Mosques and churches join forces to help elderly and disabled in Sheffield

Aasim Khan from the Human Relief Foundation is leading a team of 20 volunteers from mosques, churches and other organisations who will deliver food and medication to the elderly and disabled.

He says he was inspired to do this after seeing how quickly vulnerable people across the city had become totally isolated by the pandemic - and became determined to do something about it.

Aasim, aged 28, from Darnall, said that helping other people during times of crisis was a big part of his faith as a Muslim.

He said: “The elderly and vulnerable are desperately in need and we need to restore their faith in humanity by providing them with whatever help we can.

“While the coronavirus is causing so much unrest, it is important to stay positive and united so we are able to overcome this together as a nation.”

Aasim says his volunteers can help people with deliveries, picking up shopping and medication, posting mail, getting urgent supplies, topping up gas or electric keys or simply a friendly phone call.

They will also be working with Hope City Church to support their food bank activities while they are closed down, and are also hoping to work with the NHS to ease the burden on front line staff.

Aasim said his team had already helped dozens of people in Sheffield and Rotherham, including an elderly disabled man with mental health problems who was struggling to get to the supermarket.

“He was just grateful I answered the phone,” said Aasim.

“He was scared he might not have enough food in for over the weekend so I just got him something to tide him over and gave him some advice on how to get more sustainable help.”

Anyone who is in need of help or would like more information should call 07379 172610.

As well as offers of food and medical supplies, HRF are also accepting donations at a dedicated online fundraising page.

To donate or find out more, visit www.justgiving.com/covid19response.