Muslim Aid Expands UK Initiatives for 2024 with Focus on Knife Crime, Homelessness, and Refugee Support. It Teams Up with Inspired Capital Sports and Champion Boxer Hamza Uddin to Strengthen Its Efforts
Muslim Aid has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly enhance its UK aid activities in 2024, addressing critical social challenges such as homelessness, knife crime, and support for refugees.
To strengthen its campaign against youth offending, Muslim Aid announced the appointment of professional boxer Hamza Uddin as its new Brand Ambassador. The charity is also partnering with Inspired Capital Sports (ICS) to create meaningful change through sports and education.
Hamza Uddin, a National Champion and International Gold Medalist, brings both athletic excellence and a deep commitment to community betterment. As a role model for young people, Uddin will collaborate with Muslim Aid to raise awareness about knife crime and provide alternatives for at-risk youth.
Speaking about the partnership, Hamza Uddin said: “I’m honoured to partner with Muslim Aid and support their incredible work in tackling knife crime. Growing up, I saw how crucial positive influences and support systems are. Boxing taught me discipline, respect, and hard work. Together, we can inspire young people to choose a better path and make our streets safer.”
Muslim Aid’s partnership with ICS aims to drive transformative change in underserved communities. Riz Khan, Founder and CEO of ICS, said: “Muslim Aid and Inspired Capital Sports have come together to create opportunities through sports and education. This partnership will provide bursaries to help individuals unlock their potential and support professional athletes with sponsorship and ambassador programs, enabling them to contribute positively to their communities.”
Hamza Uddin will work closely with community groups, schools, and local authorities across the UK to promote mentorship and sports programs for at-risk youth. The initiative aims to use sports and positive role models to address the rise in knife-related violence, particularly in urban areas.
Muslim Aid’s expanded UK projects include partnerships with local authorities, MPs, faith organisations, and community initiatives such as The Felix Project, Help the Homeless Leicester, Breaking the Cycle, and the NHS. The charity has committed substantial funding to assist thousands of vulnerable individuals, including: Street homeless populations; Families affected by the cost-of-living crisis; Refugees and asylum seekers and Communities impacted by knife crime.
Khalid Javid, CEO of Muslim Aid, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiatives:
“We are thrilled to welcome Hamza Uddin as our Brand Ambassador in tackling knife crime. His dedication inside and outside the ring makes him an inspiring figure for young people. Together, we aim to highlight that there are alternatives to violence and, through proper support, we can create stronger, safer communities.”
Muslim Aid’s renewed focus on UK aid reflects the rising demand for assistance due to economic pressures, housing instability, and increasing crime rates. Through collaborative efforts and grassroots programs, the charity is committed to addressing these pressing issues and building resilient communities across the nation.
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