Every Friday, RISE Projects runs a Somali Father’s Network which is a programme dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by Somali fathers in Haringey. The programme was set up in May 2022 by Ahmed Mohamed who felt that their voices weren’t being heard and they needed to be supported.
Our father’s network is a safe space for older Somali men to meet and socialise. It is a place where they can get support, emotional therapy and a safe space where they can open up about their lives and current situations. It can also be used as a social gathering as most Somali fathers in their older ages feel lonely and do not have access to mainstream services. We also aim to help break the language barrier and provide the men with a platform where they can open up about their lives and current situation.
Despite their significant contributions to the community, Somali men often find themselves left behind by social services due to a combination of historical trauma and complex contemporary issues. Our organisation aims to shed light on the difficulties of reaching out to this vulnerable group such as war trauma they've endured, the impact of drugs and addiction issues such as khat. We will also explore the crucial work that we do to support and empower these fathers, highlighting our organisation’s efforts to help this troubled group.
The Somali community has faced a long history of wars and traumatic events that have left lasting scars on its people. In 1991 there was a civil war in Somalia causing hundreds of thousands of people to leave and find refuge in other countries. Displacement, violence and loss of loved ones have led to a collective hardship; affecting the mental health and well-being of many people including Somali fathers. The intergenerational impact of these experiences has made it even more challenging for them to get access and engage with social services.
Financial Inclusion Workshop - January 2024
A key challenge in supporting Somali fathers is the difficulty in reaching out to them. Cultural and language barriers, along with the stigma surrounding mental health issues, contribute to their reluctance in seeking help. Many of these fathers fear judgment and discrimination when accessing social services, leaving them isolated and disconnected from support systems. Furthermore, systemic inequalities and biases in the service delivery further exacerbate the difficulties faced by this group.
Khat, a stimulant plant, is widely used within the Somali community, particularly among men. While it is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition, the misuse of khat can lead to addiction and health issues; affecting family dynamics and their overall well-being. Addressing khat addiction and related problems is essential to support Somali fathers in building healthier and more stable lives for themselves and their families.
Despite the challenges, the Somali Fathers' Network has been making significant strides in providing much-needed support to Somali fathers in Haringey. Through various initiatives, the organisation is actively working to break down barriers to gain access to services, creating culturally sensitive programs that resonate with the community. By offering counselling and mental health support in a non-judgmental environment, they aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Mental Health Workshop - July 2023
RISE Project’s social media platforms play a crucial role in connecting with the community. By sharing success stories, community events, and educational content, we aim to spread awareness and inspire fathers to seek support. The Somali Fathers' Network also collaborates with local institutions, mosques, community centres and other non-profit organisations to build a comprehensive support network for the community.
Our Somali Fathers' Network is an essential programme dedicated to uplifting and supporting Somali fathers in the Haringey community; addressing the challenges they face in accessing services due to historical trauma, cultural barriers, and addiction issues. By offering culturally sensitive support and using word-of-mouth to connect with the community, our programme is making significant strides in improving the lives of older Somali men in Haringey. We continue to champion our clients and let them know that programmes such as ours; are happy to help them and support them where we can.
For more information about the work being done by the Somali Fathers' Network, please visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
If the Somali Fathers Network is something that may be of interest to you; please do not hesitate to get in touch. Email ahmed@riseprojects for partnership, collaboration and information.