We work with a range of local partners to ensure that children and their families are on the path towards a bright future.
With a particular focus on children from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds, we are addressing crucial social, cultural and economic issues affecting vulnerable children and families.
Approachable Parenting: Inclusive Parenting
Approachable Parenting is a practical programme for parents of children aged four to 11 in low-income or single-parent families. The programme works to empower and support families looking after Muslim children by drawing upon both psychological and Islamic principles.
Over the course of the first two phases of the programme facilitators worked to provide accessible, evidence-based and culturally sensitive parenting programmes to:
- Increase the inclusion of Muslim and non-Muslim families in parenting education
- Improve parenting knowledge and education, adopting new techniques and strategies
- Enable children to recognise dangers and know how to protect themselves
- Offer 1:1 support for families with additional complex issues
- Ensure children, young people and families have access to outside services
- Develop peer support networks through training and volunteer coordination
The third phase of this programme will now expand into Birmingham, Bradford and London, where there will be dedicated sessions to support fathers to enhance their parenting skills and support through group discussions and role play. Through these learning sessions, parents will develop critical skills which are then encouraged to be practiced at home within the family.
Having already supported over 200 parents and 500 children, Islamic Relief is proud to continue working with Approachable Parenting during Phase 3 of this award-winning programme.
Helping Further: Supporting Children at Risk of Destitution
Since 2015, we’ve partnered with The Children’s Society (Birmingham) to help reduce the number of children and young people at risk of destitution. We’ve specifically targeted those at high risk of acute poverty due to their immigration status.
We‘ve helped vulnerable young people and their families to find critical and safe accommodation, financial support and social services assistance by providing:
- Advocacy and Referral Support: Appointment-based advocacy and legal advice casework has helped families to understand their rights and entitlements in the UK
- Immigration Drop In: The Free Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner weekly immigration drop-in service has been providing crucial advice and signposting support
- Meet and Greet: Weekly meet and greet sessions work to offer social and recreational activities for children
In addition to providing direct support and referrals to pro-bono legal support, the project has also been raising crucial awareness around the needs of families with no access to public funds by contributing to relevant statutory service reviews and campaigning around the issues of destitution.
Alhamdulillah, the programme has already supported over 2,800 children and will continue to support more to create brighter, more stable futures for as many children as possible.