The NHS and the wider Civil Service joined together to recognise the Muslims who lost their lives during the horrific incidents in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 15th March 2019.

The leaders across the NHS led the way, with Baroness Dido Harding, Chair of NHS Improvement, and Lord David Prior, Chair of NHS England, writing letters of support for all Muslim staff. This was followed by a minute’s silence across all NHS England and NHS Improvement offices.

Two mental health trusts, Sussex Partnership and Greater Manchester, shared resources and expertise with New Zealand to which they were very grateful. They were linked up through the International Initiative in Mental Health (IIMHL), of which NHS Improvement and NHS England are part of.

The wider Civil Service followed suit with Clare Moriarty, Permanent Secretary for DEFRA and Civil Service Faith Lead, and Cabinet Office HR Director, Carol Bernard, writing to show solidarity with Muslim colleagues and friends. This is while Home Office Permanent Secretary, Philip Rutnam, and Second Secretary, Shola Dunn, joined Muslim colleagues for Friday prayers to show their support.

The Muslim Network Collaboration would like to say a big thank you to all senior staff who showed support to colleagues. And for any staff still affected by the incidents in New Zealand, please contact us for support.