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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 report ‘Fear of Stigmatisation, Combating Drug use amongst Muslim Communities in the London Borough of Redbridge’ Rabbi Sufrin recognised that the Jewish and Muslim communities share many of the same cultural taboos about drugs and addiction. 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.
Last night’s event was held to generate greater awareness of the partnership and to share the experiences of partner members with local Muslim leaders, in order that they are better equipped to assist members of their communities by directing them to Drugsline and the culturally and faith sensitive services they work alongside.
Following a grant from the London Borough of Redbridge, Drugsline was able to design and implement a specialist training programme for a group of 35 new volunteers, and as a result are able to offer drugs information, crisis support and counselling in Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati, Hebrew and Yiddish - the only charity in the UK to offer such a diverse service.
Imam Haroon Rashid Patel said:
“It is refreshing to see so many local community members gathering to discuss an issue that is otherwise considered a taboo in the Muslim and Asian Communities. As Imams it is easy to talk to those who step over the threshold into our Mosques. Tonight is also for us to think about how we can reach, and help, those who do not.
“The ‘Joining the Loop’ partnership is filling a gaping hole in the services available to our communities, and I am comforted in the knowledge that there is now excellent support available in so many languages – support that is absolutely critical.”
Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, Executive Director of Drugsline said:
“I am delighted that so many community leaders attended this event and recognised that drugs are a problem within their community as well as every community in this country. There are no boundaries to those who can find themselves struggling with addiction. We need everyone to reach out and spread the message in their communities to let them know that these services exist.
“Drugsline has over 15 years experience of dealing with drugs and alcohol addiction issues and now our expertise is available to those who otherwise would have little or no appropriate support.”
For further information about the work of Drugsline or the ‘Joining the Loop’ partnership, please visit www.drugsline.org or call 020 8554 3220.
Notes:
Report ‘Fear of Stigmatisation, Combating Drug Use amongst the Muslim Communities in the London Borough of Redbridge’ was published by the British League of Muslims in partnership with the Redbridge Drug & Alcohol Action Team, funded by the Department of Health and supported by the University of Central Lancashire.
Drugsline
Drugsline provides a comprehensive range of drugs and alcohol awareness education. Its services include a helpline number, education outreach to schools - warning children and teenagers about addiction and its consequences, as well as a crisis & support drop-in centre for education, help and support.
Drugsline is recognised as a Drugs Prevention Service by The London Borough of Redbridge Health Authority and the Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust. It is also an active member of the local DAAT (Drug and Alcohol Action Team).
www.drugsline.org - Registered Charity Number 1067573
Imam Haroon Rashid Patel
Imam Haroon Rashid Patel is Imam (priest) of the Balfour Road Mosque, Ilford, Redbridge, catering for and run by the Muslims of Indian heritage. He has had local Child Protection Foundation Training and was part of a working group consisting of local mosque leaders and local authority officials who compiled Child Protection Guidance for mosques schools in the London Borough of Redbridge. He is also the Muslim representative to the SACRE in Redbridge and is the Imam for the local Health Authority.
League of British Muslims UK
Formed in 1996, the League of British Muslims provides information and help to communities for self help development and integration into the mainstream society. It assists and empowers communities so they can adhere to their religious and cultural values for strength, self confidence and self esteem. It established a Muslim Community Centre in South Ilford, the Eton Road community centre. LBM has run a wide range of projects including health related projects, services for the elderly community, women’s projects and youth activities.
QALB Centre
Based in Walthamstow, QALB provides counselling services for men and women from South Asian, African and Afro-Caribbean backgrounds who are experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties. It provides counselling for victims of domestic violence, and for drug and alcohol related problems. A range of community languages are available, including Punjabi, French, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Swahili and Gujarati.
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