Ramadan: The Month of Giving

Ramadan food distribution in Pakistan

Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide. It is a time to purify the soul, strengthen faith, and renew one’s commitment to serving others. One of the most significant aspects of Ramadan is the emphasis on giving to those in need. In this blog post, we will explore why giving is so important during Ramadan and how it can benefit both the giver and the receiver.

The Importance of Giving During Ramadan

Giving is an essential part of Islam and is especially emphasised during Ramadan. The act of giving is not only a way to help those in need, but it is also a way to purify one’s heart and soul. Muslims believe that giving during Ramadan is a way to gain the blessings of Allah and to increase their own spiritual growth.

Giving during Ramadan can take many forms, including donating money, volunteering time, and providing food to those who are fasting. The act of giving is not only about helping others but also about fostering a sense of community and empathy. It is a time to come together and support one another, regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status.

The Benefits of Giving During Ramadan

Giving during Ramadan has numerous benefits, both for the giver and the receiver. For the giver, giving is an act of worship that can increase their spiritual growth and bring them closer to Allah. It is a way to show gratitude for the blessings in their life and to share those blessings with others. Giving can also bring a sense of joy and fulfilment that comes from helping others.

For the receiver, giving can be a lifeline during difficult times. Ramadan is a time when many people struggle with hunger and poverty, and giving can help alleviate some of that suffering. The act of giving can also bring a sense of dignity and self-worth to those in need, knowing that others care about their well-being.

How to Give During Ramadan

Giving during Ramadan can take many forms, and there are many ways to get involved. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Donate to a reputable charity that supports those in need.
  2. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food bank.
  3. Prepare food for those who are fasting and distribute it to those in need.
  4. Donate clothes, blankets, and other necessities to a homeless shelter or refugee center.
  5. Offer your time and skills to help others in your community.

Conclusion

Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer, and giving. It is a time to come together as a community and support one another, regardless of our differences. Giving during Ramadan is not only a way to help those in need but also a way to increase our own spiritual growth and connect with Allah. By giving generously and selflessly, we can help create a world that is more just, compassionate, and loving for all.

Ladies’ Coffee Mornings: Building Community and Improving Mental Health

At Time to Help UK, we believe in the power of community and connection. That’s why we’re excited to announce our latest initiative: ladies’ coffee mornings in temporary refugee hostels. These events bring together asylum seekers and our volunteers for a morning of arts and crafts, coffee, and snacks. But beyond just providing a fun and social activity, these coffee mornings significantly impact the mental health and sense of belonging of those who participate.

One of the most challenging aspects of being a refugee is feeling isolated and disconnected from one’s community. This can be especially true for women, who may face additional barriers to accessing resources and building connections. Our ladies’ coffee mornings provide a safe and welcoming space for women to come together and form friendships and support networks.

Participants in our coffee mornings reported feeling more connected to their community, hopeful about their future, and less isolated. One asylum seeker, Fatima*, shared, “I came to the coffee morning feeling very alone, but now I have made new friends and feel like I belong here.”

In addition to the social benefits, our coffee mornings also provide an opportunity for participants to engage in arts and crafts activities. These activities are known to positively affect mental health and well-being, as they offer a creative outlet for expressing emotions and promoting relaxation.

“It is so nice to come and do something creative; it helps me forget about my problems for a little while,” shared another participant, Rania*.

At Time to Help UK, we are committed to supporting asylum seekers’ mental health and well-being. We believe that building community and providing opportunities for connection, and self-expression are crucial components of this work. We are thrilled to see the positive impact of our ladies’ coffee mornings and look forward to continuing this initiative in the future.

Please consider supporting our cause by donating, volunteering or reaching out to us for more information.

*Not real names.

Exhibition in Exile finds refuge in Newcastle upon Tyne Church

An exhibition of immigration cartoons by renowned cartoonists who had to flee persecution in Turkey together with its organisers in 2016 found refuge in St James’ Benwell Church of Newcastle upon Tyne. Time to Help joined Human Rights Solidarity, GemArt, Comfrey Project and Being Woman as the organisers of the four days long exhibition.

A consortium of humanitarian aid, human rights, immigrant support organisations and a local church in Benwell are hosting an exhibition of cartoons on immigration, refugees and asylum seekers and the cynical response of the industrialised world to this emerging phenomenon. The exhibition is formed of cartoons that themselves had to flee Turkey in late 2016 when the organising humanitarian aid organisation Kimse Yok Mu (KYM), then a member of the UN’s ECOSOC, was taken over by the authoritarian regime in the country. Hence, the name Exhibition in Exile.

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Greece Refugee Food Pack Appeal

On this year’s Christmas evening, some people cannot spend their night with their families in their warm houses not only because of the pandemic that is escalating once again but because of them being compelled to flee their countries. They are the asylum seekers and refugees who we usually see for a minute on the main news channels, sometimes pass by without noticing on the street but often never feel their presence and witness their lives closely.

Refugees are forced to flee their homes due to wars, environmental pollution, natural disasters, scarce resources, hurricanes or floods caused by climate changes, pressure on freedom of expression, limitations on religious practices and ideas, and injustices. Regardless of how difficult it is, they are compelled to leave their families, loved ones, relatives and friends behind and immigrate to other countries.

Fleeing from floods, running away from bombs, escaping from the risk of being unjustly taken to prison under the silence of a whole nation, they could bring neither belonging nor a memory. All they could do was to run away from the cruel reality. They abandon their languages, cultures, traditions and customs in the quest for safety. Just like a newborn baby, they shoulder the burden of learning a new language, try hard to get to know a new country and its people, adapt to a foreign culture, acquire a new identity and build a life from scratch.

We thought about what we could do more for them during this time of the year. They were once, just like us, sitting around a table with all their family members in their beautiful warm houses. Why not gather them around a table this Christmas too?
When we dream, it is all you who help us to achieve it. This time, it was a dream beyond borders. A beautiful, magical dream has come true once again. Thinking of refugees far from us, Time to Help UK and its associations Time to Help Netherland, Belgium, France, Luxembourg have conducted a joint project with the Tuna Foundation’s hosting. On 11th December, 50 volunteers from the Time to Help fled to Bucharest, Romania to load a full cargo of food parcels.

The exciting and marvellous project reached £3,639, hitting higher than the target of £3,400 with donations from 52 donors. Each pack worth £42 included 40 packages of 31 different products from essentials to candies for kids. First stop at Salonica, the truck has arrived in Athens on Monday and distributed the parcels to the refugee families in Greece. Now, getting even more attention and support than the expectations, another truck will be sent again. We are proud of the donors and volunteers who made it possible with their enormous generosity and kindness.

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Packed Lunch for the Homeless in Westminster!

Homelessness had become omnipresent in Britain. According to the last Shelter report, at least 320,000 people are homeless, almost 5,000 are rough sleeping (likely to be a considerable underestimate), and 726 people died homeless in England and Wales in 2018 (a 22% rise from 2017). This year’s figure is not estimated to be less than in previous years.

At Time to Help, we believe, even a small help can make a massive difference in peoples lives. Therefore, We have decided to support Sant’Egidio (a registered charity in Central London) with their efforts to provide nutritious packed lunches with a warm smile. We have been preparing and delivering this service for three weeks now, and we want to do the same for at least two weeks more.

If you want to make a positive difference and have some spare time on Saturdays (between noon and 3 pm for preparation in Enfield and 4 pm to 6.45 pm for distribution in Westminster) please visit our volunteer’s page and fill the form to register your interest. if you want you can donate to this appeal via this link.

We are volunteering to help people in need; therefore, we will be exempt from social gathering restrictions according to the latest government guidelines[1] which says;

“At all 3 alert levels, whilst providing voluntary services:

you are exempt from social gathering restrictions you can travel within and between different local COVID alert level areas to volunteer
Within workplaces, the risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-19 secure guidelines are followed closely. (gov.uk)”

However, we will still make every reasonable effort to comply with the social distancing guidelines set out by the government (2m, or 1m with risk mitigation where 2m is not viable).

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely–2/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely#how-to-stay-safe-when-accepting-help-from-others
Facts about Lack of Clean Water Sources

In developed nations, i.e., countries that have everything from technology to luxury, getting clean water at home is as ‘natural’ as breathing fresh air. It is something that most people from advanced countries may not particularly pay attention to, but this is not the case for the rest of the world. There are still many nations that do not have access to clean water sources or water that is fit for human consumption. Here are some shocking facts about water access around the world:

Approximately 2.1 billion people all over the world still are unable to access safe water sources within their home
In New York, USA, 8.3 million people were exposed to water contaminants in their drinking water that included viruses and various kinds of bacteria
Since 2015, more than 63 million people in India alone have consumed water from unsafe sources
In sub-Saharan Africa alone more than half of the population drink water that comes from ‘dangerous’ resources, like surface water. Approximately 102 million people are drinking surface water
In many provinces of South Africa, water is sometimes unavailable for two whole days. This happens approximately 60% of the time.
In Nepal, 91% of the population is drinking water from sources that contain E-coli, a fecal bacteria that can lead to many diseases including bacterial (stomach) infections.
5 Reasons Why Everyone Deserves Clean Drinking Water

According to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, “Safe water, sanitation and hygiene at home should not be a privilege of only those who are rich or live in urban centers. These are some of the most basic requirements for human health, and all countries have a responsibility to ensure that everyone can access them.”

Sadly, clean water is still inaccessible for many and will remain that way until governments are willing to take a stand. Here are five reasons why everyone needs access to clean drinking water and safely managed sanitation, right at home.

1. Provides Nourishment

Water is life. The sooner those in power understand this, the sooner this law of water being available to everyone can be implemented. Water is the number one source of nutrition. The human body is made of 60% water, and this is a clear enough indication of the importance of water. Humans need to be adequately hydrated for their physiological systems to function. Additionally, water helps maintain organ health and allows the blood to maintain the consistency it requires to flow freely and transport oxygen and nutrients to every cell of the body.

2. The Prevention of Diseases

Did you know that if people are unable to drink safe and clean water, it gives rise to various kinds of diseases? Fatal medical conditions like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A all occur because of the consumption and or the presence of contaminated water. Imagine the risks that people are exposed to when the only thing they can drink is water that comes from sewage and contaminated sites like industries. Clean water is essential not only to remain safe from disease but also to maintain good health.

3. Helps in Getting Rid of Toxins

Clean, fresh and safe water also helps in getting the body rid of all kinds of toxins, whether they are created due to bodily reactions, obtained from outside sources or ones that occur because of the consumption of contaminated water.

4. Needed for Agriculture and Food Production

When it comes to the production of food, clean water is an essential ingredient. If the crops and grains are given contaminated water, the bacteria and disease will spread to those who consume the fresh produce. Therefore, water that is used for agriculture must also come from safe and clean resources.

5. Improved Sanitation Facilities

Clean water is not just needed for drinking but for sanitation purposes as well. If clothes are washed, or the body is washed with contaminated water, this too will result in the rise of diseases. Same is the case for cooking, cleaning and other similar tasks that are an integral part of our lives. Clean water is necessary for good health.

Source: http://www.aidforum.org/topics/health-and-wash/5-reasons-why-everyone-needs-clean-drinking-water/

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Why Everyone Needs Clean Drinking Water?

Science clearly states that a human being can survive three weeks without food, but where water is concerned most people can’t go on 3-4 days without it! Dehydration sets in, and even if the person continues to breathe, they will go into shock and become vegetative. In other words, water is the primary necessity. Without it, a living being simply cannot survive. Yet, it is a horrific fact that there are billions of people around the world who do not have access to clean drinking water.

Facts about Lack of Clean Water Sources

In developed nations, i.e., countries that have everything from technology to luxury, getting clean water at home is as ‘natural’ as breathing fresh air. It is something that most people from advanced countries may not particularly pay attention to, but this is not the case for the rest of the world. There are still many nations that do not have access to clean water sources or water that is fit for human consumption. Here are some shocking facts about water access around the world:

Approximately 2.1 billion people all over the world still are unable to access safe water sources within their home
In New York, USA, 8.3 million people were exposed to water contaminants in their drinking water that included viruses and various kinds of bacteria
Since 2015, more than 63 million people in India alone have consumed water from unsafe sources
In sub-Saharan Africa alone more than half of the population drink water that comes from ‘dangerous’ resources, like surface water. Approximately 102 million people are drinking surface water
In many provinces of South Africa, water is sometimes unavailable for two whole days. This happens approximately 60% of the time.
In Nepal, 91% of the population is drinking water from sources that contain E-coli, a fecal bacteria that can lead to many diseases including bacterial (stomach) infections.
5 Reasons Why Everyone Deserves Clean Drinking Water

According to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, “Safe water, sanitation and hygiene at home should not be a privilege of only those who are rich or live in urban centers. These are some of the most basic requirements for human health, and all countries have a responsibility to ensure that everyone can access them.”

Sadly, clean water is still inaccessible for many and will remain that way until governments are willing to take a stand. Here are five reasons why everyone needs access to clean drinking water and safely managed sanitation, right at home.

1. Provides Nourishment

Water is life. The sooner those in power understand this, the sooner this law of water being available to everyone can be implemented. Water is the number one source of nutrition. The human body is made of 60% water, and this is a clear enough indication of the importance of water. Humans need to be adequately hydrated for their physiological systems to function. Additionally, water helps maintain organ health and allows the blood to maintain the consistency it requires to flow freely and transport oxygen and nutrients to every cell of the body.

2. The Prevention of Diseases

Did you know that if people are unable to drink safe and clean water, it gives rise to various kinds of diseases? Fatal medical conditions like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A all occur because of the consumption and or the presence of contaminated water. Imagine the risks that people are exposed to when the only thing they can drink is water that comes from sewage and contaminated sites like industries. Clean water is essential not only to remain safe from disease but also to maintain good health.

3. Helps in Getting Rid of Toxins

Clean, fresh and safe water also helps in getting the body rid of all kinds of toxins, whether they are created due to bodily reactions, obtained from outside sources or ones that occur because of the consumption of contaminated water.

4. Needed for Agriculture and Food Production

When it comes to the production of food, clean water is an essential ingredient. If the crops and grains are given contaminated water, the bacteria and disease will spread to those who consume the fresh produce. Therefore, water that is used for agriculture must also come from safe and clean resources.

5. Improved Sanitation Facilities

Clean water is not just needed for drinking but for sanitation purposes as well. If clothes are washed, or the body is washed with contaminated water, this too will result in the rise of diseases. Same is the case for cooking, cleaning and other similar tasks that are an integral part of our lives. Clean water is necessary for good health.

Source: http://www.aidforum.org/topics/health-and-wash/5-reasons-why-everyone-needs-clean-drinking-water/

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Why so many people struggle to access clean water?

It seems incredible that it’s 2021 and there’s still 773 million people around the world who don’t have access to clean water — a basic human right that no one can live without.

Four reasons why people don’t have access to clean water:
1.) Lack of infrastructure and poor management of services.

Efforts have been made to reach more people with more water. However governments need to do more in ensuring water supplies are sustainable and commit to improving infrastructure.

2.) Poverty and inequality

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene are a basic human right and yet some people are still unable to access these services due to their ethnicity, gender, social status, disability or inability to afford the high costs.

3.) Climate change

Climate change and an increase in unpredictable and extreme weather is a growing challenge. Long periods of drought affect clean water supplies while flooding can pollute clean water sources and cause outbreaks of disease.

4.) Population increase

The world’s population is predicted to grow to 8.5 billion by 2030 and 9.7 billion by 2050. This is going to create a high demand and put a strain on already scarce and fragile water sources.

Can you imagine living without water? No, because that would be impossible. Here’s what happens when your water source is insecure and unsafe.

Three ways a lack of access to clean water impacts on the poor:
1.) Women and Girls

In many communities girls are tasked with collecting the households water. If supplies are scarce or the community is isolated it means girls are spending hours of their day to walk great distances to collect water from streams, rivers and unprotected wells. This means less time for paid work and going to school.

2.) Livelihood

Rural communities who rely on farming for their livelihoods are the most vulnerable to climate change and water shortages. Increased temperatures, changes in season, and prolonged dry spells affect crops and livestock and therefore a person’s ability to earn a living.

3.) Health

As the effects of climate change and rising temperatures increase, so does the prevalence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and trachoma. The World Health Organisation also warns that incidences of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue will also rise. Another impact of unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene is malnutrition. In fact up to 50% of malnutrition cases are said to be a result of this.

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Make most of your time and become local by helping in your community

Hi, my name is Celeste from Paraguay and I want to share with you how rewarding has been my volunteering experience at Time To Help UK. But first, let me tell you how it all began. At the end of December 2019 I was embarking on the adventure of settling in London and one of the myths I wanted to bring down was that in this city it is difficult to make friends, or at least, it costs a lot.

With this goal in mind, I began to search for things to do in Edmonton and I found an interesting arrow of activities such as cultural and sports services in the area, among which I got information about charities and I’ve got to know about Time to Help UK, an organization dedicated to providing relief and assistance to people in any part of the world who are victims of disaster, poverty, and hunger.

Through its Instagram account I found out about one of their activities – “Breakfast for Homeless People on Monday”, so I took courage to write and it was thanks to the response of Yusuf, the Chief Operating Officer, that we arranged a meeting and I went to Rumi Mosque, where the charity works. Since then, I started collaborating with breakfasts for the homeless and I realised it was not just about cooking, it was about getting to know people who share with you their culture, concerns and interests in life.

Volunteering can also help you learn skills, for instance, due to the work I do with Time To Help UK, I have had to take an online course on Food Safety and this has even helped me improve the preparation of my meals in my own home.

I definitely feel more local thanks to TTH; walking from home to Edmonton Green has become a routine for me and I have even had the opportunity to bump into volunteers on the streets. I have also witnessed how quickly Time To Help UK responded to the coronavirus crisis, providing support to people in self-isolation and receiving messages from its members to check up on me as well.

Despite not professing the Muslim religion, at the centre of the mosque where the charity operates, I have found inspiration through people who dedicate themselves to reading, meditation and giving their best to their community.

I strongly recommend joining Time to Help UK to become part of this wonderful community. And as Kathy Calvin, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Foundation once said: “Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.”

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