For hundreds of families across the UK, Eid is a time of sadness and isolation.
Instead of inspiring happiness and excitement, this festive period only serves to remind them of what they’re missing: a husband or father who’s spending Eid in prison.
As the wives and children of prisoners, our beneficiaries face a wide range of emotional, practical and financial difficulties, including being ostracised by their local community.
That’s why every year, HHUGS hosts Eid parties across the country so beneficiary families can come together and have fun instead of spending Eid alone.
For those few hours, they can forget about their worries and enjoy Eid amongst the people who understand them most.
Bringing happiness to traumatised children
Last Eid (Eid-ul-Fitr), our parties were a huge success. We hosted three in London, Bradford and Birmingham so we could accommodate the hundreds of individuals we support.
“We hardly ever go out, so this was lovely…” – HHUGS Beneficiary
“Masha Allah what a beautiful event it was. This was my first time and I have to say I loved being a part of the HHUGS family.” – HHUGS Beneficiary
We had something for everyone, with the children’s corner boasting arts and crafts activities, henna, wrestling suits, nasheeds, bouncy castles and everybody’s favourite party game: pass the parcel.
“I remember beneficiary children, who are young adults now, telling me how much they would look forward to HHUGS’ big Eid party with the bouncy castles, and how much of a difference it made to their lives. Looking at all the children who came to the party this year, I just felt so happy that we could be there for them.” – HHUGS Volunteer
Mothers were pampered while children played
Our beneficiary mothers live in a relentless cycle of hardship. It’s one that they can’t switch off from or escape, so we thought they deserved to be pampered for a few hours while HHUGS’ dedicated team of volunteers took care of their children.
“We were spoiled with a spa, haircuts and mendhi while the kids were busy with arts and crafts. It was helpful to find out that I’m not alone in experiencing the loss of a family member. There are quite a few of you here who can relate to how I feel. You just get it.” – HHUGS Beneficiary
“Salaam HHUGS family. Just wanted to say jazakallakhair for looking after us in a unique and beautiful way.” – HHUGS Beneficiary
Our volunteers, and donations made by Lahores, The Dainty Cakerie, Mahmoods, SayItWithBiscuits, Candylicious, Cakes by Robina and Halalified helped make this an event to remember.
“Organising an Eid party is something I look forward to each year. It is a lot of hard work for a few of us but it’s a very rewarding task, especially when we see how happy it makes the families. It’s the one day where they can relax, socialise, get pampered and forget about the difficulties they face each day.” – HHUGS Volunteer
Eid vouchers and Eid gifts for struggling families
Thanks to your generous donations, we distributed Eid vouchers to over 600 women and children in need, so they could have the dignity of buying gifts for their children and loved ones.
You also donated gifts to our beneficiary children, so every child was able to experience the joy of receiving presents on Eid.
These children have experienced horrendous trauma at a young age, and small acts like this make all the difference to their mental health, happiness and ability to be hopeful about the future.
Give a family happiness and relief
This Eid-ul-Adha, we’re hosting our Eid party again so single mothers and children don’t spend Eid alone – but we can’t do it without your help.
During these blessed 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, donate to HHUGS so we can continue to provide emotional, practical and financial support to our beneficiaries.
Donate £350 to help keep our social activities alive.
Donate a £10 gift to make a child feel special this Eid.
When you choose to give, you’re giving more than money; you’re giving a family happiness and temporary relief from hardship.
“Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter…” – Prophet Muhammad (SAW) (Muslim)
Isolated and living through the greatest test of their lives, these women and children rely on HHUGS to get them through each day.
Help us, so we can help them.