The absence of faith and culturally sensitive support services from mainstream providers and the culture of taboo and condemnation that surrounds youth issues in the Muslim community means young people in the UK have nowhere to turn to for support and often endure their problems in silence. This led to the creation of a faith and culturally sensitive helpline service putting young people at the frontline of service delivery.

For too many young British Muslims, the feeling of never quite belonging and having to meet conflicting social expectations, creates despair during the formative years of adolescence. In a community where most social issues are a cultural taboo, increasing numbers of young people are resorting to self-harm and substance abuse for escape, and mental health problems appear disproportionately higher.

At a time when young Muslims are being bombarded with negative media portrayals, and an increasing number are suffering Islamophobia and discrimination, mainstream service providers are unable to meet the specific needs of young Muslims. There is an urgent need for faith and culturally sensitive support services. MYH was set up to meet this need.