Muslim Women Network

MWN Helpline Evaluation 2020

June 2021


Muslim Women's Network UK set up a national faith and culturally sensitive service in January 2015. This evaluation if for year 6 of the helpline operate January to December 2020. The impact of Covid is also included in this report such as on helpline operations and nature of calls. Although the full report can be down loaded above. Key kinds included: We received 3124 contacts (phone, email, texts etc) and there were 1261 beneficiaries We were contacted about 43 different issues Top 5 issues included mental health, domestic abuse, divorce, housing / homelessness, and faith / spirituality Other significant issues included marriage, relationships, money / finance, isolation / loneliness, children / custody and covid related enquiries. Compared with previous year (2019) - domestic abuse calls rose by 16% and mental health calls increased and was the top issue that people called about with calls about isolation / loneliness also contributing to poor mental health Most (71%) contacted helpline about themselves Third sector and professionals (11%) and friends / family (9%) also called on behalf of others Where we had information about marriage status, 25% of those callers were in nikah only marriages, which are not legally recognised. 46% of the callers also had a second underlying issue in addition to the primary reason for calling helpline 22% of the callers were experiencing three issues for which they needed help and advice 10% of callers had an insecure immigration status In 26% of calls the police were involved and in 14% of these the helpline involved the police In 15% of calls the social services were involved and in 30% of these the helpline involved them Although calls were received from over 60s and under 18s most callers were in their 20s, 30s and 40s The ethnic background of the callers varied but those of Pakistani background were the largest group The callers were from across the country with most from London and West Midlands Contact via email / web-chat increased due to Covid

Help us to improve social justice and equality for women and girls

Our Supporters

Caroline Nokes MP

Conservative Party

Muslim Women's Network UK ensures that the voices of Muslim women are heard. They are not just a support network but a movement for change. I am proud to work with them.

Jess Phillips MP

Labour Party

MWNUK is courageous because of the uncompromising and fearless positions it sometimes takes when calling out injustice and inequality

Sadiq khan

London Mayor

I am proud to support and champion this fantastic organisation, which is informing policy and transforming lives.

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi

Conservative Party

MWNUK’s authenticity comes from knowledge of lived experiences of Muslim women and girls acquired through their helpline, research and members.

Naz Shah MP

Labour Party

They work tirelessly with passion and commitment to make a difference and improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable women and girls in society.