Shezad's story

Shehzad lives in Huddersfield. He is non-verbal and has severe learning disabilities. He is in his 20’s.

Staff have been trying to find ways to support Shehzad to celebrate his faith.

United Response’s Area Manager, Julia Casserley, found out about a a support worker. This support worker was called Naseer, had a similar cultural background to Shezhad.

Julia asked Naseer to work with Shehzad and his family to find out the best ways of supporting him to celebrate his faith.

Naseer found out about a local mosque Shehzad had attended before. Now he now supports him to go there each week.

Being clean is an important part of Shehzad’s faith. Worshippers must take off their shoes before entering a mosque.

Shezhad is unable to remove his shoes before he enters the mosque. Naseer helps him to make sure his wheelchair is completely clean before he goes in.

Naseer said: “Going to the mosque has helped Shezhad to meet people in his local community."

A lot of people at the mosque now know Shezhad. He enjoys greeting them and shaking their hands.