At Amal Project Teesside, we live the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) not as abstract ideals but as practical, everyday action. Our mission is to address inequality in real terms, amplify underrepresented voices and build solidarity across communities through collaboration, education and empowerment. Our work spans multiple sectors from community safety and sport to interfaith dialogue, education, health and research ensuring inclusion is embedded in the everyday life of Teesside.
We proudly advocated for and now Chair Stockton’s Independent Advisory Group (IAG), working with Cleveland Police to ensure policing is fair, transparent and representative. Formed after the Macpherson Report, IAG's strengthen trust between police and communities. Under our leadership, Stockton’s IAG provides cultural insight and community perspectives on issues such as stop and search, hate crime and wider policing ensuring diverse voices shape decision-making.
As Vice Chair of the Cleveland Strategic Hate Crime Partnership, we work with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to reduce hate crime, raise awareness and support victims. Our focus is on creating safer, more cohesive communities where difference is respected and valued.
Following the August 2024 disorder, we joined Middlesbrough Council’s Silver Command Group and now chair the Hate Crime and Community Tensions Subgroup, tackling the root causes of unrest through education, dialogue and restorative approaches that enable sustainable, community-led recovery.
Sport is a powerful vehicle for inclusion. As members of the North Riding FA Inclusion Advisory Group, we co-authored ‘Ramadan and Football’ and support the Shape the Play programme as Community ‘Director of Football’. These initiatives widen participation and representation within the game.
In partnership with Middlesbrough Football Club and the MFC Foundation, we help shape the club’s Ethnically Diverse Communities Action Plan and contribute to its EDI Steering Group, ensuring football is a space where diversity is celebrated on and off the pitch.
As Founder and Chair of the Stockton-on-Tees Interfaith Forum, supported by Catalyst Stockton, we unite faith leaders to promote dialogue, respect and cooperation, strengthening cohesion and collective action.
Our ‘Chai & Chat’ sessions with Stockton Family Hubs provide safe spaces for open discussion on key issues such as health inequalities. Working with Northern Cancer Voices, we have hosted sessions raising cancer awareness and tackling stigma within ethnically diverse communities.
We also help organise inclusive celebrations at Stockton Family Hubs from Eid to Christmas and Halloween ensuring culturally sensitive food, activities and representation so all families feel welcome.
Through Diversity Days in schools and colleges, we use creative workshops such as Bollywood dance, henna art and storytelling to inspire understanding, empathy and respect among young people.
At Bowesfield Primary School, where we chair the Parent, Teacher and Community Association, we strengthen connections through fairs, fundraisers and community events that nurture belonging.
As a Stockton Wellbeing Champion with the Pioneering Care Partnership, we are part of a 160-strong network improving access to health and wellbeing support, helping residents overcome cultural or language barriers.
We are part of the annual Eid Fusion Festival in Ropner Park which is Stockton’s second-largest multicultural celebration and it brings thousands together in a joyful showcase of music, dance, food and culture, highlighting the power of unity in diversity.
Rooted in the Islamic principle of Sadaqah (charitable giving and acts of kindness), much of our work is voluntary. However, we also undertake consultancy and research to sustain our mission. Recently, we joined a Teesside University research team exploring Social Supermarkets and Community Eco Shops, contributing lived experience as Peer Researchers to ensure ethnically diverse perspectives inform equitable policy and practice.
Through advocacy, education and partnership, we continue to build a Teesside where every voice matters, every culture is valued and every person belongs.
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