Turkish Women's Philanthropic Association of England
Our aim is to provide support and education through philanthropy, to help create a community that inspires and thrives together!
Turkish Women's Philanthropic Association of England
Our volunteers are passionate about giving back to the community and providing support to those who are facing challenges. Whether you need assistance with finding resources, navigating a difficult situation, or simply need someone to talk to, our volunteers are here to listen and offer guidance. Don't be afraid to reach out - we are here to help in any way we can.
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to use your skills and talents to help others, consider joining our community of volunteers. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week or are looking for a more long-term commitment, there are opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the table - there is a place for everyone in our community.
Reach out to us today if you need help, advice, or support, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer. Our doors are always open, and our wonderful volunteers are willing and able to help in any way they can. Together, we can work towards creating a stronger, more supportive community for all.
Upcoming Events
Join Us at Our Events – Open to Everyone!
Our events are a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, make connections, and enhance your social life. Whether you’re looking for a friendly chat, new friendships, or just a chance to unwind, our gatherings are designed to bring people together in a welcoming and supportive environment.Stay tuned for updates on future events – we’d love to see you there!
Social Clubs
Well-Being and Mindfulness for Better Mental Health
At the heart of our community is a commitment to promoting better mental health through well-being and mindfulness. These practices are essential for reducing stress, fostering resilience, and improving overall mental health.
As part of this mission, we offer:
Weekly Yoga Club – Find your inner calm and improve your physical and mental balance.
Arts and Crafts Sessions – A creative outlet to express yourself and unwind.
Friday Drop-In Centre – A welcoming space to connect, chat, and share in a supportive environment.
Join us to take part in these activities and take a step towards a healthier, happier you!
Committee Members
Our Dedicated Volunteers
All our committee members are volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to serve for the greater good. Their passion and commitment make a lasting difference in our community, and we are truly grateful for their hard work and generosity.
TWPA 2023 Fundraising Activities, Workshops and Events: click here
TWPA Autism Parents Support Group
Our new drop in centre is aimed to help support Turkish speaking parents and carers with autistic children. We hope to provide support, help, advice and information, as well as offer a safe haven where you can come and talk to proffessional and other parents like yourselves and share your experiences.
Our psychologist Yasemin Hatipoglu holds group talks and also help answer questions. We also have an ear acupuncturist Linda and Nidra yoga teacher Özge, who will help ease some of the stresses and anxieties you may have to help ease your days.
Please come and join us, we learn best and gain strength together .
Autism & Special Needs Music Therapy
To all parents and careers with autistic children, ourSaturdays music therapy groups is a free service we offer for autistic children & Young People aged 6–25: Each two-hour creative therapy session begins with a check-in where everyone shares what they’ve done that week. The group then plays rhythms on a djembe drum while others try to guess how they're feeling — a routine the children love and find grounding. Activities also include listening to music (Classical and modern), sensory play (Orbeez, puzzles, throwing and catching), arts & crafts, cooking, horticulture and writing. For the older children we end with 10 -15 minutes of gentle yoga to support calmness and emotional regulation before going home. The structure remains flexible, recognising that transitions and focus can vary for autistic young people. We try to organise each session with what the individuals would like to do to give them independence and a sense of control. Our sessions are very relaxed and we find the children feel very much at home in the space we provide. We have a garden which they can use if they feel they need space to process.
TWPA Fitness Classes
Strength and Balance
Working together with Sport England
Free Strength & Balance Class – For Ages 55+
Want to feel steadier on your feet, stronger in your body, and more confident day to day? Join us every Tuesday at 12 noon for a free 1-hour class designed especially for adults aged 55+. What to expect: Gentle, safe exercises to improve balance & coordination Strength-building moves to help with everyday activities A friendly, supportive group — all levels welcome
Free Community Fitness Class – Tuesdays 6:30pm
Join us every Tuesday evening for a free 1-hour class designed to build strength, improve posture, and leave you feeling energised. What to expect: Core muscle conditioning through flowing movement Gentle breathwork to connect mind and body Upper body postures to activate & strengthen the abs A mix of muscle strengthening, functional exercises, and yoga-inspired moves
Yoga Nedra
Every Thursdays from 1pm - 2-m. Specifically for Parent/Carers with children with special needs.
An Unforgettable Afternoon
Battle of the Börek: An Afternoon Tea Contest
Prepare for an unforgettable afternoon where börek greatness is decided — and afternoon tea keeps everyone calm
The TWPA is on the Hunt for the Best Tuzlu Börek in London!
Who will claim the crown…
Who will rise to glory…
Who will be Queen of the Börek?
Börek is a favourite in every Turkish household — but let’s be honest… some people’s börek is simply legendary.
So, who’s bold enough to prove theirs is the best?
If you believe your cheese or meat börek is unbeatable (and you’re not afraid of a little healthy competition), then step forward!
Competitors MUST sign up if they wish to enter.
Competition Day: 26th April 2026
To enter, you’ll need:
– 10 homemade böreks (Cheese or Mince)
– Video proof you made them with your own fair hands
– A sprinkling of confidence and maybe a touch of drama
Not a culinary superstar?
Burn water?
Can’t fold pastry to save your life?
No problem! Come along for afternoon tea (£10 per person), enjoy the fun, and help judge the contestants. There will be plenty of laughter, plenty of börek… and maybe even a bit of drama.
Join us as we search for…
THE BEST TUZLU BÖREK IN LONDON!
Reserve your place today and share this special afternoon with us.
The TWPA is on the Hunt for the Best Tuzlu Börek in London!
Who will claim the crown…
Who will rise to glory…
Who will be Queen of the Börek?
Börek is a favourite in every Turkish household — but let’s be honest… some people’s börek is simply legendary.
So, who’s bold enough to prove theirs is the best?
If you believe your cheese or meat börek is unbeatable (and you’re not afraid of a little healthy competition), then step forward!
Competitors MUST sign up if they wish to enter.
Competition Day: 26th April 2026
To enter, you’ll need:
– 10 homemade böreks (Cheese or Mince)
– Video proof you made them with your own fair hands
– A sprinkling of confidence and maybe a touch of drama
Not a culinary superstar?
Burn water?
Can’t fold pastry to save your life?
No problem! Come along for afternoon tea (£10 per person), enjoy the fun, and help judge the contestants. There will be plenty of laughter, plenty of börek… and maybe even a bit of drama.
Join us as we search for…
THE BEST TUZLU BÖREK IN LONDON!
Reserve your place today and share this special afternoon with us.
TWPA Art Competition: Unleashing Hidden Talents
Are you an artist looking to showcase your talent and creativity? Do you want to be a part of a vibrant community that celebrates art in all its forms? This exciting event is open to all ages and aims to capture the hidden talents of our community, inspiring them to reach for the stars and shine bright!
Art is a powerful form of expression that brings people together and inspires change. The Turkish community has given the world some of the most influential artists in history, including Şeker Ahmet Pasha, Devrim Erbil, and Mihri Müşfik Hanım. Their work has left a lasting impact on the art world, and now, this is your chance to follow in their footsteps and showcase your own creative vision to a wider audience! By participating in the TWPA Art Competition, you not only have the opportunity to showcase your talent, but also connect with other artists, and celebrate the rich artistic culture of the Turkish community. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to share your creativity with the world!
CATEGORIES:
Children (5-12 years)
Teens (13-17 years)
Special Needs Category Open to all ages,
.Adults (18+ years)
Whether amateur or professional, share your vision with the community!
ART FORMS ACCEPTED:
Painting & Drawing – From Impressionist to abstract and contemporary styles.
Digital Art – Digital painting,
3D modelling, and mixed media.
Graffiti & Street Art – Express yourself through bold and vibrant urban artistry.
Sculpture & 3D Art – Carve, mold, or construct with any material.
Photography & Mixed Media – Capture or blend artistic elements in a unique way.
Must be your own work and a recent never before seen piece of work.
All entries will be publish in a book and exhibited at Hornsey Parish Church Hall in October.
DEADLINE: 01th September 2026
HOW TO ENTER: Create your artwork in any of the accepted art forms.
Submit your entry to the TWPA, 4 WILLOUGHBY ROAD, LONDON N8 0HR
Winners will be announced on 18th October 2026
Art is a powerful form of expression that brings people together and inspires change. The Turkish community has given the world some of the most influential artists in history, including Şeker Ahmet Pasha, Devrim Erbil, and Mihri Müşfik Hanım. Their work has left a lasting impact on the art world, and now, this is your chance to follow in their footsteps and showcase your own creative vision to a wider audience! By participating in the TWPA Art Competition, you not only have the opportunity to showcase your talent, but also connect with other artists, and celebrate the rich artistic culture of the Turkish community. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to share your creativity with the world!
CATEGORIES:
Children (5-12 years)
Teens (13-17 years)
Special Needs Category Open to all ages,
.Adults (18+ years)
Whether amateur or professional, share your vision with the community!
ART FORMS ACCEPTED:
Painting & Drawing – From Impressionist to abstract and contemporary styles.
Digital Art – Digital painting,
3D modelling, and mixed media.
Graffiti & Street Art – Express yourself through bold and vibrant urban artistry.
Sculpture & 3D Art – Carve, mold, or construct with any material.
Photography & Mixed Media – Capture or blend artistic elements in a unique way.
Must be your own work and a recent never before seen piece of work.
All entries will be publish in a book and exhibited at Hornsey Parish Church Hall in October.
DEADLINE: 01th September 2026
HOW TO ENTER: Create your artwork in any of the accepted art forms.
Submit your entry to the TWPA, 4 WILLOUGHBY ROAD, LONDON N8 0HR
Winners will be announced on 18th October 2026
TWPA Poetry Competition 2026
There are so many talented Turkish speaking men, women and children within our community, hiding in the background, perhaps too shy or humble to come forward and show their work. This competition is to help shine a light, give confidence and inspire our community to write!
Poetry is a form of expression, a beautiful art form that we can all be apart of. It shows imagination, observation and awareness, and expresses deep emotions. The best poetry like with any writing comes from person experience and expresses our deepest feeling. Whether it is through love, hardship, hopes and dreams, great poets move us all. The poems can be in English or Turkish. We have several categories, children 8-11yrs, 12-17yrs, adults 18+ and individuals with learning difficulties. We hope to collect as many entries as possible and put them in a new book for individuals to buy. This is an opportunity for our Turkish creativity to shine, for our passion’s to flow for the world to see. We will have five well known Turkish writers and teachers who will be judging the event.
Poetry is a form of expression, a beautiful art form that we can all be apart of. It shows imagination, observation and awareness, and expresses deep emotions. The best poetry like with any writing comes from person experience and expresses our deepest feeling. Whether it is through love, hardship, hopes and dreams, great poets move us all. The poems can be in English or Turkish. We have several categories, children 8-11yrs, 12-17yrs, adults 18+ and individuals with learning difficulties. We hope to collect as many entries as possible and put them in a new book for individuals to buy. This is an opportunity for our Turkish creativity to shine, for our passion’s to flow for the world to see. We will have five well known Turkish writers and teachers who will be judging the event.
Competition Details
Languages: English or Turkish
Categories: Children (8–11 years): Up to 500 words
Teens (12–18 years): Up to 2,500 words
Adults (19+): Up to 2,500 words
Individuals with learning difficulties
Guidelines:
We hope to collect as many entries as possible to create a book of stories for individuals to buy—an incredible opportunity to showcase Turkish creativity and passion for the world to see! Your stories will be judged by five well-known Turkish writers and teachers.
Important Dates
How to Enter
Please email your entries to info@twpa.co.uk with the following details:
Good luck! We can’t wait to read your poems and celebrate the incredible creativity within our community. Let your imagination flow and your passion shine!
Languages: English or Turkish
Categories: Children (8–11 years): Up to 500 words
Teens (12–18 years): Up to 2,500 words
Adults (19+): Up to 2,500 words
Individuals with learning difficulties
Guidelines:
- All entries must be original, recent, and unpublished.
- Each participant can submit up to two entries.
We hope to collect as many entries as possible to create a book of stories for individuals to buy—an incredible opportunity to showcase Turkish creativity and passion for the world to see! Your stories will be judged by five well-known Turkish writers and teachers.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: 01st September 2026
- Awards Ceremony & Display: 18th October 2026
How to Enter
Please email your entries to info@twpa.co.uk with the following details:
- Full Name
- Age
- Contact Information
Good luck! We can’t wait to read your poems and celebrate the incredible creativity within our community. Let your imagination flow and your passion shine!
The TWPA Annual Garden Party
You're Invited!
The TWPA Annual Garden Party is back — and more delightful than ever!Tuesday 7th July
Address: TWPA Centre, 4 Willoughby Road, London N8 0HR
Tickets: £25 – Includes a delicious lunch and refreshing cocktails
Join us for a beautiful afternoon filled with laughter, friendship, and summer elegance. It's always a heartwarming occasion, surrounded by loving friends and gorgeous garden vibes.
Limited spaces available — don’t miss out!
Tickets available for purchase at the TWPA centre, from our committee members or you can call us on 07786196157.
TWPA Art Competition: Unleashing Hidden Talents
Are you an artist looking to showcase your talent and creativity? Do you want to be a part of a vibrant community that celebrates art in all its forms? This exciting event is open to all ages and aims to capture the hidden talents of our community, inspiring them to reach for the stars and shine bright!
Art is a powerful form of expression that brings people together and inspires change. The Turkish community has given the world some of the most influential artists in history, including Şeker Ahmet Pasha, Devrim Erbil, and Mihri Müşfik Hanım. Their work has left a lasting impact on the art world, and now, this is your chance to follow in their footsteps and showcase your own creative vision to a wider audience! By participating in the TWPA Art Competition, you not only have the opportunity to showcase your talent, but also connect with other artists, and celebrate the rich artistic culture of the Turkish community. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to share your creativity with the world!
CATEGORIES:
Children (5-12 years)
Teens (13-17 years)
Special Needs Category Open to all ages,
.Adults (18+ years)
Whether amateur or professional, share your vision with the community!
ART FORMS ACCEPTED:
Painting & Drawing – From Impressionist to abstract and contemporary styles.
Digital Art – Digital painting,
3D modelling, and mixed media.
Graffiti & Street Art – Express yourself through bold and vibrant urban artistry.
Sculpture & 3D Art – Carve, mold, or construct with any material.
Photography & Mixed Media – Capture or blend artistic elements in a unique way.
Must be your own work and a recent never before seen piece of work.
All entries will be publish in a book and exhibited at Hornsey Parish Church Hall in October.
DEADLINE: 06th September 2026
HOW TO ENTER: Create your artwork in any of the accepted art forms.
Submit your entry to the TWPA, 4 WILLOUGHBY ROAD, LONDON N8 0HR
Winners will be announced on 18th October 2026
Art is a powerful form of expression that brings people together and inspires change. The Turkish community has given the world some of the most influential artists in history, including Şeker Ahmet Pasha, Devrim Erbil, and Mihri Müşfik Hanım. Their work has left a lasting impact on the art world, and now, this is your chance to follow in their footsteps and showcase your own creative vision to a wider audience! By participating in the TWPA Art Competition, you not only have the opportunity to showcase your talent, but also connect with other artists, and celebrate the rich artistic culture of the Turkish community. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to share your creativity with the world!
CATEGORIES:
Children (5-12 years)
Teens (13-17 years)
Special Needs Category Open to all ages,
.Adults (18+ years)
Whether amateur or professional, share your vision with the community!
ART FORMS ACCEPTED:
Painting & Drawing – From Impressionist to abstract and contemporary styles.
Digital Art – Digital painting,
3D modelling, and mixed media.
Graffiti & Street Art – Express yourself through bold and vibrant urban artistry.
Sculpture & 3D Art – Carve, mold, or construct with any material.
Photography & Mixed Media – Capture or blend artistic elements in a unique way.
Must be your own work and a recent never before seen piece of work.
All entries will be publish in a book and exhibited at Hornsey Parish Church Hall in October.
DEADLINE: 06th September 2026
HOW TO ENTER: Create your artwork in any of the accepted art forms.
Submit your entry to the TWPA, 4 WILLOUGHBY ROAD, LONDON N8 0HR
Winners will be announced on 18th October 2026
Turkish Women’s Philanthropic Association Creative Writing Competition 2026
Inspired by the incredible success of our poetry competition and creative writing competitions, this year we are thrilled to expand our search for talented Turkish-speaking men, women, and children in our community with another creative writing competition!
Has something happened in your life that stirred deep emotions you wish to share? Are you a natural storyteller?
They say the best stories are those born from the heart—fictional or true, yet always grounded in personal truth. Turkish culture boasts a rich tradition of orators, storytellers, and writers, from the folktales of Nasreddin Hoca to the works of Nazim Hikmet, Sabahattin Ali, Yaşar Kemal, and Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk.
This competition is a chance to shine a light on your creative talents, inspire confidence, and bring our community closer through storytelling!
Sharing your creativity makes the world a more beautiful place. Storytelling requires imagination, observation, and awareness—skills we all possess. The best writing draws from personal experience, expressing our deepest emotions: love, hardship, hope, and dreams. Like poetry, it has the power to move us.
Competition Details
Languages: English or Turkish
Categories: Children (8–11 years): Up to 500 words
Teens (12–18 years): Up to 2,500 words
Adults (19+): Up to 2,500 words
Individuals with learning difficulties
Guidelines:
- All entries must be original, recent, and unpublished.
- Each participant can submit up to two entries.
We hope to collect as many entries as possible to create a book of stories for individuals to buy—an incredible opportunity to showcase Turkish creativity and passion for the world to see! Your stories will be judged by five well-known Turkish writers and teachers.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: 06th September 2026
- Awards Ceremony & Display: 18th October 2026
How to Enter
Please email your entries to info@twpa.co.uk with the following details:
- Full Name
- Age
- Contact Information
Good luck! We can’t wait to read your stories and celebrate the incredible creativity within our community. Let your imagination flow and your passion shine!
Sonay Yakup Yakupsoy Poetry Competition 2026
Renowned Turkish Cypriot writer and poet Sonay Yakup Yakupsoy has been an active member of the TWPA for many decades and has been a community activist since she came to the UK in the 1970’s. She has visited Turkish schools across London on many occasions reading her works and inspiring our younger community to have the courage to write their own prose.
The TWPA are launching a second poetry competition in 2026 in her honour, to find the best poets within our community. The first was so successful and the poetry book of all the poems entered was so well received that we will be doing it again.
There are so many talented Turkish speaking men, women and children within our community, hiding in the background, perhaps too shy or humble to come forward and show their work. This competition is to help shine a light, give confidence and inspire our community to write!
Poetry is a form of expression, a beautiful art form that we can all be apart of. It shows imagination, observation and awareness, and expresses deep emotions. The best poetry like with any writing comes from person experience and expresses our deepest feeling. Whether it is through love, hardship, hopes and dreams, great poets move us all. The poems can be in English or Turkish. We have several categories, children 8-11yrs, 12-17yrs, adults 18+ and individuals with learning difficulties. We hope to collect as many entries as possible and put them in a new book for individuals to buy. This is an opportunity for our Turkish creativity to shine, for our passion’s to flow for the world to see. We will have five well known Turkish writers and teachers who will be judging the event.
Turkish Cypriot Remembrance Society 8th November 2026
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed across the UK and the Commonwealth since the end of the First World War.
It is a day to honour all who served — and that includes the Turkish Cypriot soldiers, men and women, who fought bravely alongside British forces, not only within the Cyprus Regiment but across many UK military units.
As a community, we rarely speak about the enormous sacrifices made by thousands of Turkish Cypriot volunteers during World War II, who joined the Cyprus Regiment and gave their lives for one principle: our freedom.
We rarely speak of those who served — and fell — in Suez, Korea, Northern Ireland, and other conflicts as part of the British Armed Forces.
For the past three years, TWPA and the Turkish Cypriot Remembrance Society have worked together to honour these heroes, showing our deep respect and immense pride.
Last year, we laid wreaths at seven Remembrance services across London — and this year, we hope to do even more.
We ask for your support as we continue our mission to honour our fallen heroes, who gave everything so that we may live in peace.
Please donate to help us purchase wreaths for this year’s Remembrance services:
Account Name: TWPA
Account No: 00218607
Sort Code: 40-51-98
Account No: 00218607
Sort Code: 40-51-98
Please come and support us!
Working in the community for the community
Registered charity number: 271146