There are always two sides to a story - 10/03/2025

“If there’s one message that I’d like to get out there, I would just encourage people to take the time to listen and really hear what people have to say, without judging them. I spoke to one person recently who told me they had spent time in care as a child, and that their life just went from bad to worse until they ended up on the streets. There are always two sides to a story”, says Faizan, a final year Law undergraduate student at Sheffield Hallam University, and project manager for An Nasiha street outreach.

The charity An Nasiha provides monthly outreach on the streets of Sheffield city centre, handing out care packages, including hats and gloves, snacks and drinks, while volunteers also take the time to speak to people and hear their stories.

Faizan has been volunteering with the project for 6 or 7 years, since he was a teenager after the charity was started in 2011 by Zia Khan. An Nasiha is a voluntary organisation which aims to build and strengthen bridges within the wider community, by running events, educating the community, and engaging with young people around a range of issues.

Faizan explains, “We always try to get more local young people involved in the project as a way of contributing positively to society. Each month we have new people supporting our outreach, which is great to see. Together, we’re having a positive impact!”

“The people we speak to on the streets are always happy to share their stories, and we’ve learned a lot about the different lives that people lead. Not everybody has the opportunities and privileges that we have. If you can reach out a hand to help, then why not?”

The Prophet said: “Spread peace and feed people…” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3251)

An Nasiha relies on donations from the community to support their monthly street outreach. If you’re able to support in any way, please contact the team on: info@annasiha.co.uk.

 

As told to Alison Wise for Help us Help, March 2025.