Manju Shahul hameed Foundations’ ‘Love Not Hate’ event: Why We Fund Differently
Picture this: a packed hall at Whitgift School, alive with music, dance, and joy. Over 170 young performers light up the stage, each movement a declaration of talent, hope, and resilience. This was more than a community event. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given the platform, support, and belief to shine.
The Love Not Hate event, led by the Manju Shahul-Hameed Foundation for Mental Health (MSHF) , wasn’t just a celebration, it was a testament to community power, unity, and vision.
More than a tag line, on February the 8th 2025, the Love Not Hate event in Croydon saw something special. The event brought together young artists from across London boroughs, filling the room with creativity, courage, and collective pride. Parents, mentors, volunteers, and civic leaders watched as stories unfolded through performance — stories of struggle, joy, identity, and hope.
Now in its ninth year, Love Not Hate has grown into a movement. What began as a community effort to highlight youth voices has become a pillar of Croydon’s response to youth violence. The event stands not just against hate, but for love, belonging, and safety, especially for those who are too often unheard.
The Phoenix Way believes real change begins with trust, not with strict guidelines or tick-box exercises, but with a belief in those doing the work. For the past 10 months, we’ve supported Manju and her team not just financially, but relationally - listening deeply and backing their vision.
From launching dementia cafes that bring generations together, to engaging young people at risk of isolation or antisocial behavior, the Foundation’s work is deeply rooted in local needs. Volunteers like Tessa shared how youth with lived experience are finding purpose through service
At Whitgift School, performance became more than entertainment, it became expression, healing, and visibility. Dancers and musicians spoke about building confidence, pushing boundaries, and finding joy in the spotlight. One young performer said, “I like dancing because it helps me get stronger. It builds my confidence. It’s just really fun.” These weren’t just activities, they were affirmations of identity.
One of the most powerful aspects of the evening was the diversity on stage. Performers came from Lambeth, Croydon, and beyond, showing that this work transcends postcode boundaries. Monique Anderson of the Boury Academy shared how meaningful it was for her students, many of whom had never performed outside their own spaces.
But unity didn’t stop with youth. Elders were present too, thanks to the Foundation’s dementia cafés and intergenerational initiatives. Young people volunteer regularly at these cafés, building bonds that anchor community care across generations. As Tessa put it, “We’re connecting the generations together, it’s really important.”
Throughout the night, speakers reminded us that safety and growth are shared responsibilities. Barrister Stephen Akinsanya spoke powerfully about the rise in youth violence and the need to invest early in safe spaces. Civic Mayor Kola Agboola also reminded us that opportunity is what levels the playing field, not background or skin colour.
Their words echoed what the evening showed us: when we come together, we build something stronger and none of it would have been possible without the sponsors and funders. We’re especially grateful to Wades Group, Young London Today, Roland Brothers Foundation, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, and London Biggin Hill Airport, alongside The Phoenix Way, for standing in solidarity.
Why We Fund Differently
So why do we fund differently? Because the old ways don’t work for everyone. Community organisations often navigate shoestring budgets, burnout, and bureaucracy just to survive. At The Phoenix Way, we believe in leading with equity, listening more than we speak, and backing people who are already leading change in their communities.
Trust-based funding isn’t soft, it’s strategic. It sees the full picture and it ensures that solutions are shaped by those closest to the issue, not those furthest from it.
Love Not Hate isn’t just a theme. It’s a strategy. It’s a way of showing up for each other with care, commitment, and courage. It’s choosing relationships over red tape. Possibility over performativity. It raises a powerful question: What could shift in our communities if we all funded with love?
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