Recent Malicious Attacks on Social Media
Over the last 10 days, we have been made aware of several libellous claims and false statements which have been made by unknown individuals as well as disgruntled former employees and volunteers of the organisation. The attacks by individuals under the cloak of anonymity are designed to cause harm and reputational damage to our charity using foul language and baseless allegations. We have already reported this incident to the police and instructed our lawyers.
The public social media attacks by disgruntled employees and volunteers are an issue our Trustees and Senior Management Team have tried to resolve by seeking help and assistance from independent HR specialists and legal advisors. It is unfortunate that after exhausting this process that people now wish to defame the charity and its key people through the medium of social media and encouraging others to do the same. We will be seeking independent legal advice to address these libellous claims and false statements. We also urge any volunteers or members of the public to contact us directly through the official channels instead of making allegations on social media platforms.
In the face of these challenges, we hope and pray that people continue to work together with us, supporting our efforts in serving the people who are most in need. Our doors always remain open to the community to raise legitimate concerns and to speak with us directly, should anyone wish to do so. For us, the smooth running and management of this Charity is a sacred trust and we will always listen to all of our stakeholders for their advice.
About the Charity
13 Rivers Trust are an energetic and dynamic charity which focuses its work around needy individuals, young people and communities left behind by mainstream society. The Charity celebrates the contribution made by our elders and emulate their good practice of helping others. We are a UK registered charity (1161219) and company (9300481). Our mission is to transform the lives of individuals and leave lasting legacies.
Our Recent Work
The Charity has been at the frontline of supporting our community to some of our most vulnerable members. Through the Muslim Burial Fund, we have provided funeral and burial support to disadvantaged Muslims. Since April 2020 we assisted in the burial of 152 people during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic for which received much coverage in the mainstream media.
Through Eden Care UK we offered telephone befriending to support people who were socially isolated due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We delivered 7,665 hot meals between November 2020 and June 2021 to vulnerable people and their families. When the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted we delivered Creative Art sessions to older residents in day care centres and for people with complex needs such as dementia.
This year we were fortunate enough to facilitate Eid in the Park 2021 at the Mile End stadium for over 10,000 worshippers. It was a very special celebration as it came off the back of terrible hardship and suffering of families, people and communities who have lost their loved ones due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Our work in Bangladesh continued through our Sylhet Aid and Rescue Orphans programme. We currently have a team of staff and volunteers in Bangladesh distributing aid to the rural poor in the Greater Sylhet area. This includes blankets, emergency aid, sewing machines and wheelchairs. Over the last six months we have helped provide medical aid to 10 people, supported 26 individuals to complete half their Deen through marriage, installed 3 water pumps, 2 housing campaigns and 1 livelihood project. During the month of Ramadan, we provided 1,200 Ramadan Food Packs. We also supported 129 Orphans in Bangladesh and have made the commitment to build 14 Orphan Homes. We currently have 6 Orphan Homes in construction phase.
Our trustees, staff and volunteers are extremely hardworking and passionate about the work we do. Thanks to the extraordinary support from our donors, our charity has been able to serve the community at its moment in need. We are also extremely thankful for the support provided to us by external agencies and individuals who have helped develop our policies and procedures and provide expert advice on legal and HR issues.
We enjoy the support of the public and Muslim community. We believe in being accountable and not shying away from confronting those who maliciously attempt to detract from the good that we do in our communities. Our reports and financial accounts are published publicly every year on the Charity Commission’s website.
For and on behalf of the 13 Rivers Trust Board of Trustees
