Faith and religion
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YOUR RIGHTS
Read this page to find out more about what the right to freedom of religion and belief means under the Human Rights Act.
The Equality Act 2010 says you mustn’t be discriminated against because of your religion or belief.
Find out more about your right to study and work in the UK whilst following your faith.
DISCRIMINATION, HATE CRIMES AND ABUSE
If you need urgent help, call 999.
CST protects British Jews from antisemitism and related threats, working across the Jewish community including both religious and secular Jews. To report an incident of antisemitism, you can visit the site or call their National Emergency Number on 0800 032 3263.
TellMAMA supports victims of anti-Muslim hate and is a public service which also measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents. It is not meant to be a replacement for the Police Service. You can report on the site or call 0800 456 1226 or text 0115 707 0007.
You can report incidents of anti-Hindu hate crimes here.
BUDDHISM
Leeds Buddhist Centre is a community of friends exploring the Buddhist Path, including mindfulness, meditation, bodywork and Buddhist teachings, cultivating clarity, kindness, energy, sensitivity, and calmness. Anyone in West or North Yorkshire can attend.
Kadampa Meditation Centre Leeds is a Buddhist meditation centre and registered UK charity, providing meditation classes, retreats, weekend courses, guided meditations and study programmes in meditation and Modern Buddhism. Everyone is welcome to join in classes, Buddhist and non-Buddhist.
As a Buddhist, you might find it useful to consider the following five steps to improve your mental health and wellbeing, as recommended by the NHS. Practicing each of the five ways to wellbeing every day can have a very positive impact on your mood and wellbeing.
CHRISTIANITY
Network Leeds signposts and connects Christian communities of all denominations across Leeds. They have a weekly e-bulletin that you can sign up to via the site that features the latest news, events, jobs and more.
Quest provides pastoral support for LGBTQ+ Catholics in the UK.
Diverse Church supports LGBQT+ Christians to live faithfully whilst being fully included.
Our mental health is impacted as our physical, social and spiritual patterns are disrupted. For Christians, these five steps encouraged by the NHS integrate well with our everyday practice and pattern of our faith.
HINDUISM
Representing various Hindu communities and Hindus from different parts of the world settled in the UK, they give UK Hindus a voice on policy matters and enhance mutual understanding among the major faiths predominant in the UK. You can report a hate crime on this page.
Practicing each of the five ways to wellbeing every day can have a very positive impact on your mood and wellbeing. These approaches are all aligned with Hindu beliefs and teachings.
ISLAM
For non-judgemental, confidential support for young Muslims in the UK every day of the year, including bank holidays and Eid, visit the website for information or online chat, or call 0808 808 2008 between 4pm-10pm everyday.
MWN Helpline is a national specialist, faith- and culturally-sensitive helpline and counselling service for Muslim women. For help, visit their website for information or the web chat, or call 0800 999 5786 or text 07415 206 936 between 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday.
An organisation for the welfare of new Muslims/converts/reverts to Islam in Leeds. You can visit their website or access their Facebook page for more information.
The Inclusive Mosque Initiative is an intersectional feminist mosque dedicated to creating inclusive, safer places for marginalised Muslims and their families, especially non-traditional families. They are committed to reviving a rights-based Islam that challenges all forms of oppression. They call themselves a mosque to demonstrate that a mosque is made up of a community, not bound by a building.
Hidayah is a national organisation for LGBTQ+ Muslims that runs social and support groups as well as campaigns. For more information, visit the website.
It’s normal to have ups and downs, but if you’re struggling as a young Muslim, there are things you can do that can really help. Practising self-care can be one of them. Check out our faith-friendly guide to self-care.
Check out our faith-friendly information and advice, shaped by the voices of young Muslims and created in partnership with Muslim Youth Helpline.
This booklet is designed to support young Muslims and their parents navigate mental health and find support.
Experiencing Islamophobia can be scary, upsetting and traumatising. It’s never okay and it’s never your fault. We have information and advice created with young Muslims that can really help if Islamophobia is affecting your mental health.
You might find it useful to consider the following five steps to improve your mental health and wellbeing, as recommended by the NHS. These are also things which are encouraged in Islamic teachings
JUDAISM
The Zone is a youth club for young Jewish people based in Leeds. Visit their website to find out more or call 0113 217 2531.
LJRC provides strength and support for the Jewish community in Leeds. You can get involved in their activities and seek support by visiting the website or calling 0113 218 5869 between 8am-12pm, Monday-Thursday.
LJWB delivers an extensive range of registered care and community support services for Jewish people in North Leeds, with the aim to support people in leading an independent and active life. You can contact them via the website or by calling 0113 268 4211.
A place to comment, share interesting news, promote communal activity, and enjoy interacting with others in the Leeds Jewish community.
Jami enriches and saves lives impacted by mental illness in the Jewish community. Visit the website or call 020 8458 2223 to get help.
Jewish Women's Aid is the only specialist organisation in the UK supporting Jewish women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Visit the website, access their webchat, or call 0808 801 0500 between Monday- Thursday, 9.30am-9.30pm.
Practicing each of the five ways to wellbeing every day can have a very positive impact on your mood and wellbeing. These are also things which are encouraged in the Jewish tradition.
SIKHI
A trusted point of contact for members of the community in dealing with a range of issues, especially those linked to cultural and social taboos. The Sikh Helpline is a free professional and confidential telephone counselling and email inquiry service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call 0845 644 0704 or 07999 004 363.
Sikh Women's Aid offer support and advice for Sikh women who have experienced domestic abuse, honour-based violence, forced marriage, rape, or sexual assault. Visit the website or call 0333 090 1220 to speak to someone.
Sarbat provide social opportunities, support, and resources for LGBTQ+ Sikhs in the UK, as well as promoting awareness and conversations about issues faced by people in this community. Visit their site to find out more and get in contact.
You might find it useful to consider the following five steps to improve your mental health and wellbeing, as co-developed by the NHS and Sikh community organisations. Practising each of the five ways to wellbeing every day can have a very positive impact on your mood and wellbeing. These are also things which are encouraged in the Sikh way of life.