On behalf of the NHS Muslim Network, we would like to extend a warm Hajj Mubarak to all of our members and colleagues in the NHS, and we hope that everyone is able to make the most of these blessed ten days.

Each year, Muslims celebrate Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, and then a festival called Eid-Al-Adha.

We have prepared guidance for managers and team members to increase awareness and help understand the journey we make as we go through preparation of Hajj and celebrate Eid al-Adha, as well as how line managers can support colleagues who may be choosing to fast.

View the guidance

Being in a digital environment, it’s important now more than ever to have a platform where we represent ourselves and the changes we are making, as well as sharing most relevant information, engaging with our members, allies and friends.

We have now launched our new website to improve accessibility, providing COVID-19 resources, guidance, sharing our stories and updates on the news and events as they happen, allowing you to use our site on the go whether you are on your tablet or mobile devices.

We have also updated our 3 social sites which includes ​​ Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn where there are more ways to engage, share your stories and get involved.

The NHS Muslim Network has been working for the past 18 months to represent and support our members

We need your support to make sure we continuously improve the way we work as well as bringing in your experience and talent.

This is a great opportunity to get involved and make a real difference for our NHS Muslim community, as well as get involved in projects from start to finish and interact with key senior stakeholders. 

We are currently looking for volunteers in the following projects:

  • Prayer Rooms in the NHS
  • Social media engagement
  • Event management

For further information please email england.muslim1@nhs.net.

Some of you may have heard the news of the murder of a Muslim family in Canada. As with other similar events, such as the Christchurch terror attack in 2019, this may be geographically far from our daily lives, many of our Muslim colleagues across the NHS will be feeling a sense of loss, hurt and anxiety. 

Hate crimes like this affects us all. 

Islamophobia is a prevalent issue and many Muslims live with fear as a result of such hate. Islamophobia, like any type of hatred, should not be tolerated and should be reported so that we can build a strong, cohesive, united society. 

In the workplace this can be simple as:

  • Opening doors for communication between colleagues.
  • Developing a working culture where all colleagues feel safe from harassment or discrimination.
  • Zero tolerance to insulting or mocking religious attire and beliefs.   
  • Taking time to have training and development to build awareness of Islamophobia as well as wider hate crime.        
  • Ensuring that any discussions about contentious political issues are conducted with sensitivity.          
  • Facilitating opportunities for colleagues to raise instances of Islamophobia without being victimised.

One of the priorities of our NHS Muslim Network is to help tackle Islamophobia within the NHS, and we will be working with key partners to do this together. Everyone should be allowed to work together in a harmonious workplace where we are free to share who we truly are, bring our whole selves to work and serve our communities in the best way we can.

Some recommended reading on understanding Islamophobia:

In NHSE&I, the ‘Our Ways of Delivery’ programme was set up to take forward the new ways of working and build on what we have learnt through the pandemic. Members have been asked whether they would prefer Flexibility and Choice on how and where they work and to be trusted to deliver an outcome. We encourage you to have one to one conversations with your line manager using dynamic conversations as well as recording these on the agreed template for future references. For more information visit Our ways of Delivery on the NHS sharepoint

Events and more

Time for Care – Primary Care Improvement Faculty Training Programme

Open to all those working in and around primary care who want to build on their existing knowledge and experience of quality improvement.

The team have recently carried out a review of the way in which we identify suitable delegates for this programme and want to create a more diverse group on the training programme. 

The training sessions will be held on:

  • Wednesday 10th November 2021 08:30 – 16:00
  • Wednesday 17th November 2021 90 min group action learning (time to be confirmed)
  • Wednesday 24th November 2021 08:30 – 16:00
  • Wednesday 1st December 2021 90 min group action learning (time to be confirmed)
  • Wednesday 8th December 2021 08:30 – 13:00
  • Wednesday 15th December 2021 08:30 – 13:00
  • Wednesday 5th January 2022 90 min group action learning (time to be confirmed)
  • Wednesday 12th January 2022 08:30 – 13:00
  • Wednesday 19th January 2022 08:30 – 13:00
  • Wednesday 26th February 2022 08:30 – 13:00

Wednesday 2nd February 2022 08:30 – 13:00

Find out more

Faith and belief communities

Faith and belief communities: Good Thinking supports Londoners to look after their mental health and wellbeing in a way that works for them. Since its launch in 2017, more than half a million people have used their digital service to tackle anxiety, stress, low mood, sleep problems and other concerns. Good Thinking is free for Londoners thanks to the support of the Mayor of London, London Councils, Directors of Public Health and Public Health England. It is delivered by Healthy London Partnership.

Mental Health and wellbeing

The staff mental health and wellbeing hubs have been set up to provide health and social care colleagues rapid access to assessment and local evidence-based mental health services and support where needed. The hub offer is confidential and free of charge for all health and social care staff. The hubs can offer you a clinical assessment and referral to local services enabling access to support where needed, such as talking therapy or counselling. It is separate and confidential from your organisation. visit Supporting our NHS people for more info.

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