• Muslim-led initiatives in the UK, including food banks & peer support groups have aided over 55,000 people & saved £56m annually by alleviating pressure on the NHS.
• Systemic challenges, including deprivation, anti-Muslim discrimination, and cultural exclusion, disproportionately impact Muslim communities.
Muslim-led initiatives addressing loneliness are estimated to save Britain £56 million annually and have supported over 55,000 individuals, according to a report by the UK think tank Equi. These initiatives — including food banks, women’s groups, peer-to-peer support networks, and volunteer projects — have alleviated pressure on the NHS and workforce by promoting healthier communities and reducing public expenditure.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics (January 2024), over a quarter of adults in the U.K. feel lonely either occasionally or frequently, with 7% experiencing persistent loneliness. Equi research highlights chronic loneliness incurs an average annual healthcare cost of £672 per person. Furthermore, previous research asserts how loneliness contributes to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and physical conditions like heart disease.
Deprivation, costing an estimated £150 million annually, is identified as a key driver of loneliness in Muslim communities, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, limited opportunities for stable careers or affordable housing.
Sisters4Islam, a Leicester-based organisation led by Muslim women, exemplifies the transformative impact of such initiatives. Founded in 2009, it began with simple coffee mornings and evolved into diverse offerings, including day trips, summer schemes, and support programs for asylum seekers and immigrants. “We’ve tried to make it welcoming to all cultures,” said Dr. Fatihiya Saad, its community outreach manager. “Everyone is welcome, Muslim or non-Muslim, from any ethnic community.” The initiative has fostered integration and created lasting friendships, with some participants experiencing life-changing personal growth, including one woman who progressed from social withdrawal to confidently hosting a radio show.
The Equi report identified systemic barriers uniquely impacting Muslims, such as geographical isolation, cultural stigma and anti-Muslim discrimination. These challenges were compounded by the Islamophobic riots of 2024, which intensified feelings of alienation within Muslim communities. However, the report also noted that loneliness stems from broader intersectional issues affecting diverse demographics.
Nearly 15,000 predominantly Muslim women have benefited from the therapeutic, emotional, and legal services offered by Muslim-led organisations, valued at approximately £2 million annually. Elizabeth Teixeira, the report’s lead researcher, emphasised the importance of “faith-literate policy and practice” in addressing loneliness and improving mental health outcomes on a national scale. “Implementing this approach would save millions in public funds while delivering better health outcomes,” she said, expressing hope that future research would amplify the voices of marginalised groups across the UK.
