Peer-to-Peer Support
Naseeha provides an anonymous, non-judgemental, confidential and toll-free peer support helpline to listen to and be there for youth experiencing personal challenges and to support them in working through those challenges.
Who are we?
Support Topics
Our peer support cover topics such as Drugs and Alcohol, Bullying, Religion, Marriage and Divorce, Domestic Issues, Pornography, Mental Health, Bullying, Depression, Career or Work related issues.
Education and Outreach
In 2015 Naseeha launched an Education and Outreach program in an effort to promote healthy connections in faith and educational institutions. Our hope is that every young person can thrive by navigating any personal challenges to contribute positively in their community. Some of the topics we tackle include bullying, mental health and Islamophobia.
Naseeha strives to serve the community in accordance with the following principles:
- Naseeha’s services are open to all people regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, family makeup, social status, income, ability, physical and mental health, and even religion.
- We recognize that people have suffered prejudice, discrimination, rejection and exclusion because of such personal factors, both in the Muslim community and under the influence of social and cultural biases within our society.
- We recognize that it is a God-given right for every human being to be free in all of his or her choices, including freedom of conscience and belief.
- We believe that Islam invites each believer to personally strive to meet a code of conduct that is dignified, beautiful and sometimes challenging.
- We will share the responsibility of creating a climate of love, respect and inclusion for all in the context of our diverse society. This is built on wisdom, faithfulness, respect, integrity and accountability.
Our Mission Statements
For individuals:
Being the first line of contact, we provide confidential counseling services. We empower individuals to establish clear action plans, which may include referrals to local professionals, in order to help people help themselves.
For communities:
We champion civic engagement, advocacy and public awareness by being present in our schools, conducting community workshops, and being directly involved in crisis intervention. Using our analytics, we shift our focus to where it is needed most and drive dialogue within communities
Meet Our Leadership
Board of Directors
Omar Soliman
Secretary
Omar Soliman is a Toronto-based corporate lawyer with a focus on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions. He is a graduate of McGill University’s Faculty of Law and the Columbia University School of Journalism.
Dr. Fariha Khan
Dr. Fariha Khan is a physician practicing in Bolton Ontario, and is also on the Board of Directors for Islamic Relief Canada and The National Council of Canadian Muslims.
Malik Zachariah
Treasurer
Malik Zachariah owns and operates a financial management and tax consulting practice which has served the Toronto area for over 35 years. Prior to consulting, he spent over 25 years working in the retail industry in executive roles within Finance, Sales and Operations with a variety of national and multi-national retail brands.
Yaseen Poonah
Chair
Yaseen Poonah is the co-Founder of Naseeha. He is an entrepreneur managing a successful family run company in importing and sales. As a community activist and father, Yaseen understands the dire need for a confidential helpline customized to the needs of marginalized communities that empower and encourage callers.
Sameer Akhtar
Sameer works as an in-house lawyer. He also has experience as a board member of various community organizations.
Shahid Hadi
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What does Peer-to-Peer Support Mean?
Peer to peer support is focused on providing an emotional and social connection through courageous conversations that aim to validate the challenges people experience as a result of mental health concerns. Naseeha staff considers the well-being of the individual from a holistic perspective by recognizing their social location. Through active listening and a nurturing dialogue, we hope to empower people to recognize their own strengths and agency as a means to inspire hope.
Do we give Islamic Advice?
Naseeha Muslim Youth Helpline Peer to Peer Counselors do not issue Islamic rulings, nor discuss issues pertaining to Islamic jurisprudence/law. All callers inquiring about halal/haram are referred to their local Islamic institutions.
How trained are our counselors?
Naseeha has developed an internal training program to provide on-going training for our helpline volunteers throughout the year. All of our counsellors take courses on how to handle crisis-intervention incidents to Mental Health First Aid. Our team are in constant training LivingWorks’ SAFETalk program. In addition, we are heavily trained in Prophetic Counselling within the Islamic framework.
How do I know that my call is completely confidential?
Our helpline is toll-free, anonymous and confidential. Our phone number will not show on your phone bill for family/friends to be able to track. Caller ID is blocked and our helpline Peer-Counselors do not see your number.
All information you share with our Peer to peer counselors will be kept completely confidential within the team. There are a few limitations to the confidentiality however. Information will be disclosed with or without consent if there is:
- Concern that you may be a harm to yourself or someone else
- If there is concern of a child being abused, neglected or witnessing abuse
Are we a registered charity?
Yes, we are a Registered Charity under the Canadian Revenue Agency. Our registered number is 82550 1869 RT0001
Are we Zakat-Eligible?
“Naseeha Muslim Youth Helpline is a project that is worthier of all attention and support from Muslims. It is about people helping people and making a difference in their lives such as giving a valuable advice, listening to someone’s pains or even preventing someone from committing suicide. The work of this group embodies the very spirit of Islam where free of charge help is given with pleasure, attention and love by dedicated volunteers. I have known and supported the Naseeha team since the inception and I invite everyone to support this work with charitable donations. This service is definitely Zakat eligible and falls under two or three categories of Zakat recipients.” – Imam Hamid Slimi
How can I trust Naseeha with advising the youth?
Our Peer-Counselors have extensive experience in youth counseling and mentorship. Most have studied Psychology or Applied Social Sciences, and some are registered Social Workers and Therapists working in their field. With their combined experience, our Peer-Counselors bring a breadth of experience to our team, from Grief and Bereavement Counseling. Life Coaching, Crisis Intervention, Suicide, and Substance Abuse Counseling.
Can we call if we are outside of N.America?
Yes you can, as long as you have access to calling a 1-800 number. Please keep in mind of our hours of operation and if any long-distance or air time charges may apply.
