Group of people sitting on the floor in a cozy room with bookshelves, a piano, and a wall mural with the words "Unplug, Open, Mic" and cartoon characters.
A group of people playing carrom, a tabletop game, indoors with some people holding cards, with a wooden wall decorated with marigold flowers in the background.
A decorative sign with the text 'The Third Place' in large orange letters, framed by a dark maroon background with floral and leaf embellishments in pink and green.
Group of people celebrating at night holding sparklers, smiling, with dark sky and city lights in the background.

Why Umeeds

‘the third place’

matters

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as seen on:

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At Umeed, we believe that healing doesn’t just happen in a therapy room — it happens in community. That’s why we created The Third Place: an initiative dedicated to building warm, culturally grounded spaces outside of work and home where people can gather, belong, and breathe.

For multicultural communities, Third Places are especially powerful. They become hubs of chai, laughter, music, and story — spaces where culture isn’t something you have to shrink, hide, or explain, but something you can share and celebrate. In a world that can feel disconnected and divided, The Third Place reminds us that we are not alone.

Through our open mic nights, film screenings, student circles, safe spaces, and community programs, The Third Place goes beyond “events.” We are intentionally weaving connection — bringing together different identities, experiences, and voices to build a stronger, more inclusive social fabric.

Because when we invest in community, we invest in belonging. And belonging is where wellbeing begins.

YOUR SEAT IS ALREADY SAVED

✳︎

YOUR SEAT IS ALREADY SAVED ✳︎

EVENTS

  • A group of people gathered outside, smiling and making peace signs. They are sitting and standing around a wooden table with a glass of water on it. The background shows a vibrant blue wall with a painted face and a window.

    SOUTH ASIAN QUEERSPACE

    A space to exhale, belong, and just be. Our South Asian Queer Space is a monthly gathering for LGBTQIA+ folks of South Asian heritage and diaspora to connect, share stories, and build community in a way that feels safe, joyful, and affirming.

    Whether you’re here to make new friends, explore identity, or simply sit in a room where you don’t have to explain yourself — this is for you. Expect laughter, chai, real talk, and the kind of community care that makes you feel seen.

    This is not just an event — it’s a space created by us, for us. 🌈✨

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  • A group of twelve women smiling and standing together in a colorful room with turquoise walls decorated with framed pictures and artwork. The women are of diverse ages and ethnicities, and they are dressed casually.

    SOUTH ASIAN WOMENS GROUP

    Our monthly meet-ups bring together South Asian women from all walks of life to connect, support, and grow. Some months we gather for deep conversations, other times for shared meals, creative workshops, or just a chance to unwind in good company. No matter the setting, the goal remains the same: building a space where we can feel seen, heard, and valued.

    This is more than just a group—it’s a sisterhood, a network, and a reminder that we are never alone in our journeys. Whether you’re looking for connection, inspiration, or just a safe space to be, you belong here.

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  • A group of people standing together in a room with a large screen behind them displaying video calls. There are approximately 12 men and 1 woman in the group, with a mix of casual and semi-formal clothing. On the table in front of them are empty glasses and other items. The room appears to be a social or professional gathering space.

    BROWN ROOTS COLLECTIVE

    The Brown Roots Collective is a community-led group for South Asian men, created in collaboration with Shakti Mental Health and Taraki (UK). We support South Asian men’s mental health through real connection, shared experiences, and spaces where you can just be yourself. Whether we’re on the trails, on the court, on the mat, or on the couch watching movies, we’re building a community grounded in culture, connection, and collective care.

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  • Night view of a cinema entrance with a large illuminated sign reading 'CINEMA' and a neon sign reading 'CENTRAL'. People are walking up the stairs inside. The scene is lit with pink and red hues, with a tiled wall on the left and a waiting area with yellow chairs outside.

    Reel TALK: MOVIE NIGHT

    Grab your popcorn and your people — Reel Talk is our monthly movie night where the big screen meets real conversations. From cult classics to thought-provoking films, we’ll watch, laugh, cry, and then stick around to unpack the stories together.

    It’s more than a movie night — it’s a space to connect, share perspectives, and see ourselves in the reels that move us.

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  • A woman reading or performing on a stage in front of an audience in a cozy room with bookshelves full of books, some children and adults seated on the floor and couch listening attentively.

    SHABD: MULTICULTURAL OPEN MIC

    From 2026, Shabd will become your monthly go-to for stories, poetry, and performance that cross languages and cultures. It’s our multicultural open mic where every voice matters — whether you’re speaking, singing, or simply soaking in the magic of community.

    Open to all languages and all people, Shabd is a space to share, listen, and celebrate the beauty of words in every form. Stay in the loop, because every month a new chorus of voices will remind us how language connects us, heals us, and keeps us alive.

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  • Multiple open books with pages of text, scattered and overlapping each other.

    Desi book club

    Books bring us together — across chai, conversations, and shared curiosity. Desi Reads is a book club for anyone who loves stories that go beyond the mainstream. Each month, we dive into books by BIPOC authors, centring South Asian and diasporic voices while embracing diverse perspectives from around the globe.

    This is a space to laugh, reflect, and connect over stories that explore culture, identity, migration, love, healing, and everything in between. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just picking up your first novel in years, come join us — because every story is better when it’s shared.

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  • A person holding an open book while sitting with legs crossed. The person is wearing patterned pants with a zigzag design in shades of orange, cream, and navy. The background is blurred.

    Between the Covers: mental health practitioner BookClub

    Take a pause from clinical notes and case reports, and join us between the covers of books that inspire, challenge, and nourish us as practitioners. This book club is a space for psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and mental health professionals to gather in community—sharing reflections, swapping insights, and reminding ourselves why we fell in love with this work in the first place.

    We’ll dive into thought-provoking reads across psychology, memoir, fiction, and cultural commentary, always keeping an eye on how stories connect back to our practice and our humanity. Whether you’re here to sharpen your lens, spark creativity, or simply exhale among peers, this book club is your invitation to learn, connect, and grow together.

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  • Group of nine women standing together indoors, smiling, with colorful abstract artwork behind them, and a table with a water bottle in the foreground.

    Saheli Project: BIpoc Yoga for multicultural women

    Join us for six weeks of free community yoga, designed especially for multicultural women in Whittlesea. These friendly, beginner-inclusive sessions will help you connect with your body, calm your mind, and enjoy movement in a safe, welcoming space.

    Whether you’re new to yoga or returning after a break, this series is for you.

    Who is this for?

    Multicultural women living in Whittlesea and surrounding areas

    All ages and bodies welcome

    No yoga experience required

    Free Childcare

    We know it’s not always easy to take time for yourself — that’s why free on-site childcare will be available during every session. Experienced staff will provide a safe and fun space for your children while you enjoy your practice.

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  • People sitting at a table covered with colorful markers, notebooks, stickers, and craft supplies, engaged in crafting or writing activity.

    DIGITAL DETOX

    bio goes here

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