Amal Project Teesside is a grassroots, non-profit community organisation led and supported entirely by unpaid trustees, members and volunteers. Our work is inspired by the Islamic principle of Sadaqah (voluntary charity and acts of kindness) a value that shapes everything we do.
We are deeply committed to advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across Teesside, with a particular focus on improving access to essential services for people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, including those seeking sanctuary (refugees and asylum seekers). This extends to health and wellbeing support, as well as engagement with wider public and private organisations.
Founded on the belief that no one should be left behind, Amal Project Teesside has grown into a respected voice for underrepresented communities. We work to ensure that individuals who might otherwise go unheard are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
Our passion drives us to go beyond practical help, offering support that is compassionate, meaningful and grounded in justice. For us, EDI is not a policy, it’s a practice. It is reflected in how we deliver our work, build partnerships and bring people together.
By embedding these values in action, we strive to create a fairer, more inclusive society where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
The idea for Amal Project Teesside was born during the COVID-19 Pandemic, when it became clear that emergency food provision in Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough did not meet the dietary or cultural needs of many ethnically diverse families.
NHS data at the time revealed that "ethnic minority communities faced greater risks from COVID-19 due to factors such as pre-existing health conditions", frontline roles and higher rates of deprivation. Yet, despite this vulnerability, many struggled to access suitable food support.
Local food bank managers and school teachers echoed these concerns — acknowledging that families often felt unable to use food aid that didn’t align with their dietary requirements or cultural practices.
In response, with initial support from One Ummah Charity, we launched Amal Project Teesside (Alhamdulillah - Praise be to God) to provide culturally tailored food support during the pandemic’s most critical moments.
Since then, we have continued to stand up for those whose voices are too often unheard. Through trusted community relationships and collaborative partnerships, we work to remove barriers, amplify diverse voices and ensure dignity and equity for all.
By recognising and meeting people’s varied needs, while building bridges between communities, Amal Project Teesside helps to nurture solidarity, inclusion and shared humanity across our region.
This experience taught us a lasting lesson:
No community should ever be overlooked in times of crisis.
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