Appeal to help people in need over the winter Mosque hosts craft session for special needs kids
A HOMELESS prevention charity is asking for donations of warm clothing, meals and Christmas presents this winter.
Petrus, based on Great George Street provides residential and day support services to people who are homeless or in housing need across Greater Manchester.
It also aims to provide safe environments where people can develop their skills and independence to empower change.
As the cold months creep in, Petrus is determined to help the most vulnerable people living in our communities and asking for support.
A spokesperson said: “Hats, gloves, socks, hand warmers and more are all needed to help keep homeless people warm and comfortable.
“As well as warming bodies, Petrus is eager to warm the hearts of service users, believing that everyone should have something to open on Christmas Day, calling for gift donations that can be given to service users when they open Petrus’ Hub for dinner on Christmas Day.”
To make gift donations easier, Petrus is asking for gift donations via their Amazon Wish List, which will send the muchneeded items directly to their hub.
If you’d like to get involved and support Petrus’s appeal in another way, you can make an online cash donation.
This will be used to buy winter warmer items, gifts and food for Christmas dinner. To access the wish list and donation details, visit: www.petrus.org.uk/ winter-appeal-2022
A MOSQUE has hosted its first ever craft session for children with special educational needs (SEND).
For the first time Neeli Mosque on Hare Street opened its doors on November 25 for an inclusive SEND craft session, where children with additional needs were able to interact and learn all about their faith in a relaxed setting.
Run by five volunteers – Faiza Shaffi, Sabia Ash, Lalain Meskyzadeh, Louisa Barrett and Shazia Aslam - the session included a sensory area, a reading corner, an arts and craft area, as well as a pop up tent which was a safe haven for any child who wanted to relax.
The sessions plan to run every Friday from 5.30-6.30pm in term time.
Faiza said: “As an SEN teacher with over 10 years of experience, I have always wanted to be involved in helping the community with my strategies to help children with additional needs thrive.
“Seeing the children having fun while learning gave me an incredible sense of achievement and I’m excited to support more families where I can.”
Sabia added they had been involved with the SEND Community through the Zeal Empowerment Advocacy peer support group sessions.
“Through the peer support groups Neeli Masjid allowed me to hold there, it was then recognised that the need for children with SEND to be part of the Masjid,” Sabia said.
“It is amazing of Neeli to open their space to us and we are excited to see where this takes us.”
Lalain added: “I have wanted my daughter to learn Arabic as she has always been eager to learn yet I have struggled to find a setting which caters to children with Down’s Syndrome.
“Laughter and recitation echoed through the mosque hall as the children learned through play. It was such a beautiful experience which I will never forget. And I can’t wait to see Yusra’s progress as she gains her confidence.”