Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Acts of faith by volunteers help self-isolating Asians

By Nadeem Badshah

PLACES of worship are leading the effort across the UK to look after the elderly and vulnerable people who are self-isolating.


Mosques, temples and gurdwaras have been forced to stop prayer congregations in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

But hundreds are volunteering at their local places of worship in order to support their communities, with young people praised for their leadership in efforts such as posting postcards with volunteers’ details offering help and free deliveries of groceries.

People aged over 70 have been advised to self-isolate while the overall population should socially distance themselves for “at least most of a year”, according to the Scien­tific Advisory Group for Emergencies.

Mohamed Omer, a government adviser on Muslim issues, told Eastern Eye: “I have been informed that some mosques are set­ting up volunteers to help the elderly, but they need to make sure they are safe as well.

“The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has also launched a volunteer programme for the elderly communities.”

The programmes include Green Lane Masjid in Birmingham, Khizra Masjid in Manchester and Islamic places of worship in Lancashire providing a delivery service of medicines and supplies.

The Lammack Prayer Room in Black­burn, Lancashire, is also helping with shop­ping drop-offs, practical support and col­lecting prescriptions for those self-isolating.

Majid Freeman, a charity fund-raiser, has welcomed a Peace Centre food bank being run from a mosque in Leicester.

Speaking prior to the prime minister’s lockdown announcement on Monday (23), Freeman said: “We can’t wait for the gov­ernment to put measures into place. A lot of elderly are extremely worried. Not only them but even the average Joe, hence panic buy­ing in the supermarkets. We need to be proactive in serving our communities.”

Meanwhile, the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall in west London has joined forces with the Sikh Welfare Awareness Team Youth to set up an outreach team, while the Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara in Slough, Berkshire, is providing a free mobile food service to the elderly in the area.

Harmander Singh, spokesman for the Sikhs in England think-tank, said gurdwaras across the UK were prioritising helping those who were self-isolating.

He told Eastern Eye: “If an elderly person is at home alone and their relatives can’t help, they [volunteers] make sure they de­liver food in coordination with relatives who ring them [those in self isolation] first so they are reassured it’s not a scam.

“All of the faith community volunteers are doing it out of their own pocket.

“Young people have an opportunity to shine and take the initiative. We urge the elderly ‘committee-wallahs’ – we need their wisdom but [they should] stay at home.

“The leadership has had its eyes opened to what I have been saying for years – they know what happens in their country of ori­gin, but are lackadaisical about what hap­pens in their local area.

“But the young people have stepped up, which is commendable. They should be brought on board by the elders.”

The Sikh Council UK has advised wor­shippers in gurdwaras to sit at least one metre apart and the langar kitchen to re­main open, but in “a minimised, simple form”. It has also advised visitors to bring a scarf to cover their mouth and wash their hands when entering the premises.

Meanwhile, the Neasden temple in Lon­don has held the aarti ritual via video link in the evenings to address the isolation felt by worshippers at home.

Rajnish Kashyap, general secretary of Hindu Council UK, said: “A large number of temple [committees] have taken the decision to social distance themselves and close to the public. Priests are doing the daily pooja and aarti for all behind closed doors.

“Temple management is also making sure that elder devotees are being looked after. It is very important to reach out to older people, therefore, the temple is mak­ing sure if any help is required, they [devo­tees] can contact the mandir by telephone.

“I am also aware that the large temples are ensuring they send daily updates to all devotees via messages, email as well as post the live aarti online.

“Social media is the tool which connects us together and it will play a very significant role in the next few weeks.”

More For You

Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus to step down after April polls

Chief adviser to the government of Bangladesh Professor Muhammed Yunus speaks during a live interview at Chatham House on June 11, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus to step down after April polls

BANGLADESH interim leader Muhammad Yunus said on Wednesday (11) that there was "no way" he wanted to continue in power after elections he has announced for April, the first since a mass uprising overthrew the government.

The South Asian nation of around 180 million people has been in political turmoil since a student-led revolt ousted then prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, ending her 15-year rule.

Keep ReadingShow less
Leicester residents invited to shape future of local councils

The proposed reorganisation could save £43m a year, say council leaders, but critics question the figure

Leicester residents invited to shape future of local councils

Hannah Richardson

RESIDENTS can now have their say on a plan which would see the number of local councils in Leicestershire drop from eight to two.

The proposal is one of three put forward for the political re-organisation of Leicestershire after the government told local leaders it wanted areas with two tiers of councils – such as the county – to reduce it to a single-tier set up.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi & Trump

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.

Reuters

India, US talks edge towards interim trade deal: Report

INDIAN and US negotiators reported progress after four days of closed-door meetings in New Delhi on Tuesday, focusing on market access for industrial and some agricultural goods, tariff cuts and non-tariff barriers, according to Indian government sources.

"The negotiations held with the US side were productive and helped in making progress towards crafting a mutually beneficial and balanced agreement including through achievement of early wins," one of the sources said to Reuters.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jaishankar-Getty

Jaishankar, who is currently in Europe a month after India launched Operation Sindoor, said Pakistan was training 'thousands' of terrorists 'in the open' and 'unleashing' them on India. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India will strike deep into Pakistan if provoked, says Jaishankar

INDIA's external affairs minister S Jaishankar has said India would strike deep into Pakistan if provoked by terrorist attacks, and warned of retribution against terrorist organisations and their leaders in response to incidents like the Pahalgam attack.

Speaking to Politico on Monday, Jaishankar, who is currently in Europe a month after India launched Operation Sindoor, said Pakistan was training “thousands” of terrorists “in the open” and “unleashing” them on India.

Keep ReadingShow less