oUR SPECIALISED TASK GROUPS

BMSLG recognise that Muslims in Bristol can face disadvantage in different aspects of life, so our task groups are set up to focus on specific service areas. Each group works closely with a relevant statutory partner to identify and tackle issues of concern for Muslim communities. The Task Groups cover local government, policing, health, research and development, and media and communication. Read on to find out more about what each Task Group does.  

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Police Task Group

To address issues around policing, crime and safety which affect Muslim communities, we work closely with 
Avon & Somerset Police. As well as developing priorities and policies that are informed by Bristol's Muslim communities, we seek to build positive relationships between the police and local communities. This includes supporting the drive towards diversity in the police force at all levels.
The Task Group is led by Hibo Mahmoud, Sheila Jay Raymond El Dieb, Rizwan Ahmed, Abdul Kadir Sheik Husein, Abdul Tariq Samad, Mohamed A Sayaqle and Ziyad Asfour

Media Strategy Task Group

Our role is to develop and implement BMSLG's media and communications strategy, including our communications with both Muslim communities and the wider Bristol community about our work. We also work with the local media to ensure that positive stories about Bristol’s Muslims get into our local news! 
The Task Group is led by Dr Adeela Shafi and includes Dr Nadia Haq, Weronika Ozpolat, Dr Lukon Miah, Mohamed el Sherif, Sheila el Dieb

Health Task Group

To tackle health inequalities for Bristol's Muslim communities, we work with the leadership of the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group South West to ensure that policies and services are appropriate to cultural diversity. We also raise awareness of the different cultural perceptions of mental health and how this is taken into account by mental health services. 
​The Task Group is led by Dr Lukon Miah and members are Weronika Ozpolat, Sakariye Syedomar and Saed Ali

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Research Task Group

In recognition of the importance of including an evidence-based approach our work, we collaborate closely with the University of Bristol's School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS) to develop and implement a co-produced BMSLG research stream that has real impact for our communities. 
The Task Group is led by Mohammed Sayaqle and includes Dr Nadia Haq, Dr Adeela Shafi and Khadeeja Abunjam​

Council Services Task group

The aims of this Task Group are to work with Bristol City Council on the services that matter most to Muslim communities in Bristol.  The aim is work at policy and strategy design level so that service delivery is more responsive to the diversity of Bristol's citizens, with a particular focus on Muslims.  Given the diversity of Muslims in Bristol the BMSLG Strategy Group believes that services would become sensitive to a range of minority groups in Bristol. 
The Task Group is led by Khadeeja Abunajm and Abdul Tariq with members including Saed Ali and Abdullahi Farah.
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ENVIRONMENT TASK GROUP

As Muslims, we have a responsibility along with everybody else on the planet, to be guardians of the welfare of the world in which we live. The BMSLG Environment Task Group is passionate about how we can work on and with projects across Bristol where, with a few minutes of our time, we can make a lasting effect. Whether it is raising our voices in the Environmental Agency which reports to our government, we make sure we are heard regarding pollution that affects our communities’ health or to the industrial land social housing is built on.
​This Task Group is led by Sheila el Dieb, Abdul Tariq Samad, Weronika Ozpolat and Sakariye Syedomar.