Be Warm Save Money Project

Funded through the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme. www.energyredress.org.uk

Our Be Warm Save Money project is aimed at supporting vulnerable people experiencing fuel poverty in Blackburn with Darwen. We aim to provide help to support clients save energy, keep their homes warm, reduce bills, manage debt and access appropriate benefits and grants. We work with those with English as a second language, those who have barriers understanding vital information and elderly people who are socially and digitally excluded.

Our friendly energy efficiency advisor is not only there to help you start your energy saving journey, but also to provide both practical and empathetic support with difficulties you may be facing. Based on project criteria, they will be able to check which schemes are available for you and help with completing application forms or making phone calls where relevant.

Are you worried about your energy bills?
Struggling to warm your home?
Do you want to save money?
Then get in touch and let us help you!

To find out if you are eligible for any of the schemes and to help you save money please contact Sameer at:
Email: sameer.khan@imocharity.org
Tel: 07541 936456 / 01254 781310

Road To Health - Diabetes

IMO Charity are pleased to announce a new support programme for diabetes awareness and management working across 3 PCN’s; Blackburn West, Pendle West and Rossendale West. Our core objective is to offer support and vital information to individuals and families dealing with pre-diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes, through engaging taxi drivers who are identified as an at-risk group. Simultaneously, we strive to address the issue of obesity and proactively prevent diabetes development in young individuals through community support and educational programmes.

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, Sophia Karolia on 01254781310 / 07708193520 or sophia.karolia@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.

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 Yasmeen Asvat on 01254 781310 / 07510745086 or email Yasmeen.Asvat@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

Cost of Living Support in Blackburn with Darwen

In response to the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK, our "Cost of Living" project is dedicated to assisting the residents of Blackburn with Darwen. We understand the challenges many are facing during these tough times, and our goal is to provide much-needed support to those suffering from poverty in the local area.

What We Offer:
Our project focuses on offering help with applications for the Household Support Fund. We realise that navigating these applications can be daunting, and our team is here to guide you through the process.

How We Reach You:
To ensure we're accessible to everyone in need, we conduct home visits and provide one-to-one consultations. This personalised approach allows us to understand your unique situation and offer tailored support.

Personalised Assistance:
At the heart of our project is our dedicated team member, Sameer, who is committed to offering not just practical help but also a sympathetic ear. Whether you need assistance filling out forms or understanding the support you're eligible for, Sameer is here to help.

Eligibility and Application:
If you're facing financial difficulties and reside in the Blackburn with Darwen area, you could be eligible for our support. To find out more about your eligibility and how we can assist you, please get in touch with Sameer.

Contact Us:
For more information, or to start your journey with us, contact Sameer at:
Email: Sameer.Khan@imocharity.org
Tel: 07541 936456

Don't let the cost of living crisis overwhelm you. Reach out to us, and let's work together to find the support you need.

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, Ilyas Valimulla on 01254 781310 / 07938 492126 or ilyas.valimulla@imocharity.org

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REACH

Naseehat- Cancer Awareness

We are pleased to announce a new project focused on raising cancer awareness and early intervention in Blackburn with Darwen.

Our core objective is to empower individuals and families with vital knowledge about cancer prevention, early detection, and risk reduction. By increasing awareness of screening programmes, recognising early signs and symptoms and promoting healthier lifestyle choices, we aim to improve health outcomes within our communities.

Cancer remains a major health concern and early intervention is key to improving survival rates. Studies show that certain cancers, including those affecting South Asian communities, are often diagnosed at a later stage due to a lack of awareness and accessibility to information. Our project seeks to bridge this gap by providing culturally relevant education, guidance and signposting to essential health services.

We aim to:

  • Raise awareness of the importance of early screening and check-ups
  • Help individuals recognise early signs and symptoms of cancer
  • Educate on lifestyle choices that can reduce cancer risk
  • Provide access to trusted advice, support and guidance

As part of this initiative, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about different types of cancer and their early warning signs
  • Understand how lifestyle changes can significantly reduce cancer risks
  • Gain confidence in accessing screening services and medical support
  • Receive signposting to professional advice and community resources

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer through education, awareness, and action.

For more information please contact our Optimal Health Practitioner, Sophia Karolia on 01254781310 / 07708193520 or sophia.karolia@imocharity.org

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