For those who are not aware, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. During this holy month of Ramadan, which began on the 12th April and will finish on the 12th May, Muslims fast every day from dawn until sunset – this is to allow for a time of spiritual discipline, including extra prayer, increased charity and generosity and intense study of the Quran. Here at CAYSH, we wish to support our Service Users who are fasting during Ramadan, especially with the closure of many places of worship during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the reduced ability to spend time with loved ones and friends. Therefore, CAYSH have partnered with three separate organisations in order to provide food donations to those of our Service Users who are fasting during Ramadan, so that, at sunset, they are able to enjoy a meal together.

CAYSH are extremely proud to be working with Croydon Community Leaders, Swan London and the AR Rihla Project, to provide our Service Users with meals during Ramadan. Please read on to find out a little bit more about these incredible organisations: SWAN is a registered charity that prides itself in providing food aid to those in need. With over 90 volunteers, SWAN are able to run a hub based in Croydon which provides food, clothes and essential items, as well a weekly Food Bank and Soup Kitchen. Further, SWAN runs a community initiative SWAN 500, which encourages more people to contribute to helping the wider society. Croydon Community Leaders (CCL) is an organisation who are driven by the desire to empower the community. They work on a range of exciting projects which are created to both improve the lives of others, as well as involve the local community in important issues, in order to promote a positive change in Croydon.

Lastly, the AR Rihla Project was founded in September 2020 by Stefan Nicholas Jones, following the impact that homelessness had on his family. The project is driven by the desire to help those who are homeless in South London, with the distribution of hot food and large backpacks full of essential items, such as blankets, sleeping bags, socks, hand warmers and food, to those in need. The project hopes to inspire youth to have compassion and help others.

The partnership between CAYSH and these three separate organisations is set to provide our Service Users with meals during Ramadan, to have for breaking their fast at Sunset. We hope that this will bring our Service Users, and staff, together as they are able to sit around a table together and share the food that they receive. As Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, and being with loved ones and friends, we at CAYSH believe that it is so important for our Service Users to be able to celebrate this time and share their experiences with others.

From all of us here at CAYSH, to our Service Users, staff and supporters: We wish that you have a very blessed Ramadan.