The Muslim Lived Experience Network (MLXN)
Established in 2023
Whilst working as part of a peer support team in the NHS, the co-founders of the network found it challenging to find appropriate community services to signpost our Muslim clients to. Most local organisations provided either secular spaces that overlooked our clients' spiritual needs, or places of worship with reduced capacity to offer mental health support. Informal, inclusive spaces that met the holistic needs of Muslims (i.e., social, mental, spiritual and physical health) were scarce and often overstretched and underfunded. So, we set out to build a responsive, stigma-free and sustainable community for Muslims. Our community network is based on the principles of peer support and lived experience practice—such as shared experience, mutual support, hope and healing—without compromising our values as Muslims.
Who we are
We are a group of Muslims with lived experience based in London. This means we have our own lived experience and recovery journeys related to mental health. Many of us are formally trained in Peer Support and Lived Experience Practice. In our professional work, we draw on our lived experience in two ways: therapeutically, we support others who are experiencing distress, trauma and/or ill health, and strategically, we use our lived experience, and that of others, to inform and reform mental health services through systemic change.
As Muslims with various experiences (including what is typically labelled as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, eating disorders, psychosis, as well as experiences of psychiatric and prison services, Islamophobia and racism), we know how difficult these experiences can be and the barriers to appropriate and effective support. Alhamdulillah, from personal experience, we also know that recovery is possible and true healing is granted only by the grace and permission of Allah (swt). We can attest to the relief and comfort that can be found through submitting to Allah (swt) and this forms the basis of our philosophy and work at MLXN.
What we do
Through the Muslim Lived Experience Network, we aim to fill the gap in mental healthcare provision that speaks to our distinct needs and values as Muslims. Our work is grounded in co-production and collaboration, ensuring that the services we provide are shaped by the communities we serve.
We utilise an empowering, community-based model of healing, including bespoke workshops, peer support, and interventions that not only acknowledge but prioritise faith.
How to access support
To explore current peer support offers, workshops and events, please visit our support page. Further support is dependent on team capacity - please reach out to [email protected].
Stay updated by signing up for our mailing list for announcements on new peer support groups, workshops and events.
How to get involved
We encourage Muslims with mental health-related lived experience to get involved. We believe there is valuable insight from Muslims who have managed to sustain themselves or survive mental ill health, trauma and/or distress. If you are keen on using your lived experience to support others, we would love to hear from you on how would you would like to get involved. There are many ways to contribute including supporting others in our community forum, writing articles, sharing art, or collaborating on workshops.
Whilst we value and honour first-hand experiential knowledge, we also invite individuals qualified in Islamic Sciences/students of knowledge and mental health professionals to join our community and support our work. We welcome contributions from all who share our values and goals, and are particularly keen to work closely with local stakeholders to deliver workshops.
Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of many. If you would like to volunteer or collaborate with us, please let us know when signing up to our network. Please note, we receive a high volume of requests, and while we do our best, we may not be able to respond to all of them. We appreciate every single request we receive.
JazakumaAllahu khayran!
To explore current peer support offers, workshops and events, please visit our support page. Further support is dependent on team capacity - please reach out to [email protected].
Stay updated by signing up for our mailing list for announcements on new peer support groups, workshops and events.
How to get involved
We encourage Muslims with mental health-related lived experience to get involved. We believe there is valuable insight from Muslims who have managed to sustain themselves or survive mental ill health, trauma and/or distress. If you are keen on using your lived experience to support others, we would love to hear from you on how would you would like to get involved. There are many ways to contribute including supporting others in our community forum, writing articles, sharing art, or collaborating on workshops.
Whilst we value and honour first-hand experiential knowledge, we also invite individuals qualified in Islamic Sciences/students of knowledge and mental health professionals to join our community and support our work. We welcome contributions from all who share our values and goals, and are particularly keen to work closely with local stakeholders to deliver workshops.
Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of many. If you would like to volunteer or collaborate with us, please let us know when signing up to our network. Please note, we receive a high volume of requests, and while we do our best, we may not be able to respond to all of them. We appreciate every single request we receive.
JazakumaAllahu khayran!
Find out more about our support and services on offer here.
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