About The Study
The purpose of the Muslim Youth Futures Research Project is to learn about the experience of Muslim young people aged 16 to 25 years – specifically their needs and aspirations, and if and how these are met by the mosque and community organisations. Commissioned by Here for Youth, the research is undertaken by Aisha Khan and Andy Turner at Goldsmiths Faiths and Civil Society Unit. The study builds on policy recommendations, following the British Muslim Civil Society (BMCS) report in 2023, focused on young people and the Muslim youth sector.
Focus For The Study
The research is interested in understanding if and how Muslim young people engage in their local community and wider civil society – and any factors which enable or support this. The research will highlight any community resources that are accessed and are useful to Muslim young people – resources that support in transitioning to adulthood and engaging in communities and with wider civil society. The study will identify examples of best practice.
The focus for the study is on what Muslim young people need from and want to offer their local neighbourhood, the local Mosque, or community organisations. The study wants to learn about the spaces, organisations, or groups Muslim young people engage with and how these people or spaces assist Muslim young people. Also to learn about the local youth and community organisations that nurture Muslim involvement – how are they doing this, and what can be done better?
The Report
The final Muslim Youth Futures Research Report will be published in the Autumn 2025.
The study will be used to inform final decision making on inclusion by local / national leaders and policy makers, and funders. The study aims to make a difference to Muslim young people and the various groups that are working with them.
Research Timescales
The Muslim Youth Futures Research Project runs over the summer of 2024. The project uses action research and a Rapid Appraisal Approach – including drop-in rolling workshops, with ‘World café’, focus groups, and interviews, and works with various Muslim groups, mosques and community organisations.
Spring 2024
The Muslim Youth Futures Research Project starts.
Summer 2024
Action research and a Rapid Appraisal Approach – including workshops, focus groups, and interviews with various Muslim groups, mosques and community organisations.
Summer 2025
The Muslim Youth Futures Research Report will be finalised and sent for peer review.
Autumn 2025
The final Muslim Youth Futures Research Report will be published via a series of events and online discussions.
How To Get Involved
Researchers conducting the study will be visiting Muslim groups and Mosques throughout the summer. Young people will be invited to participate. As this is a formal study you will be asked to give your consent to take part. To get involved, email Andy Turner at Goldsmiths Faith and Civil Society Unit on andy.turner@gold.ac.uk.
You will be able to withdraw from the research at any stage. Withdrawing from the study will not impact on you, or your relationship with Goldsmiths, any Muslim groups or the Mosque.
The Team
Led by Here for Youth, the research is being undertaken by Aisha Khan and Andy Turner at Goldsmiths Faiths and Civil Society Unit.
Andy Turner
Andy Turner lectures in Community Studies and Social Work in the Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies at Goldsmiths University of London, convening the BA Social & Community Work programme. His background is youth work and community development in Manchester and East London. In the 00’s Andy co-founded the Hackney Marsh Partnership working with communities to provide education training and employment, advice services, social enterprise, and youth work. With Church Urban Fund he co-founded multiple local infrastructure organisations, a network supporting faith-based voluntary and community groups in England, feeding into the UK Government Cabinet Office. He is one of a handful of UK university academics actively involved in community development, campaigning, and community research including work in Deptford and Hackney. He is a trustee of various arts, civil-society, and anti-poverty organisations.
Aisha Khan
Aisha Khan is a JNC-qualified Social Sciences, Community Development & Youth Work graduate with an MA in Migration & Diaspora Studies from SOAS. Her career is marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering positive change through community engagement, programme management, and participatory pedagogies, underpinned by principles of anti-oppression, decoloniality, and intersectionality. At The Ubele Initiative, Aisha has played a pivotal role in enhancing engagement within Black and Racialised Communities. She has successfully developed and delivered community consultation sessions, managed international training programmes, and coordinated Erasmus exchanges. Her projects, such as the community consultation for the Wolves Lane Centre and engagement activities in Lambeth, demonstrate her ability to build trust and facilitate inclusive participation. Currently, Aisha is the Sanctuary Programme Manager at the University of the Arts London (UAL). She has developed and implemented a comprehensive University of Sanctuary plan, integrated sanctuary principles into curricula and support services, and enhanced support for displaced students and staff. Her work includes collaboration with senior management and external organisations, raising awareness of the Sanctuary initiative, and advocating for displaced communities. Aisha’s vision is rooted in creating inclusive spaces and initiatives that empower communities, aiming to contribute to a more equitable society where displaced individuals can thrive. Her dynamic and adaptable approach ensures impactful and meaningful community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Jehangir Malik OBE - Project Director
Jehangir Malik OBE, a Civil Society Social Impact leader and Strategic Adviser with 30+ years of experience leading a range of civil society organisations across UK, USA and South Asia. Director for British Muslim Civil Society Report, highlighting the role of faith communities in strengthening civil society. Recent roles included Strategic Adviser to UNICEF South Asia on philanthropy and supporting diaspora engagement in the region, VCSEP Director at British Red Cross during the COVID-19 crisis and leading INGO’s such as Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief UK, focusing on mobilising faith-based humanitarian responses across 30 countries. Jehangir holds various Board and Commissioner positions, including the Cardiff Centre for Study of Islam in UK, Commission for the Integration of Refugees at The Woolf Institute, DCMS Cost of Living Crisis Community Fund, West Midlands Combined Authority Faith Strategic Partnership Group, WMCA Inclusive Communities Fund, National Emergencies Trust and Birmingham Children's Commission. He was awarded an OBE in 2010 for his 20 years of humanitarian work. Recently became The Consort of Solihull’s first Muslim female Mayor.
Delivery Partners
