Sussex & Surrey Soapbox

SPOT: Crawley Muslim Network Community Spirit


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 SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we step back to Spotlight a Charity or in this case a Social Initiative making a positive difference in the local community.

We’re joined by Hamzah Khan, a Crawley local and the driving force behind Crawley Muslim Network, to unpack what real community support looks like when you prioritise dignity, access, and trust. Hamzah, shares the positive impact of how just one quiet food pack delivery can change how someone feels about asking for help and how a whole town thinks about its neighbours. 

We talk about food poverty in Crawley and why some people avoid a traditional food bank even when they desperately need support. Hamza explains how their Ramadan food parcels are booked privately and delivered straight to ANYONE who needs support - direct to their home, removing barriers like transport and embarrassment -- The results are staggering: a jump from just under 500 parcels last year to more than 1,400 food packs this year, delivered by a 30-person volunteer team. 

Clive & Hamzah also reflect on why serving the wider community matters, and how visible acts of Muslim charity and volunteering can counter stereotypes, reduce hostility, and strengthen community cohesion across Sussex & Surrey.

The conversation then turns to education and empathy through film, with details of a community screening of 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' an Oscar-nominated film built around a recorded emergency call from Gaza - special screening at Cineworld, Crawley on Saturday 9 May - The aim is learning not arguing, with profits going to charity and an open invitation to anyone who wants to understand more and explore perspectives.

*** For tickets, search: 
The Voice of Hind Rajab - Crawley
Or via: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/qalamgroup/2144049

If you value local action, honest conversation, and practical ways to bring people together, subscribe, share this with a friend in Crawley, and leave us a review with your thoughts.

Please click on 'Send a text' above & join our Facebook group to share your perspective and suggestions for future topics - Thank you for your interest! Clive.

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Sussex & Surrey SoapboxBy Clive Hilton