wellbeing
you don't have to
carry this alone
Becoming Muslim can bring real joy, and also loneliness, family strain and big questions about who you are now. Talk it through, one to one, with someone who understands the convert journey.
Free and confidential, by phone or video. Women are only contacted by women on our team.
does any of this sound familiar?
Our wellbeing support is for anyone who has become Muslim, whether last week or years ago, and for people thinking about it.
Looking after your mind is part of looking after yourself. Asking for help is a strength, not a sign of weak faith.
- ✓You've felt isolated or lonely since converting
- ✓Family or friends don't accept your decision
- ✓Years on, you still feel on the outside
- ✓You're struggling with anxiety, low mood, grief or past trauma
- ✓Prayer or belief feels hard right now
- ✓You're unsure which expectations are cultural and which are Islamic
- ✓Marriage or relationships are under strain
- ✓You simply need someone to talk to
how we can help
it all starts with a conversation
peer connect
how it works
1
Referral
Book a meeting with one of our team via the Peer Connect system. They will then refer you to our counselling services, on request.
2
We'll be in touch
Someone from our team contacts you to arrange a time, usually within 5 working days of registering. Women are only contacted by women.
3
Talk
Speak by phone or video at a time that suits you. What you share stays private, unless we're worried about your safety or someone else's.
Can't make it? Please give us 24 hours' notice so we can offer your slot to someone else.
in their words
“Like with many reverts my issues were around losing friends and family members due to my conversion… Since finishing my therapy, my friends and family have noticed a big change in me. I feel a lot stronger and happier.”
Marie, UK
Counselling
“New Beginnings offers counselling services with Muslim therapists/counsellors, so it's all informed by our faith, which is really important when dealing with these issues.”
Amanda, Cardiff
Counselling
“As a convert, finding the right support is crucial to the journey… With various services provided to help, from shahada package with essential guides and equipment, to counselling, to learning your prayers… It’s a lovely group to be a part of and feeling supported.”
Rahima, Brighton
Counselling
“It was reassuring to speak to someone who understood my situation. I left feeling listened to, supported and much more positive.”
Anonymous
Counselling
meet our counselling team
Qualified counsellors and psychotherapists. Counselling is by referral through Peer Connect, by video call or in person if you're local.
Tazreen Chowdhry
Counsellor
Person-centred, integrative counsellor based in London. Works with women, couples and families through depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, bereavement and stress.
Registered member of BACP
Nadeem Ishaque
Integrative Psychotherapist
Trauma-informed psychotherapist based in Glasgow, using CBT and person-centred approaches. Particular experience supporting young adults from Muslim and minoritised communities with stress, family pressure, faith doubts and relationships.
Registered member of COSCA
Jodie Wozencroft-Reay
CBT Psychotherapist
Muslim convert using a faith-based approach, with over nine years in mental health therapy across charities, local authorities and the NHS. Especially experienced with worry, low self-esteem and self-criticism, and with supporting autistic and ADHD clients.
Registered with BABCP
common questions
Does it cost anything?
Peer Connect is free. If you're referred for counselling, we'll talk you through any costs before you start.
Can I go straight to counselling?
Everyone starts with a Peer Connect call. If counselling would help, your volunteer can refer you to one of our counsellors.
Who can use this support?
Anyone who has converted to Islam, at any stage of their journey, and people who are thinking about it. If you're not sure, message us and ask.
Will I speak to a man or a woman?
Women are only ever contacted by female members of our team. If you have a preference, let us know on the form.
Is it confidential?
Yes. What you share stays between you and the person supporting you, unless we're worried about your safety or someone else's. Our privacy policy explains how we look after your details.
Is this a crisis service?
No, we can't respond urgently. If you're in danger, call 999. For urgent mental health help, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time.
I'm worried about someone else
You're welcome to share this page with them. If they're in immediate danger, call 999.
ask something else
Not sure if Peer Connect is right for you? Message us and we'll help you work it out.
wellbeing events
retreats, programmes and group sessions
Retreat 2025
Join us for our summer retreat. We will spend 3 days praying, learning, connecting with our Creator, nature, and others, and nourishing ourselves in the beautiful locations of Buxton and Hurdlow in the heart of the Peak District.
Ramadan 2025
You don’t have to be alone this Ramadan. We are pleased to present this daily programme of activities specifically for converts and people new to Islam. (All timings according to UK times). Find out more about our daily Ramadan 2025 activities and join in here.
Ramadan 2024
You don’t have to be alone this Ramadan. We are pleased to present this daily programme of activities specifically for converts and people new to Islam. (All timings according to UK times). Find out more about our daily Ramadan 2024 activities and join in here.
Palestine
Join us for a heartfelt and impactful online prayer gathering dedicated to Palestine. In a time of great need, let’s unite our intentions and prayers for peace, justice, and hope for the people of Palestine. Together, we can create a powerful collective energy, sending our positive thoughts and prayers for healing and resolution in this troubled region.
Mindfulness
Ramadan is a month to focus on your mind, body and soul. Dedicating time to your wellbeing is worship and rewardable. Join us this Ramadan for a FREE 4-week workshop on...
EFT Group Session
New Beginnings Wellbeing presents Group EFT with Aminah Jayne O'Rourke. This exciting new service is the first of its kind to bring convert women together to heal through...
other places to get support
Trusted UK helplines, grouped by what they help with. Calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers, and to 116 123, are free.
muslim support
Muslim Youth Helpline
0808 808 2008 · faith-sensitive support for young Muslims · daily 4pm–10pm
Muslim Women's Network Helpline
0800 999 5786 · abuse and family pressure · weekdays 10am–4pm
mental health
Mind
0300 102 1234 · support line · Infoline 0300 123 3393
CALM
0800 58 58 58 · for anyone struggling · daily 5pm–midnight
SANEline
0300 304 7000 · daily 4pm–10pm
Rethink Mental Illness
0808 801 0525 · advice for adults in England · weekdays
Anxiety UK
03444 775 774 · weekdays
No Panic
0300 772 9844 · panic, phobias, OCD · daily 10am–10pm
OCD Action
0300 636 5478
Beat
0808 801 0677 · eating disorders
abuse and safety
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247 · run by Refuge, for women · 24/7
Men's Advice Line
0808 801 0327 · men facing domestic abuse · weekdays
Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line
0808 500 2222 · Rape Crisis, 16+ · 24/7
Victim Support
0808 168 9111 · anyone affected by crime · 24/7
grief, family and more
Cruse Bereavement Support
0808 808 1677 · see also our funeral advice
Family Lives
0808 800 2222 · parenting and family life
Mencap
0808 808 1111 · learning disability
Alcoholics Anonymous
0800 917 7650
Narcotics Anonymous
0300 999 1212 · daily 10am–midnight
Switchboard
0800 0119 100 · LGBTQ+ · daily 10am–10pm
Numbers checked October 2026. Opening hours change, so check each service's website if you can before calling.