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Although Drugsline currently offers a non-denominational crisis support line, its director, Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, is an Orthodox Jew. After the recent report ‘Combating Stigma, Drug use among the Muslim Communities in London Borough of Redbridge’ Rabbi Sufrin recognised that the Jewish and Muslim communities share many of the same cultural taboos about drugs. He promptly set about establishing the “Joining the Loop” partnership with: Imam Haroon Rashid Patel; local Muslim group QALB, a day centre for people with mental health issues; and the League of British Muslims which provides advice to local Asian residents.
The recent funding award will enable Drugsline to provide help and services in Gujarati, Bengali and Urdu, and to offer members of diverse communities training and development opportunities. Where appropriate, the scheme will also refer callers to culturally and faith sensitive drug misuse intervention programmes.
Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, Director of Drugsline said:
“I am delighted that this interfaith project is now able to go ahead. Drugsline has over 15 years experience of dealing with drugs and alcohol addiction issues and this proposed partnership will not only add value to Drugsline’s existing work, but it will also enable us to provide bespoke services to parts of the community where drugs and alcohol addiction are often taboo, and little or no support is offered.”
Cllr. Alan Weinberg, Leader of Redbridge Council, is a valued Drugsline advocate, and played a vital role in supporting the Partnership. He commented,
“The Redbridge community is both culturally and religiously diverse, and as well as celebrating this, we must also recognise the associated issues; that some communities require tailored support. This Partnership is an exemplary model of what is possible when communities come together in union, whilst simultaneously serving their community in a sensitive and appropriate manner. On behalf of Redbridge council, I am delighted to be involved in such a project.”
Imam Haroon Rashid Patel said:
“We thank Redbridge Council for understanding the needs of our community and providing us with the funding to enable us to work with Drugsline to combat drug and alcohol addiction in the Muslim and wider community.”
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