رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ العَلِيمُ 

Our Lord, Accept this from us; 

You are the All-Hearing, All-Knowing 

It is fair to say that the past year has been one of the most challenging for most, if not all. Most recently, we have seen incredibly distressing and painful scenes across the world – from loss of loved ones and the recent scenes in India (where people are experiencing the worst of the pandemic), to the humanitarian crisis occurring in Palestine and many other places across the world.

We have also seen a sharp increase in islamophobic, anti-semitic and racist attacks and rhetoric in the UK, much of which is directed to our NHS staff. It is saddening, but unsurprising, that as a network we have received numerous calls, messages and emails about the distress and anxiety this has caused to our members.

We want to reiterate to our members, colleagues, allies and friends that you are not alone. You may be feeling hurt, upset, and helpless at the situation, and for those who were celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, this year the celebrations may have been dampened. But we want you to remember that we, as a community, are all feeling the same.

The Network will be planning an informal session which hopes to be a safe space for members to share reflections, build hope and signpost to support – details to follow.

In the meantime, here are some support services that are available to you – please do take advantage of these offers and take care of your health and wellbeing.

  • Free faith-based counselling for NHS Muslim Staff – The NHS Muslim Network have partnered with NHS England and NHS Improvement, Inspirited Minds and The Lateef Project to provide a free, confidential, faith-based counselling offer for Muslim NHS staff.
  • The NHS People offer – There are several confidential support helplines, apps and other useful tools to support your health and wellbeing, hosted on the NHS People website.
  • Mental Health First Aiders – Each NHS organisation hosts Mental Health First Aiders. If you would like to talk to someone at your workplace, please do ask your line manager or a member of HR for their contact details.

Finally, please do remember all those who are still suffering from the pandemic and systematic injustices across the world in your prayers. As always, the NHS Muslim Network is here for all its members, so please feel free to get in touch with us, via: