In the lead up to Ramadan, our plan at Inspirited Minds was to engage as much as we can with our local community, local businesses and involve our team in our fundraising and awareness generating endeavours.
During Ramadan, we are reminded of the blessings in our life and begin to focus on the importance of giving to those in need. In the lead up to Ramadan, our plan at Inspirited Minds was to engage as much as we can with our local community, local businesses and involve our team in our fundraising and awareness generating endeavours.
As such, we laid out the following plans for Ramadan during the months of Rajab and Shaban.
Iftar with Inspirited Minds
On the 31st of March 2023 at the Jack Carter Pavilion in Redbridge, we gathered with 90 attendees – including families, couples and individuals – from the local community with 30 more on the waiting list. The speakers during the evening shared their knowledge, expertise and lived experiences of mental health, particularly Religious OCD. We are grateful to all our speakers who contributed with their time during this wonderful evening, Alhamdulillah.
The list of speakers and the respective topics were as follows:
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- Talat Baig (CEO) – Welcome address and vision of IM
- Sheikh Ismail – recited Qur’an to open
- Azmara Moulana – Professional Insight into Mental Health
- Ahnaf Mazid – Personal Lived Experience
- Imam Mikdad – Islam and Mental Health
- Aftharb Mowlana – Achievements of IM to date and closing remarks
Special thanks go to our sponsors, Director of Freshery UK Limited Brother Abdul Majid Al-Sakkaf and another brother who wished to remain anonymous. Our iftar partners were Brother Ali from Taj Grill, Ilford and Brother Saeed from Original Biryaniwala, Wembley. Their generosity and support were paramount in the successful implementation of this event, Alhamdulillah.
As we broke fast, we were reminded of the importance of community and the bonds that we share. Iftar is a time for coming together and supporting each other, a time to share stories and laughter, and a time to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives.
We also held the following challenges to raise funds to sustain our many projects and services, and received a total of 23 signups:
Fasted Mindful trek of Mount Snowdon
On the 9th of April 2023, we embarked on our Mindful trek of Mount Snowdon. Climbing Mount Snowdon with the group (9 of us in total) was an incredible experience. As we made our way up the mountain, we encouraged each other and provided mental and moral support when needed. The climb was challenging, but the sense of accomplishment we felt at the summit was all the more rewarding because we had achieved it together, Alhamdulillah.
As we climbed, we shared stories, hadiths and laughter, and we were in awe of the stunning scenery around us. We marvelled at the sight of the rolling hills and the sparkling lakes, and we felt a sense of connection to the natural world. At times, when the climb was difficult, we reminded ourselves of the objective, the reason and the purpose behind our trek, this along with the encouragement of our group kept us going.
Reaching the summit of Mount Snowdon was a moment of triumph for us all, and we felt a sense of pride in what we had accomplished together. Being able to pray in congregation at the summit prior to our descent while overlooking breathtaking views was quite powerful and emotional. When we met up with our friends and family, who supported, encouraged and motivated us throughout, upon our return at the base of the mountain, we felt a sense of accomplishment.
Based on the level of participation, engagement and feedback we subsequently received, we intend to make “Snowdon” an annual challenge and would encourage as many individuals to join us in the future, In Shaa Allah.
Fasted Fitness Challenge at Regent’s Park
Our final event/gathering for the month of Ramadan was held during the following weekend, on the 15th of April, where we held a Fitness walk/cycle/jog Challenge at Regent’s Park, London. Members who had signed up concluded their challenge at their own pace and met up at the London Central Mosque for iftar.
30 Days of Kindness, 30-Day Detox, Sunnah Suhoor
For those of our supporters who could not join us in person, we set up remote challenges that could easily be completed from the comfort of your home. These included practicing an act of kindness a day, detoxing from an unhealthy habit or food item or having only dates and milk for suhoor as per the Sunnah.
Overall, it was heartening to observe the level of excitement and support that shone through from within the team from the beginning of the year. Additionally, the level of togetherness and cohesion within Inspirited Minds with the support of our torchbearers and donors motivates us to continue working harder towards our cause.
The success of the series of events are not to be measured only in terms of the funds raised, but also by the level of engagement and awareness we were able to generate. For example, the number of unique/new donors, the number of attendees that participated as well as the interest expressed by local mosques to hold Khutbah’s (lectures) and Jummah (Friday) prayers with the theme of mental health as they identify this to be a major issue within our local community.
Finally, we thank Allah (SWT) for allowing and enabling us to carry out all these activities. We thank everyone who supported throughout this blessed month. We endeavour to learn from our many lessons and experiences that we have learnt along the way. May Allah (SWT) shower His blessings upon us and grant us success upon success, Ameen.
If you are going through a difficult time and are experiencing anything relevant to the above mentioned topic, then feel free to contact our support service including counselling. For further information please visit: Get Help
If you would like to get involved in raising awareness about mental health in your local community, we are looking to grow our outreach team to different cities around the country. We will ensure that you are fully trained and confident before running workshops & talks.
Please visit our website for more information: Vacancies
