Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
The Big Issue Oasis Collector's edition is coming - sign up so you don't miss out!
SIGN UP
Social Justice

Work of British Muslim charities is underestimated, say MPs

Parliamentary group finds Islamic organisations are providing vital help to people across the UK

The work of Muslim charities in supporting vulnerable people at winter is badly undervalued, according to a new study.

The all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims found Islamic organisations provide a wide range of services aimed at helping the least well-off – from food parcels for homeless people to thermal clothing for older residents.

The group’s report “A Very Merry Muslim Christmas” found it was difficult to quantify just how many people are receiving assistance because much of the work is going on under the radar.

British Muslim charities haven’t received the kind of attention they deserve.

The group, chaired by Tory MP Anna Soubry and Labour MP Wes Streeting, stated: “British Muslim charities haven’t received the kind of attention they deserve.

“At this time of year, when Muslim charities are working alongside many other faith-based charities to spread good cheer, peace on earth and goodwill to all, we hope our preliminary findings highlights and celebrates their work.”

In the past year, Sufra NW London (pictured above) provided emergency food aid parcels for almost 4,000 people. The foodbank also runs a kitchen project and holds advice surgeries.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

The Al Mizan Charitable Trust has handed out 1,300 “winter warmer” packs to people sleeping on the streets of London, Manchester and Birmingham.

And the Grenfell Muslim Response Unit, set up after the terrible fire at the tower bloc, was at the forefront of relief and support efforts for families affected by the tragedy.

The MPs said some media coverage had mischaracterized the work of organisations rooted in British communities.

“And as with most coverage on Islam and Muslims in our media, the bad behaviour of a few individuals sees the many tarnished with the same brush,” the parliamentary group report stated.

“But such perceptions of British Muslims, and of British Muslim charities in particular, are wide of the mark.”

Big Issue vendors are back!

It’s not just the shops that are opening again. From Monday 12th April onwards,  Big Issue vendors are back in business, with a big smile and a stack of magazines. Buy from your local vendor today!

Find out more
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

SIGN THE PETITION

Will you sign Big Issue's petition to ask Keir Starmer to pass a Poverty Zero law? It's time to hold government to account on poverty once and for all.

Recommended for you

View all
The broken driving test system proves our public services are fraying at the edges
Stock image of a London street with cars and buses
James Rose

The broken driving test system proves our public services are fraying at the edges

Wales wants to be anti-racist by 2030. But it won't happen until Gypsies and Travellers get justice
Community

Wales wants to be anti-racist by 2030. But it won't happen until Gypsies and Travellers get justice

Starmer finally backs down on disability benefits cuts – but are the concessions enough?
Keir Starmer
Disability benefits

Starmer finally backs down on disability benefits cuts – but are the concessions enough?

If Labour takes my PIP away, I'll have to give up the job I love
Photo of Hannah Moreton, who works for Sense
Disability benefits

If Labour takes my PIP away, I'll have to give up the job I love

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know

Support our vendors with a subscription

For each subscription to the magazine, we’ll provide a vendor with a reusable water bottle, making it easier for them to access cold water on hot days.