Aim

Tell MAMA supports victims of anti-Muslim hatred and records and provides an accurate picture of anti-Muslim hatred and the risk to Muslim communities in the UK. This also includes a core ‘wrap-around’ of support services to people targeted because they are perceived to be Muslims or who identify as Muslims. The services that Tell MAMA provides includes (i) casework support and advocacy for clients with police forces (ii) evidence collection where possible (iii) form filling and administration services for clients (iv) providing advice, information and signposting (v) support and help with attendance at court (vi) mental health counselling and emotional support.

Central to the functions of TellMAMA and the team are its core values which set the standards for its staff and partners. We are a team who hold values of universal human rights at the core of our work and our service, whilst it focusses on supporting victims of anti-Muslim hatred, also supports any individual who contacts us after being targeted for a hate incident or crime. Individuals should have the right to live their lives free from fear and not be targeted because of their identities.

This means that we will support any section of British Muslim communities, including LGBTQ Muslims, whom we recognise – still continue to experience multiple forms of discrimination. Tell MAMA staff are also clear that gender based prejudice, abuse or misogny will not be tolerated and staff will actively seek to challenge any behaviour impacting on victims where we come across it. 

Since our work is based on ensuring universal human rights, we will empower, educate and advocate for victims of anti-Muslim hatred and against all forms of hatred. This means advocating and countering anti-Muslim hatred but also supporting and advocating for minority groups within Muslim communities. Intra-Muslim bigotry and hatred will also be actively challenged and countered by us.

Furthermore, we take pride in the service we provide to victims and those most vulnerable to anti-Muslim hatred and we continuously strive to provide a reliable, confidential and trusted service for victims, witnesses and our partners. We acknowledge that because of our work is based on engaging with people on a daily basis, that we will continue to be a learning journey in this work and have been since our founding in 2011.

Built on the fundamental premise of the preservation and protection of human rights for all communities, are these core values:

Independence

Our work is guided by facts, human rights and the needs of victims, not by political, ideological or sectarian interests.

Inclusion

We champion equality for all and reject all forms of hatred, recognising that diverse communities are stronger when everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Accountability

We act transparently, ethically and responsibly, ensuring that our work is open to scrutiny and worthy of public trust.

Hope

We believe that through education, support and collective action, anti-Muslim hatred can be challenged and communities can flourish together.

Trust

Trust is one of the core values that underpin our service delivery. This means building trust with clients by demonstrating action on their behalf and in ensuring that they are provided with a safe space in the project where they can feel protected and believed within.

Human Dignity

We believe that every person has the right to live free from hatred, prejudice and discrimination, regardless of their faith, ethnicity or identity.

Transparency

We undertake the accurate recording of anti-Muslim incidents and are accountable and transparent in how we work within and beyond Muslim communities. This also means checking sources, validating pieces of evidence and documents and fact-checking.

Collaborative

We work in partnership with Government, regional authorities, police forces and communities to tackle anti-Muslim hatred. This approach is essential, effective and amplifies the message that anti-Muslim hatred is unacceptable and should have no space in society.

Courage

We speak up against anti-Muslim hate wherever it occurs, challenge injuctice with integrity and stand alongside those who are targeted.

Compassion

We place victims at the heart of everything we do, providing support that is empathetic, confidential and empowering.

Lawful

We work in compliance with the Human Rights Act and provide challenge when actions of individuals or organisations breach or threaten to breach Criminal and/or Civil Law and where the human rights of Muslim communities are threatened.