Pioneering a path to acceptance and understanding
Nestled in the heart of Camden, the Naz and Matt Foundation is more than just a charity, it’s a lifeline.
Founded in 2014 by Matt Mahmood-Ogston, the foundation emerged from a tragedy that shook the community: the loss of Dr. Nazim Mahmood, a beloved Camden resident who took his life after being confronted about his sexuality by his conservative religious parents.
In response, his fiancé Matt channelled his grief into a mission that has since saved countless lives, providing crucial support to LGBTQI+ individuals facing similar challenges. We spoke to Matt to find out more.
“Our work is driven by my eternal love for Naz, which has transformed lives”
What support does the Foundation offer?
Naz and Matt Foundation is a small but mighty force, offering trauma-informed, one-on-one, and group support to LGBTQI+ individuals from religious and culturally conservative backgrounds.
“Our work has become a vital lifeline within our community, extending not only to those experiencing abuse but also to their perpetrators, often parents struggling to accept their child’s identity.”
“We offer confidential one-on-one support over the phone, email, and group support via monthly support groups for both LGBTQI+ individuals and parents of LGBTQI+ individuals. We deliver school talks about bullying and the dangers of religious and cultural homophobia.”
With over 95% of their service users being of South Asian heritage and more than 90% born into Muslim families, the foundation serves as a beacon of hope for those who were born into conservative families.
“We have created a safe space where members can be their true selves without fear or judgment.”
How has the Naz and Matt Foundation impacted lives?
The numbers tell a powerful story. The Foundation has over 370 members in its monthly support community. Last year alone, this included providing one-on-one support to 173 of the most vulnerable LGBTQI+ individuals experiencing abuse.
Their small team has delivered 21,640 minutes of crucial, confidential telephone support, often providing support that saves lives and helps LGBTQI+ individuals escape abusive families.
The Foundation’s influence stretches far beyond Camden. The love story of Naz and Matt inspired the chart-topping song “Be the Man” by BBC award-winning folk band The Young’uns. This song, now performed at Glastonbury and other venues worldwide, has become a key part of the charity’s outreach, drawing more individuals seeking support.
“We have created a safe space where members can be their true selves without fear or judgment.”
Tell us about your campaigning work and other projects?
“We campaign tirelessly for greater understanding and acceptance of LGBTQI+ people, particularly those born into strict religious and conservative families, with the aim of breaking down barriers and shifting cultural perceptions and understanding.”
This work has included an award-winning Channel 4 film ‘My God, I’m Queer’, also an illustrated children’s book for primary schools, and workshops and training sessions for central government departments, police forces and NGOs around the UK.
Most recently, the foundation launched a new podcast, the Out and Proud Parents Podcast. In this safe space, parents of LGBTQI+ children come together to share and explore their journeys of acceptance and learning, to help support other parents who may be struggling to accept their own child.
Matt advocates powerfully for LGBTQI+ community
Finally, congratulations on receiving an award for Camden’s first Faith and Belief Awards. How did this make you feel?
“It was an absolute honour and privilege to receive the ‘Outstanding Individual’ Award at Camden’s Faith Awards and Belief Awards in May on behalf of our team at the Foundation. I was really touched to be recognised like this, especially in Camden, where I’ve spent over twenty years of my life living and working.
“From our Camden base, with just four dedicated part-time staff, the Naz and Matt Foundation continues to create a peaceful, nourishing environment where LGBTQI+ individuals are seen, heard, and understood.”
“Our work is driven by my eternal love for Naz, which has transformed lives and continues to inspire a global movement for unconditional love and acceptance.”
Find out more
Visit the Naz and Matt Foundation website to learn more about the charity’s work and what support is available.
