Aims of Lancashire Council of Mosques

· To ensure all health organisations in Lancashire are in a position to deliver a viable Imam Service for male and female Muslim patients.
· To actively influence all bodies which purchase and deliver health services in Lancashire
· To continuously liaise with Coroners Service in order to achieve a Muslim friendly service.

Objectives of Lancashire Council of Mosques

· Assess existing Imam Service provision.
· Acquire funding and influence policy makers to extend services.
· Initiate Imam Service where gaps are identified.
· Play an active role in the decision making processes for these bodies
· Lobby for regular contact with the Coroners Service.

Progress to date

L.C.M. is constantly reviewing all relevant documentation to ensure we can inform and initiate new procedures regarding any health issues.

Health Matters Conference

The Health Matters Conference is an event organised by the Lancashire Council of Mosques for Asian Men. This event is being held in partnership with Healthy Living, NHS and PCT. The Conference will be held at the International Suite, at Ewood Park, on 25th August 2004. The conference will begin at 9.30 a.m. Conveyance will be provided for those without access to their own transport, leaving from Troy ST, Bastwell and from outside the Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Pringle St, Audley.

‘We have learned through our research and consultations that the BME community generally has poorer health than the rest of the population and have only limited access to health services,’ said Hasan Sidat, the co-ordinator of the event.

The BME community is largely uninformed of health needs and issues affecting them. Major health concerns include coronary heart disease, diabetes and high rates of mental health problems.

The conference will mainly consist of talks from field experts with representation from various health charities and professionals. The local District Nurses will also be offering free screening tests on the day. The event will end at around 1.00 pm, followed by a free buffet lunch.

Lancashire Council of Mosques aims to facilitate services and seek representation for the Muslim community, in order to empower them to interact equitably with the indigenous population of the County. The vision of Lancashire Council of Mosques is to facilitate equality of access, opportunity and involvement, on an individual and collective basis, for all.

(for more information contact: Nasrullah Anwar, Director, Lancashire Council of Mosques, 01254 692289, www.lancashiremosques.com)