On Tuesday 26th September I was awarded a Comms Hero award for being a ‘Champion in Sustainability’.

It was a day of firsts as it was the first Comms Hero awards and this is the first award I have ever personally won in my professional life.

To say I’m humbled to receive this recognition is an understatement. I was not expecting the award at all, as I avoid putting myself forward for such things. As comms people, we prefer to generally be behind the camera than in front of it.

I’ve written submissions and entries throughout my career for others, and for the organisations that I’ve worked for. In fact, I became quite the ‘expert’ in knowing what to write and how to write it and I’ve had many submissions get shortlisted and win. But ironically, I would never put pen to paper for myself.

This award from Comms Hero has been a defining moment for me. I’ve had nothing but encouragement from the Comms Hero team for many years. There have been times when I’ve had impostor syndrome and feeling like I’m not making a difference, and they have given me that boost I needed. There have also been a few individuals along the way who have been supportive of my work, and to all of them I am grateful.

I would like to thank Comms Hero for showing inclusivity and giving an opportunity and platform for someone from my background to be authentic, share my work and be recognised. I am pleased to see there has been some visible progress around diversity in the comms sector in general, and efforts to be more representative. This allyship is priceless, as it’s a lifeline to know that you are seen and valued.

This Champion in Sustainability award has been for my work around embedding sustainable behaviours and tackling climate inequality. It is an issue I am passionate about.  We cannot make a significant impact on climate change without the involvement of diverse communities. Therefore, I work closely with those from seldom heard backgrounds including those from black and minority ethnic and faith communities, and young people.

As I am working with communities, it is essential to have knowledge of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and barriers people face when engaging on such issues. It helps that I can draw on my own experiences of exclusion and discrimination. This gives me understanding and empathy, and enables me to be better at my job. I am keen to learn about different communities, their historical experiences, and how climate change impacts them both locally and also globally where they may have family connections.

My background of working at the grass roots enables me to deliver projects which are more likely to resonate with communities. Getting the messaging and language right is very important, as ‘climate change’ doesn’t necessarily mean anything at a deeper level to many people. By using the right terminology and also engaging in cultural and faith appropriate ways, communities are more likely to be receptive. This is critical to increasing involvement and representation.

A large part of my work has been to work with faith communities on climate action. I recently wrote a blog for London Councils about the intrinsic connection of faith and climate action. Faith leaders have a huge reach and influence and should be seen as partners not only for work on climate change but across the board.

Projects to embed positive behaviours around climate action need to resonate with communities. Whether that be through faith, culture and/or heritage, or even improved health and saving money; I tap into what already matters to people and what they hold dear. Some examples of my work includes the ‘Climate Change and My Religion’ exhibition where faith leaders shared how climate action is central to their faith teachings as well as taking a pledge for the planet. ‘From Brent to Bowl’ is a community cookbook which is themed around reducing food waste, and shares recipes and stories from our diverse community. In a week’s time, we are hosting ‘Creating Change’ – a sustainable fashion collaboration with Junk Kouture, and we have brought the globally renowned project Faces of Climate Change to our local area in order to shine a spotlight on unsung green heroes. The challenge I love is to come up with creative concepts that hopefully strike a chord and lead to lasting and meaningful change.

I am really inspired by the Comms Hero award, and am energised to continue my work and try to make a difference, especially with communities who have for too long been excluded and unheard.

With over 1.8 billion Muslims around the world, there’s a good chance that you – or a friend, a co-worker, a neighbour, or a fellow #CommsHero — will be celebrating, fasting, and doing all sorts of other activities that are unique to Ramadan.

But ever wondered what it’s like to observe Ramadan? Well, fellow Comms Heroes, now’s your chance!

On Wednesday 29 March, we are organising #CommsHeroRamadan – a day where we can all come together and experience the joys of Ramadan, understand how Muslims across the world feel and celebrate the diversity of our Comms Hero community.

How do I get involved with #CommsHeroRamadan?

Fasting from dawn [05:10 am] to sunset [07:40 pm] on Wednesday 29 March is one way you can get involved, but fret not…it’s not the only way. Here’s some other things you can do:

1. Give up tea, coffee, biscuits, chocolate or crisps for the day
2. Skip a meal and donate the money you saved
3. Organise a cake sale, charity dinner or iftar (sunset meal to break a fast)
4. Volunteer at a food bank or charity in your area
5. Organise a food collection in your community or place of work
6. Make a donation to a charity or food bank of your choice
7. Share information about Ramadan with your colleagues and networks
8. Start a conversation with your colleagues and fellow #CommsHero community to learn about what the month means to them
9. Show your support on social media using #CommsHeroRamadan and image below

You’re welcome to fast for the full day, but do consider your personal circumstances when deciding. If you choose to fast on Wednesday 29 March, the fast begins at 05:10am and ends at 07:40pm.

If fasting for the day is too much for you, you can join in by keeping a half fast, meaning you’ll fast for the morning or afternoon only, or give up food and continue to drink water throughout the day.

Either way, the choice is yours, and the Muslim Council of Britain has some useful guidance to help you prepare.

Tell us how you’re getting involved…

Share pictures, videos, gifs or words using #CommsHeroRamadan to let us know how you’re getting involved on Wednesday 29 March, and how you’re doing on the day.

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the 3.87 million Muslims in the UK will be preparing themselves for a month of fasting, prayer and reflection, and I am one of them. And #CommsHeroRamadan is a great opportunity for anyone, no matter what their religious background, to take part and enjoy the benefits we experience.

Of course, going completely without food or drink in daylight hours is the most unique activity we take part in during Ramadan – yes, not even water – but it’s so much more than that. It’s a time for us to deepen our faith by studying Islamic teachings, praying more regularly, performing acts of kindness towards others, reflecting on our blessings and giving to those in need.

It’s not just about going hungry, it’s about improving yourself, increasing your spiritual connection and doing good to those around you. Whether you’re religious or not, that’s an experience that can be positive for everyone!

You can get involved in lots of different ways:

• Join Muslim friends and colleagues in the #CommsHero community and refrain from eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. You may be surprised at how much willpower you have, and the accomplishment you feel after breaking your fast. Not for you? You could try…
• Skipping a meal if the whole day feels like too much for you, or going without food but allowing yourself to drink water
• Giving up tea, coffee or your favourite snack for the day
• Donating to a foodbank or charity
• Organising a cake sale, charity dinner or iftar (the sunset meal used to break the fast)
• Cooking or baking something and sharing the food with friends or neighbours
• Share the #CommsHeroRamadan conversation! Show your support using the hashtag on social media, start conversations with friends or colleagues, and ask questions! Most of us are happy to share their understanding and experiences.

I’ve been lucky enough to have observed Ramadan every year, my whole life. When I was younger it was ‘half-day fasts’ or going without food but drinking water. As I got older, it was the sharing smoothies and Weetabix with my Dad before dawn, resolving to keep the five daily prayers into my routine, and trying to make sure I don’t overdo it with the samosas when the sun sets! I would encourage anyone to join in and experience #CommsHeroRamadan in a way that works for them – you won’t regret it!

“Fasting is prescribed for you — as it was for those before you — so perhaps you will become mindful [of God].” Qur’an

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and a holy month of fasting for Muslims all over the world. It is a time to reset and connect with their spiritual core, and a month of blessings, new beginnings and renewed community spirit.

This year Ramadan will fall on Wednesday 22 March to Friday 21 April. This is of course dependent on the sighting of the new moon, as Muslims follow a lunar calendar.

Ramadan is a blessed time for followers of the Islamic faith because this is when the Qur’an (Muslim holy book) was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan, Muslims who are physically and mentally able to, will not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. If one cannot fast due to health reasons or other vulnerabilities, there are so many other ways to get involved. During the fasting month, Muslims will observe their five times daily prayers, give more charity, undertake extra worship and take a step back from the frenetic world to centre themselves. Every night after breaking fast, there are extra prayers called ‘taraweeh’ that many will try and observe at the mosque or at home.

Ramadan is so much more than deprivation from food and drink. The lack of sustenance strips away the focus on the basic human need for nourishment and allows the spiritual senses to awaken, and for a person to connect with their deeper self.

To an external observer, Ramadan may appear to be difficult. However, to the person fasting, Ramadan brings an abundance of benefits on a surface and deeper level. This is why a survey by Pew Research Centre showed that most Muslims across the world fast in Ramadan. “Fasting is the second-most observed of the Five Pillars, behind only belief in God and the Prophet Muhammad.”

The other side benefits of fasting include feeling heathier during and at the end of Ramadan. The scientifically proven health benefits of fasting in general, has become fashionable in recent years with the introduction of the intermittent fasting trend. Historically however, many faith traditions have observed and continue to observe some type of fasting for similar reasons. Ramadan therefore connects Muslims to other faiths and people, and this year some of the fasting month overlaps with Lent.

In this fast-paced world, there is often little time for reflection and contemplation about one’s purpose. Ramadan is a time to slow down and creates a space for internal transformation. It is also a time to give gratitude, and to help others who are suffering around the world. This year there will undoubtedly be prayers and support for the people of Turkey, Syria, Ukraine and those facing hardship and injustice everywhere.

A beautiful aspect of Ramadan is the connection and unity with Muslims of all backgrounds and races from all across the world. Ramadan also brings discipline to a person’s life. There are set times to pray and eat, and it facilitates the creation of better and healthier habits. The holy month is also an opportunity to spend more time with family and friends in communal breaking of the fast or ‘iftar’, and praying together. This community togetherness is certainly missed when Ramadan is over, and people return to their busy lives.

To mark the end of Ramadan, there is a big celebration called Eid ul-Fitr. Muslims join together to pray special Eid prayers in the morning at the mosque or an outdoor setting, and spend the rest of the time meeting family and friends, and enjoying specially made foods with their loved ones. In Muslims countries, Eid is observed for three days which are a public holiday.

These are some beneficial habits people can implement during Ramadan and beyond:

• Work on being present in prayer and establish mindfulness in everyday actions
• Become healthier in mind and body
• Break fast together with friends and family, and with people who may be alone
• Reduce food waste; use less and recycle more
• Give charity
• Volunteer
• Stop smoking

In order to create an inclusive workplace that caters for everyone, an understanding of Ramadan is key to supporting your colleagues through the fasting period. This blog aims to give a general insight, but if you want to find out more, here are some helpful resources:

• Supporting staff during Ramadan: CPD Online College
• What is Ramadan: BBC Bitesize
• Ramadan: My Life, My Religion: BBC Two Programme
• Cultural Expressions of Ramadan: Golden Threads

If it has #CommsHero in the copy, you’ll be sure to find me nearby trying to get in on the fabulous antics of the heroes within this industry as the feeling of FOMO just isn’t an option, and that doesn’t stop when it comes to Ramadan.

Ramadan isn’t something I have much knowledge on, so I was really keen to get involved with the introduction of #CommsHeroRamadan in 2022 (there really is no limit to what those cape wearing heroes can teach us!) and learn a little more! Throughout the entire day, there was a real community buzz on socials whilst Asif, Nafisa and Nadia kindly took the time to educate us on how we could also support during this time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community; something all three of them created perfectly on social media.

I initially thought the only way I could support was to take part in the fasting, but I was so wrong. #CommsHero provided an extensive list of how we could get involved and observe if we chose to, including organising a charity event, volunteering, sharing information, or even just giving up snacks for the day! I opted to take this opportunity to donate to Wiltshire Air Ambulance, a charity close to my heart after sadly losing my brother-in-law to a motorbike accident just weeks before, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to take time to reflect and involve myself within a positive community atmosphere, exactly what #CommsHeroRamadan created, and they may not even know just how much they help people behind the scenes!

If this is of interest, this is your sign, from me to you, to immerse yourself within the #CommsHero community and take the time to learn a little about Ramadan and also understand the benefits of taking time to reflect on how things are and how you feel. You’ll be sure to come away from the day with a real buzz from being involved with such an awesome bunch

The countdown to CommsHero Week 2022 is well and truly on, with just 5 days to go until the virtual doors open. At this stage two years ago, I was still undecided about whether to book. How could I justify the time when I had so much work to do? That indecision lingered until finally, two days after the event had started, I joined.

Within the first few minutes, I met Comms Hero legend, Keith Riley, in the virtual networking, quickly followed by Rebecca Sangster-Kelly – I couldn’t have wished for a more welcoming start (thank you, Keith and Rebecca). What followed was a fabulous mix of learning from the likes of Advita Patel, Jenni Field, Lynda Thwaite, Amy Nettleton and Hel Reynolds to name just a few, and some great chats around the virtual conference tables.

Beyond the excellent topics and speakers, one of the greatest benefits of CommsHero Week from my perspective is the opportunity to be surrounded by other comms, marketing and creative folk, all sharing ideas and encouragement. It’s a fantastic skills and energy boost and a community I’m really proud to be part of.

So what are you waiting for? Hit the ‘Book Now’ button and get ready for a great week.

With over 1.8 billion Muslims around the world, there’s a good chance that you – or a friend, a co-worker, a neighbour, or a fellow #CommsHero — will be celebrating, fasting, and doing all sorts of other activities that are unique to Ramadan.

But ever wondered what it’s like to observe Ramadan? Well, fellow Comms Heroes, now’s your chance!

On Wednesday 20 April, Asif Choudry, Nadia Khan and I are organising #CommsHeroRamadan – a day where we can all come together and experience the joys of Ramadan, understand how Muslims across the world feel and celebrate the diversity of our Comms Hero community.

How do I get involved with #CommsHeroRamadan?

Fasting from dawn to sunset on Wednesday 20 April is one way you can get involved, but fret not…it’s not the only way. Here’s ten other things you can do:

1. Give up tea, coffee, biscuits, chocolate or crisps for the day
2. Skip a meal and donate the money you saved
3. Organise a cake sale, charity dinner or iftar (sunset meal to break a fast)
4. Volunteer at a food bank or charity in your area
5. Organise a food collection in your community or place of work
6. Make a donation to a charity or food bank of your choice
7. Share information about Ramadan with your colleagues and networks
8. Start a conversation with your colleagues and fellow #CommsHero community to learn about what the month means to them
9. Join a #CommsHeroRamadan session on the day (details will be shared soon)
10. Show your support on social media using #CommsHeroRamadan and image below

You’re welcome to fast for the full day, but do consider your personal circumstances when deciding. If you choose to fast on Wednesday 20 April, the fast begins at 3.50am and ends at 8.22pm.

If fasting for the day is too much for you, you can join in by keeping a half fast, meaning you’ll fast for the morning or afternoon only, or give up food and continue to drink water throughout the day.

Either way, the choice is yours, and the Muslim Council of Britain has some useful guidance to help you prepare. Nadia’s piece about Ramadan is also worth a read as it’s packed full of information.

Tell us how you’re getting involved…

Share pictures, videos, gifs or words using #CommsHeroRamadan to let us know how you’re getting involved on Wednesday 20 April, and how you’re doing on the day. You can also tweet us directly, our handles are:

@NafisaShafiq , @AsifChoudry and @NadiaKhan79