Muslim Aid, one of the UK’s leading humanitarian organisations, is bringing together faith leaders, community representatives, and local officials for the Bradford Interfaith Dinner on International Women’s Day. The event will serve as the platform for the launch of ‘Step In’, a new initiative tackling knife crime in Bradford, as the city prepares for its tenure as the UK City of Culture.
As Muslim Aid marks its 40th anniversary, the organisation is shifting its focus towards critical social issues in the UK. The Bradford Interfaith Dinner is part of a broader effort to foster interfaith collaboration, social cohesion, and youth empowerment. Against a backdrop of rising concerns over youth violence, this initiative aims to explore practical solutions and create pathways for at-risk young people.
The event will include speakers from faith communities, local government, and grassroots organisations, all advocating for stronger community action against knife crime. Discussions will centre around youth justice, social inclusion, and crime prevention, with an emphasis on collaborative interventions.
At the core of this initiative is ‘Step In’, a programme designed to support young people within the youth justice system, providing them with mentorship, training, and career guidance. The programme seeks to tackle the root causes of youth crime by offering boxing training, counselling, and educational opportunities in a structured gym setting. By fostering self-worth and resilience, organisers hope to steer young people away from gang culture and towards more positive futures.
Khalid Javid, CEO of Muslim Aid, reflected on the importance of community-driven initiatives:
“Our 40th anniversary is not just a milestone—it is a commitment to doing more. The Bradford Interfaith Dinner and the launch of ‘Step In’ reflect our belief that real change happens when communities unite. Tackling knife crime demands collective action, and Bradford, with its cultural richness and resilience, is the perfect place to start.”
Muslim Aid, founded in 1985 by internationally renowned singer Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), has long been at the forefront of humanitarian aid. In 2023 alone, the organisation delivered 134 projects across 19 countries, investing £12.3 million to assist 4.1 million people worldwide. Now, as part of its anniversary initiatives, the organisation is expanding its focus to UK-based projects, addressing urgent social challenges closer to home.
The Bradford Interfaith Dinner represents more than a symbolic gathering—it is an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and actionable change. Members of the press and media are invited to attend and report on the discussions shaping the city’s approach to crime prevention and youth engagement.
For more information on Muslim Aid’s 40th-anniversary initiatives and upcoming projects, visit www.muslimaid.org.
