- Thursday, April 25, 2024
By: Keerthi Mohan
A 11-year-old has launched a helpline to provide Muslim youth with mental health support.
Shakira Rahman, Muslim Islamic charity Penny Appeal’s mini CEO, said she started the MY (Muslim Youth) helpline to provide faith and culturally sensitive support to young Muslims between the ages of 11 to 24.
Setting up the helpline was one of the first things she implemented after joining Penny Appeal earlier this year.
“I have my mum to talk to about problems such as social media pressure, classroom bullying or body image worries,” said Rahman.
She said: “But many of my Muslim friends at school are too scared to talk to their families as they feel that they will not be understood. So I think that this line will be really helpful for my friends, and many girls and boys throughout the UK.”
Headed by Hinna Zafar, a qualified counsellor in psychology, MY helpline will help with challenges such as sexuality, family abuse, bullying and cultural or religious pressures that affect many in modern British society.
The MY service will also provide access to counsellors with Islamic knowledge.
“We aim to bring a service which will ensure a safe environment when making calls to us regarding issues such as exam stress, Islamophobia, relationships and family matters,” said Zafar. “My team and I are here seven days a week to listen and support young Muslims, not only in regards to modern day issues, but also around cultural and faith based matters.”
My helpline number is 0808 802 7777.
