Approach
Five decades of war and cold conflict in Afghanistan have devastated almost every aspect of life, including the health system and education. Women have been the primary victims of this turmoil, resulting in many women remaining uneducated and consequently unaware of their rights and entitlements. When such women arrive to the UK with their families, they often face significant, intersecting challenges arising from their illiteracy, lack of education and language barriers. These difficulties further isolate and marginalise them.
Children born into such families are profoundly affected. Growing up in environments shaped by these struggles impacts their social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development. Without adequate support from parents, these children are at risk of not receiving the care and support they need to survive and thrive. AHO was founded to serve such marginalised and vulnerable Afghan women and is committed to improving their lives, and their small children.
Projects for Women (women empowerment)
We believe that Afghan women play a vital role in the household of Afghan families. Empowering Afghan women means empowering the whole household. For this reason, women are the principle focus of our organisation.
Holistic Mental and Physical Wellbeing
AHO’s programme strengthens both mental and physical health by supporting women to understand their bodies, build confidence, and adopt healthier lifestyles. The plan begins with practical health foundations such as Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, baseline physical and mental health checks, and personalised plans to improve wellbeing. Women learn to use apps to track progress, explore physical activities, and take part in initiatives like cycling training, where they receive support from female instructors and access to free bikes. Alongside physical health, the programme deeply nurtures mental wellbeing through community engagement, confidence‑building activities, nature walks, tea‑and‑chat sessions, and opportunities for women to showcase their skills. These activities help reduce isolation, boost self‑esteem, and create strong social networks. By combining health education, physical activity, digital skills, and meaningful social connection, AHO empowers Afghan women to improve their overall wellbeing and build healthier, more confident lives.
Social Inclusion
To enhance social integration, we provide women with a local network to socialise and connect. They are given the opportunity to celebrate Afghan festivals and cultural events in ways that resonate with them. Additionally, we provide training sessions to raise awareness about women's autonomy, women poverty, violence against women, domestic abuse and safeguarding.
Enhancing Digital Skills
For better integration into UK society, clients are empowered to develop their digital skills. These may include navigating Google Maps and sharing location by WhatsApp or Google; accessing emergency contacts; setting alarm for their appointments; online transactions. Women will be encouraged and supported to use digital instruments to record and monitor their activities using NHS app, measuring their BMI using different apps such as Strava or Samsung health etc.
These are small thing but bring huge difference in their life.
Parent Support
We promote Early Childhood Development by providing education to parents. This includes education around child development; child safeguarding; types of child abuse and raising awareness about certain parenting practices that are common in Afghan culture but may be considered abusive under UK law.
We offer workshop sessions on IYCF (Infant and young child feeding); nutrition and on child emotional, cognitive, social and physical and language development.
We provide training to increase awareness of child spacing, highlighting its economic and social benefits for the entire family as well as the mental and physical benefits for the mother and children.
Support Parents of Children with Disabilities
We support Afghan parents of children with disabilities or special educational needs, helping them to better advocate and care for their children. We guide parents to the most appropriate resources and support.
Additionally, we aim to raise awareness of the stigma within the Afghan community that often leads to concealment of a child's disability, which in turn prevents the child accessing appropriate support.
Address
138A De Havilland Road, Edgware, Brent, HA8 5QB
Contact
Telephone: 02037250068
E-mail: info@afghan-health.org
Office hours
Monday – Friday
9am – 5pm