Diabetes Support - Road To Health

South Asian communities are statistically prone to higher risk type 2 diabetes that results in emotional difficulties. The likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes is reported to be as much as 6 times higher in South Asians compared to the wider population. With more than 4.9 million people in the UK currently living with diabetes, and predictions indicating that this number could rise to 5.5 million by 2030, it's crucial that we understand the facts about diabetes and dispel the myths surrounding its treatment.

We aim to raise awareness about effective sugar level control and promote a healthier lifestyle as well as educating individuals and families to reduce obesity risks. We will pay special attention to preventing and managing Type 2 Diabetes for those who are at risk of developing the condition. This will involve encouraging positive changes in their behaviour and lifestyle.

As part of the programme participants will learn about:

  • Education and management around daily eating habits
  • Managing and controlling portion sizes and sugar intake
  • The importance of physical activity, movement and lifestyle changes
  • Managing emotional well-being
  • Developing new ways to enjoy healthy meals with family/friends

Our sessions are free, delivered in a group or 1:1 setting and are a great opportunity to build knowledge around living a fulfilling and healthier life.

For more information please contact our Diabetes Practitioner, 01254 781310 or support@imocharity.org

IMO Volunteer Academy

We take great pleasure to inform you that we are launching our new ‘IMO Volunteer Academy’. This is aimed at adults aged 18+. The aim is to provide service users with a range of new skills, knowledge and support to find volunteer placements in their chosen area of interest. This will not only support the service users with the required experiences for long term volunteer placements, this can also lead to businesses who want to provide opportunities for employment.

At IMO Charity our aim is to support our volunteers to enhance their individual talents, expertise and skills, along with providing support to equip them with life-long learning experiences and transferrable skills. This will be done by facilitating volunteer placements in several settings within the community.

IMO volunteer support will include a range of weekly workshops to help develop a range of skills, including communication, leadership, self-confidence and employability to name a few! One to one support and guidance will be given and opportunities to take part in other training will also be provided.

There will be a variety of volunteer opportunities, based on the needs and interests of service users. Some examples are listed below:

  • Supporting with physical/sporting activity sessions
  • Assisting with activities, events and projects in a community organisation (youth or adult)
  • Working within an educational setting
  • Caring for people in a care home
  • Working in a retail setting
  • Being actively involved with the wider community through volunteering for charities

The volunteers will have opportunities in various settings, which they may want to experience to help find their ‘specific’ area of strength, which they can pursue further. The aim is to give them the opportunities to enhance their chances of finding full time employment, in their area of interest.

For further information please contact Sabbir Musa our ‘Volunteer Co-ordinator’:
Email: Sabbir.musa@imocharity.org
Phone: 01254 781310/ 07541 938430
To register, please click the following link:

Register Now

Be a Life Saver – Become a Living Kidney Donor Today

IMO Charity is proud to launch Al-Adha: The Organs, a vital initiative aimed at raising awareness about living kidney donation within South Asian and Muslim communities.

Every year, over 5,000 people in the UK are on the National Transplant List, waiting for a kidney. Many are from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, where finding a suitable match takes much longer due to a critical shortage of donors. Tragically, hundreds die each year while waiting for a transplant.

Through this initiative, we aim to:

  • ✅ Educate the community on what living kidney donation is and how it saves lives
  • ✅ Challenge misconceptions and open discussions on donation within the Muslim faith
  • ✅ Work closely with faith leaders to explore religious perspectives on organ donation
  • ✅ Provide guidance and signpost resources for those considering donation

A living kidney donor gives one of their healthy kidneys to someone suffering from kidney failure—whether a family member, friend, or even a stranger. Islam promotes saving lives, and donating a kidney is a selfless act that aligns with these values.

💡 Want to learn more? Scan the QR on the poster for Islamic guidance on organ donation or contact Salma Kathrada on 01254 781310 / 07849647382 or email salma.kathrada@imocharity.org

For further information on becoming a living kidney donor contact:
📧 enquiries@nhsbt.nhs.uk
📞 0300 123 23 23

Let’s break the stigma, raise awareness, and help save lives together.

Sukoon

IMO Charity’s Sukoon Programme- Encouraging you to prioritise your wellbeing.

What is Sukoon? Sukoon means peace & tranquillity and at IMO Charity our Sukoon programme is available for both men and women who are looking to find balance in their life, by learning ways to improve their wellbeing.

Sukoon is a 6-week programme (separate cohorts for both men and women), where we learn how to practically incorporate the 5 ways of wellbeing into our lives. The aim is to support you to improve your mental health and build resilience, through exploring blocks, challenges and setting goals to bring a positive change.

The Sukoon project welcomes people from the community in a safe space, with cultural sensitivity and warmth, where real conversations take place and healing begins, because many people are left behind when it comes to mental health.

These peer-led groups are more than just support sessions; they are built on trust, lived experience and the proven Five Ways to Wellbeing framework. We understand the stigma and barriers prevalent in the community around mental health, so we work hard to remove these and ensure support is available to all those that need it.

The free Women’s only and Men’s only programme offers a safe, empowering space to:

  • ✅ Connect with others
  • ✅ Stay physically active
  • ✅ Practice mindfulness and reflection
  • ✅ Learn new skills
  • ✅ Develop healthy habits
  • ✅ Make positive changes

What you will gain:

  • ✅ A culturally sensitive space with people who understand
  • ✅ Tools for resilience and emotional recovery
  • ✅ Support in Urdu and Gujrati language if required
  • ✅ Confidence, creativity, connection

The Sukoon programme takes place at:

Business Development Centre, Eanam Wharf, Blackburn BB1 5BL

The course runs for 6 weeks, starting from June 2025 – May 2026

Take your first step towards improving your wellbeing and registering for the next cohort, using the link https://bit.ly/IMOSukoon or scan the QR code on the poster.

For more information, please contact us on 01254 781310 / 07395112470 or email support@imocharity.org

Sihat – Keep Active

Sihat is a free 16-week physical activity programme designed to support the physical and mental wellbeing of:

  • Adults aged 30 to 70 in the South Asian community,
  • Living with chronic health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, arthritis etc) or mental health challenges.

With separate sessions for men and women, Sihat offers a safe, supportive, and culturally sensitive space to get active, feel better, and connect with others.

No previous fitness experience required — sessions are gentle, beginner-friendly, and adapted to your abilities.

What’s included:

  • Initial one-to-one health check to talk about your health and personal goals.
  • An introductory session on the benefits of physical activity for your wellbeing.
  • Weekly group sessions led by a qualified instructor, including exercises tailored to your ability - focusing on flexibility, strength, and overall health.
  • Ongoing check-ins for personalised health and dietary advice.
  • Support available in multiple languages.

Benefits of joining:

  • Feel stronger and more energetic.
  • Reduce stress, anxiety and low mood.
  • Lower risk of long-term health problems.
  • Meet others, share your journey, and build a sense of community.

Why join Sihat?

We know how difficult it can be to make time for yourself - especially when you're managing your health or caring for others. That’s why Sihat is completely free, local, and designed with your comfort in mind. You’ll be welcomed into a friendly environment where people truly understand your journey.

Ready to feel better, move more, and connect with others? Join Sihat today – your wellbeing journey starts here. Register for the next cohort using this link:

For more information, please contact Raeesah on 01254 781310 / 07936397201 or email support@imocharity.org

Spark Programme

As part of the Recovery Collaborative partnership, IMO Charity offers alcohol, drug and substance misuse support through education, awareness and referrals into treatment for people of all ages in Blackburn and Darwen. We are more than an addiction support service; we are part of a local partnership who together have the skills, training and lived experience needed to help individuals, adults, young people, families and communities create a life beyond drugs and alcohol.

To be able to reduce substance misuse harm within the local community, prevention is key. We offer education and awareness sessions of substance harm in school, madressah and community settings. We also work directly with individuals to provide confidential, culturally sensitive, non-judgemental and person-centred support into drugs and alcohol recovery treatment.

The road to recovery takes time, effort, motivation and IMO are here to support you by:

  • Group and 1:1 session’s tailored to your need- meeting you where you are at
  • Guiding and supporting you with appointments
  • Signposting and referring you to the right services
  • Helping you to improve your physical and mental well-being
  • Helping you build a stronger support network around you
  • Learning coping strategies
  • Supporting family members affected by substance misuse

If you would like more information, would like to attend/arrange an awareness sessions or would like support, please contact Abdullah on 07510745086 or email Abdullah.Karolia@imocharity.org

Finance, Benefit & Debt

IMO Charity is proud to announce we are delivering the Ministry of Justice ‘Finance, Benefit and Debt Service’ across the North West. IMO is working in partnership with The Wise Group to support and mentor people in prison or people on probation in relation to their financial well-being.

This service allows people to:

  • access the financial support they need
  • engage with relevant services
  • manage and co-ordinate their debts
  • budget better
  • access the right benefits

Financial well-being is an issue for over half of people on probation or in prison and the delivery of this service will be pivotal to improving outcomes for vulnerable people who need our support.

Please contact Rahemtullah Mulla for further information.
Email:Rahemtullah.Mulla@imocharity.org
Office: 01254 781310

Household Support Fund

What is the Household Support Fund?

The Household Support Fund is designed to help individuals and families who are facing financial hardship – especially those on low incomes or dealing with unexpected challenges. At IMO Charity, we know how tough things can get, so we offer culturally sensitive, multi-lingual (Urdu and Gujrati) help, by supporting you to apply for this government funding,

This funding provides you with essential living costs and advice on making your home more energy efficient, in a way that’s respectful, confidential and tailored to your needs.

How we support you:

We understand that everyone’s situation is different. That’s why we work with you directly, often through home visits to understand your circumstances and help you apply for the support you are entitled to. Visits are booked normally within 2 weeks of you contacting us and we help you to understand the application process and complete the Household Support form.

What we can help you with:

Applying for emergency financial support Advice on energy bills and how to save on costs Signposting to local available support Home visits for those who need extra help If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, please contact us on: 01254 781310 / 07354 730394 Email: support@imocharity.org

Sahara- Gambling Support

IMO is excited to introduce a new initiative aimed at supporting individuals and families affected by problem gambling across Blackburn. Our primary goal is to provide essential support and information to those struggling with gambling addiction and support the families affected. Additionally, we aim to address related issues, such as financial difficulties and mental health concerns, through comprehensive community support and educational programs.

Research indicates that certain communities face a higher risk of gambling-related problems, leading to significant emotional and financial challenges. It's reported that problem gambling rates are considerably higher in specific demographic groups compared to the general population. With millions of people in the UK affected by gambling addiction and numbers continuing to rise, it’s vital to understand the facts about gambling and to debunk the myths associated with addiction and recovery.

Our mission is to raise awareness about the importance of responsible gambling and to promote healthier lifestyle choices. We seek to educate individuals and families on how to reduce the risks associated with gambling addiction and provide effective strategies for managing and overcoming these challenges.

As part of the programme, participants will learn about:

  • Education and management around responsible gambling habits
  • Strategies for managing and controlling urges to gamble
  • The importance of financial planning and management
  • Managing emotional well-being and stress
  • Developing new hobbies and activities that do not involve gambling

Our sessions are free and available in both group and 1:1 setting, providing a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge on leading a healthier, more fulfilling life free from the burdens of gambling addiction.

For more information please contact our Optimal Health Practitioner, 01254 781310 or support@imocharity.org

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