Muslim communities in Britain are among the fastest growing religious groups in the UK. Research suggests that Muslims face some of the greatest mental health inequalities, yet too many encounter significant barriers to support.
Muslims are more likely than the general population to be exposed to a range of social and economic risk factors and determinants for poor mental health, including poverty, financial precarity and inadequate housing. 40% of the Muslim population in England live in the most deprived local areas, and a third live in overcrowded homes. When seeking support, Muslims can face stigma, discrimination and a lack of faith-responsive services. Only 2.6% of Muslims referred to NHS Talking Therapies completed their treatment course in 2021-2022. Muslims also experienced lower recovery rates than other religious groups.
