EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, LONDON – The Muhammadiyah Special Branch in the United Kingdom and Ireland (PCIM UK and Ireland) was the only Indonesian delegation to participate in the UK Muslim Mental Health Summit, hosted by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) at the University of East London on Saturday (18/7).
The summit brought together more than 400 participants, including representatives of Muslim organizations across the United Kingdom, mental health professionals, policymakers, academics, and community-based mental health service providers. Participants explored the challenges facing Muslim mental health and discussed strategies to improve access to care.
The program featured workshops on neurodiversity, discussions on expanding financial support for community mental health providers such as Muslim Youth Helpline, and sessions examining how technology and public policy can improve access to mental health services for Muslim communities.
The summit also marked the launch of the United Kingdom’s first online directory of Muslim mental health service providers, designed to help members of the community find culturally and religiously appropriate support.
Addressing a Growing Gap in Mental Health Care
Data presented during the summit highlighted significant disparities in access to mental health services among British Muslims. Of the approximately four million Muslims living in the United Kingdom, only 2.6 percent of Muslim patients referred to the NHS Talking Therapies program during the 2021–2022 period completed their course of treatment.
Meanwhile, a survey conducted by Muslim Youth Helpline involving more than 1,000 Muslims aged 16 to 30 found that only 13 percent of respondents with mental health needs had sought help from a professional counselor.
Wajid Akhter, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said the mental health crisis affecting British Muslims has outpaced the community’s current capacity to respond.
He called for increased funding, stronger collaboration among mosques, community organizations, healthcare professionals, and technology developers, as well as public policies that recognize Muslim mental health as an integral part of the national healthcare agenda.
Muhammadiyah Expands Its Global Engagement
Ince Dian Aprilyani Azir, Chair of PCIM UK and Ireland, said the summit offered valuable insights into mental health from both religious and evidence-based perspectives.
“Today I learned a great deal about mental health, not only from the perspective of religion but also through comprehensive data and research,” she said.
According to Ince, Muhammadiyah’s participation in international forums such as this reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding its global network while strengthening its contribution to humanitarian issues.
“This participation also provides Muhammadiyah with an opportunity to broaden its perspective on mental health,” she added. “We hope the knowledge and experience gained here will inspire stronger mental health education and services within our communities, including in Indonesia.”
The Muslim Council of Britain is the largest umbrella organization representing Muslim communities in the United Kingdom. It brings together more than 500 member organizations, including mosques, schools, charities, and professional associations.
