Our Story
“Your Gateway To Better Mental Health”
Founded in 2006, Awakening Minds Practice is a specialist Punjabi Service providing, Ad Hoc community based mental health support.
A social movement initiated by the community for the community.
A non-profit community interest company based in the heart of Rochdale, dedicated to providing opportunities for development and growth, by improving the emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing of marginalised and isolated communities.
Awakening Minds provides evidence-based accredited Mental Health First Aid Training and resources in:
Punjabi - Urdu - English
MEET THE TEAM
The Owner The Creator The Exalted The Most Merciful The Giver The Sustainer The Bestower The Provider The Almighty The Loving The Forgiving The Generous One
My Beloved Parents. May The Almighty rest their souls. They are a HUGE part of everywhere the founder goes and everything the founder does.
Nasrine Akhtar - Founder-Director-Consultant - MH Practitioner-Crisis Counselor -Trauma-Induced Care Provider-Suicide Intervention Determined to challenge STIGMA head-on. "Our Service To Others, Is The Rent We Pay For Our Room On This Earth"
Gulnar Vagherani - Board Member - Community Development Officer-Mental Health Trained & a carer. Over 30 years of experience providing front line service. Supporting resident lead social initiatives. Determined and dedicated to ending 'Silent Suffering'
Fehmina Parveen - Manager HR - Safeguarding Officer Community Activist-Mental Health Trained. An influencer, and an Enabler. Passionate about empowerment and development of underrepresented communities. Energetic, enthusiastic, and an optimistic individual full of Love compassion, and empathy. Determined to not go through life, but GROW through it.
Ruman Shakil - Admin - Mental Health Trained. A sensitive, compassionate, selfless, and brave young man. Dedicated, and extremely resourceful, who is committed to supporting those affected by mental ill-health. Expert by experience, with a Heart of Gold.
Amir Shakil - A true gentleman, patient kind, and an exceptional listener. Passionate about change and an Expert by experience.
Nasir Shakil - Logistics & Digital champion-Mental Health Trained. A kind-hearted, and sincere young man, full of energy and imagination. Excellent listener, with an approachable personality. Future Leader
Subhaan Khalil - Mature and caring young man, determined to give back, learn and grow together.
Javaria Rajput - Board Member - Treasurer -Mental Health Trained. Post Graduate, a resilient compassionate, and extremely determined young lady. With a creative flair and a calming personality. Considerate, and responsible team member. Who is a credit to the organisation.
Kainat Nafees - Director- Mental Health Trained. Post Graduate. A considerate creative and compassionate individual who is full of energy. An extremely talented and adventurous young lady who takes complete advantage of opportunities despite challenges.
Sadia Mir - Head of Marketing PR & Communication. Bubbly, energetic, and an inspirational young soul. Determined to challenge the inequalities in BAME communities.