In the last few months the Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH) has been through a number of trials and tribulations that have been well documented. In the midst of what has happened, strong leadership has been required from all those concerned, including the board of trustees, in order to get the helpline up and running again. One person who has always shown true leadership and has been an avid supporter of MYH over the years is Sadiq Khan MP. Known for leading Ed Milibands campaign in the Labour leadership contest, his strategic vision and strong leadership has often helped many organizations. This Sunday Sadiq Khan will be running the British 10K to help raise funds for the helpline.
For the last decade, the Muslim Youth Helpline has provided young people with culturally sensitive advice and support. It has done this by listening to the needs of the community and in doing so has built a reputation as an innovative and influential organization. The helpline offers life-changing support and advice to young people. In a time when the voices of young people are often being shunned away the helpline is a unique service which caters to the needs of young people. MYH is a helpline like any other but just happens to be experienced in the needs of Muslims. It provides a listening and advice service which allows young Muslims to express their views in a confidential and non-judgmental way.
Recently questions have been raised about the leadership of MYH. As with many service led organizations MYH is much loved and has built a reputation as a groundbreaking and influential initiative. Because the community has a vested interest in MYH it is their right to raise concerns about their helpline. Legitimate questions were asked in the spirit of transparency and it was the right thing to do at the time. I believe organizations need more transparency and good governance as this allows for greater accountability, integrity and most importantly adherence to the Nolan principles of public life.
As a trustee of MYH, I take great pride in being involved in such a vibrant and forward thinking organization. The recent events brought me great sadness and it was heartening to see the board come together to move on from its problems in the hope of building a stronger future for all concerned. MYH is at a critical juncture right now in its short ten year tenure and has managed to move forward through the help and support of the community. But now the community needs to have some introspection and make some key decisions. If we believe that MYH has and does provide a service that the Muslim community cannot do without we need to articulate that clearly. Despite the problems that MYH has had in its recent past we need to take stock, learn valuable lessons and move forward. This can only be achieved if our supporters, Muslim and those of other faiths continue to encourage and support us as they have done in the past.
I am pleased to report that the helpline is now up and running and we hope it can go from strength to strength and have another successful ten years, continuing to provide an invaluable service to many disenfranchised youth.
As MYH looks to rebuild the foundations it was founded on, it is important for the community to get behind and fully support a much needed and vital service in all its endeavors. This is why the characteristic leadership being shown by Sadiq Khan is so appreciated and important. It is only through the support of him and others that MYH will survive. Sadiq Khan is making a gallant effort in running the British 10K in support of the helpline. I urge you all to support his endeavors for this noble cause, and more importantly support his efforts to highlight what a trailblazing organization MYH is. Your support is also much valued and all contribution no matter how big or small are welcome. I believe with the continuing support of the British community MYH can once again flourish and be a beacon of hope and salvation for many young British Muslims.
You can help support Sadiq Khan and Muslim Youth Helpline in the British 10K run by clicking on the link below:
https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/sadiqkhan