Policy & Practice: Soapbox - Young Muslims are neglected by mainstream services

Social deprivation within ethnic minority groups has always been a significant focus for statutory provision, yet young Muslims in the UK have been neglected by mainstream services. The political climate has added to this pressure by challenging the confidence of young Muslims, breeding social exclusion and alienation that has driven many to drug abuse and criminal activity.

It is the social need of young Muslims in prison that has been the focus of MuslimYouth.net's inaugural campaign. The site, the first to target young Muslims, launched on 6 October. It provides a platform for young Muslims to discuss subjects such as abortion, as well as access faith-based and culturally sensitive guidance on social issues. The campaign, which coincides with the holy Muslim month of Ramadhan, has looked into the condition of Muslims in prisons and young offender institutions across the UK.