Chai and Chat with the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association
Chai and Chat
On 20th November, Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind hosted a Chai and Chat, in collaboration with the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA). The aim of this event was to bring communities together in support of Islamophobia Awareness Month, which takes place every November in the UK.
Islamophobia Awareness Month is organised by multiple UK charities and organisations; its purpose is to help challenge stigma faced by Muslim communities and raise awareness on the impact of Islamophobia. This year’s theme ‘Flip the Script’ focuses on the importance of challenging misconceptions around Islam, reclaiming harmful narratives against Muslims, and celebrating achievements in the Muslim community.
Chai and Chat, as part of the HFEH Mind Shakti Project, aims to bring people together over cultural food and meaningful conversation. It offers a safe space to discuss topics around mental health without shame and stigma. The event started with topical discussion, followed by a speech by ACAA’s founder Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE HonDSS(RHUL), and concluded with traditional Afghan food and networking.
The topics discussed included:
- What misconceptions around Muslims/Islam can we work together to overcome?
- What steps can we take to encourage integration? How do we challenge harmful stereotypes?
- How can we be more empathetic to Muslims experiencing discrimination?
- How can we respond to negativity and misinformation in the media?
Some of the key takeaways from the discussion involved:
- Cross-cultural integration can be a powerful way to overcome hate.
- Early education can play role in overcoming misconceptions and creating integrated communities.
- Using social media as a tool for positive change but also being aware of the misconceptions it can spread.
- Local authorities should provide safe spaces for people of all cultures to come together and have open dialogues.
- Family members and community leaders can model positive behaviour for individuals.
- Challenge misconceptions and hypocrisy by reflecting on factual information
- Having a more empathetic approach towards Muslims can be achieved by looking beyond religion and forming a human connection.
Islamophobia is a conversation topic that is bound to bring up difficult emotions. Every attendee was provided with contact details for reporting hate crimes, accessing mental health support via HFEH Mind and accessing support for refugees and asylum seekers through the various services provided by ACAA.
Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE HonDSS(RHUL) addressed the attendees, sharing the story of how the ACAA has developed over time, and the importance of supporting Non-Governmental Organisations. Over 26 years of hard work has helped the ACAA to develop itself as a community hub, not only for people of Afghan background, but for all refugees and asylum seekers needing support in West London. Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE HonDSS(RHUL) emphasised that integration can be achieved by encouraging individuals to engage with grassroots organisations that can supply the individual with a variety of skills and create a support network.
Overall, this was the first of many Chai and Chats we hope to host within in the community and collaborate with local organisations. Collaboration and community bonds play a vital role in co-production at HFEH Mind. We hope we can use Chai and Chat as a safe and welcoming platform to explore various subjects affecting mental wellbeing.
If you are interested in attending future Chai and Chats or joining the Shakti Project, please reach out to haveyoursay@hfehmind.org.uk
Nasreen Siddique – Adult Services Co-Production Coordinator
Visit our Co-production page
Find out more about ACAA
Posted on: 6th January 2026
