The NLMCC is currently running a youth health awareness project called “Keeping It Real”.

Funded by Team Hackney’s ‘Large Community Grant’ and running from April 08 to March 09, the projects aim is to increase awareness in young Asian Muslims (16-25) within Hackney on how to live healthier lives and to offer opportunities for young people to learn more about healthy life choices with activities to encourage and promote better health.

The first phase of this project built closer ties between the mainstream health agencies in the Borough and the Muslim community.

In the second phase these new links were used to concentrate on key areas, some of which are often taboo within the Asian Muslim community, namely;

a) Promoting understanding of drug/alcohol abuse

b) Promoting good sexual health

c) Tackling obesity

d) Promoting smoking cessation.

Examples of the activities that we have delivered are:

1) We co-delivered workshops and information stands at mosques and youth centres by supporting mainstream agencies such as City and Hackney Stop Smoking Services (CHPCT), Serious quitters, Pfizer life,

Hackney Drug /Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) and Sub 19.

2) We have also delivered Keep Fit classes at Kings Hall Leisure Centre aiming to make our users more involved in physical activities targeting those who are at risk.

3) We have had a very successful Sexual Health workshop delivered by Masjid-E- Quba’s Imam that attracted 60 beneficiaries.

4) We are planning to work with Old-Hill Medical Centre to refer young people on to their sexual health programme.

For more information please contact Suleman Alibhai on 020 8806 1147 or youthadmin@nlmcc.org.uk