aiysha younas

It always seems to work out so differently on television. I suppose the reason I’m so attached to Gilmore Girls or why I sobbed so vehemently whilst watching Brave, is because the one person in my life who has always been a constant for me is my mum. When you have someone who genuinely always has your back, it feels as though you can do anything. My mum is who I’ve been celebrating this Women’s History Month, and I will celebrate her for every month to come. When I was a kid going to school, I

Editor’s note: This personal essay contains frank discussion of eating disorders, which may be triggering for some readers. Ramadan comes around every year and in my family home, it is met with excitement, anticipation and contentment. It is seen as a way to get close to Allah and also become a better version of yourself by fasting, giving to charity and looking after other people in your community. Each year, everyone would wake up to eat before sunrise, groggy and with full bellies from the n

Ramadan is a time for the community to band together and share the experience of the holy month through the act of communal prayer, family iftars and charity work. Even during this Covid-19 global pandemic, families who live in the same house are becoming closer by spending every iftar and suhoor together, as the option to eat out or see friends and extended family has been deemed unsafe all over the world as countries try to tackle the outbreak. Although it is a comforting thing for most to b

There has been a suspected spike in domestic abuse during lockdown. Safe Spots charity stresses that women can still get help during this time and are taking donations in order to be able to continue providing help. First published in The Northern Quota, 20 April 2020 Concerns have been raised about the potential rise of domestic violence cases during the coronavirus lockdown. Wythenshawe-based domestic abuse charity, Safe Spots, is assuring victims that although their doors are closed, they

Millions of Britons stood to applaud NHS workers for their service during the COVID-19 outbreak. People stood and clapped out on their doorsteps, balconies and out their windows to show their appreciation. Videos went viral on social media of people including celebrities joining the #clapforcarers campaign. GP Aisha Nasir said: “I didn’t actually think that anyone would come out of their house to applaud. I was overwhelmed to find nearly all our neighbours out on their doorsteps. “A few of m

A carol service was held by a charity to raise money for a new LGBT centre aiming to promote acceptance and inclusion. The Proud Trust held the event at Manchester Cathedral to raise funds to reach their £2.4m target. The current LGBT centre is the first publicly-built gay centre in Europe and will be demolished in January to make space for the new two-and-a-half storey building. Amelia Lee, strategic director for the Proud Trust said: “It’s open to everyone with a special welcome to lesbia

Debbie Makki, mother of student Yousef Makki who was stabbed to death earlier this year, gave an emotional address at a summit organised to raise awareness of knife crime. The event took place at Manchester Cathedral after a vigil outside where people held signs and candles to publicise the menace of knife crime affecting young people. A crowd of about 300 people gathered inside to listen to speeches and testimonials about the effects of knife crime on communities and families. Debbie Makki t