.
- Confirmation from the organisation of whether its published Birmingham address is an operational venue, an administrative base or solely a correspondence address.
- Evidence identifying any current mosque or community-centre premises operated, leased or regularly used by the charity.
- Details of delivery partners and any Birmingham venues through which services are provided.
Areas of work
- Disability
- General Charitable Purposes
- Religious Activities
Who they help
- The General Public/mankind
How they help
- Makes Grants To Individuals
- Provides Buildings/facilities/open Space
- Provides Services
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
Faith practice appears to be the organisation's core organising function
The organisation appears to be structured primarily around advancing Islam through worship, prayer meetings and religious literature, rather than around a broad secular community programme.
Why it matters
This helps distinguish its likely role in local civic life: its relationships, trust and convening power may flow principally from shared faith practice.
Show evidence
“Its objects include advancing the Islamic faith through a place of worship, prayer meetings and producing or distributing literature.”
Source:Charity Commission“Religious activities are listed among what the charity does.”
Source:Charity Commission
The organisation may bridge a diaspora community and the wider public
Although the objects identify the Senegambian community as a particular focus, the stated beneficiary group is the general public. This may indicate an organisation rooted in a specific cultural community while formally positioning its services and religious outreach more broadly.
Why it matters
This raises a useful question about whether the organisation acts as a connector between Senegambian residents and wider Birmingham communities, rather than serving only an internal membership.
Show evidence
“The objects refer in particular, though not exclusively, to the Senegambian community.”
Source:Charity Commission“The charity helps the general public/mankind.”
Source:Charity Commission
Its operating model may combine a community base with individual assistance
The combination of facilities, services and grants to individuals suggests the organisation may have capacity to support people through more than congregational activity. Disability is also listed as an area of work, which may signal an inclusive or targeted support function.
Why it matters
If this is reflected in practice, the organisation could hold capabilities relevant to both faith-based community infrastructure and individual welfare support.
Show evidence
“The charity makes grants to individuals, provides buildings, facilities or open space, and provides services.”
Source:Charity Commission“Disability is listed among what the charity does.”
Source:Charity Commission
- Whether the organisation operates a dedicated worship or community venue.
- How grants, disability-related activity and services are delivered in practice.
- Which communities use the organisation and whether it collaborates with other local groups.
Remaining uncertainties
- Recent annual reports, accounts or activity reports describing programmes, beneficiaries and grant-making.
- Information on premises, local partnerships, attendance and community outreach.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
Charity objects
FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT, THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE ISLAMIC FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM AND THE SURROUNDING AREA, IN PARTICULAR THOUGH NOT EXCLUSIVELY WITHIN THE SENEGAMBIAN COMMUNITY, THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A PLACE OF WORSHIP, THE HOLDING OF PRAYER MEETINGS AND PRODUCING AND/OR DISTRIBUTING LITERATURE TO ENLIGHTEN OTHERS ABOUT THE ISLAMIC RELIGION.