Toy project hopes to spread cheer at 50 hospitals

Atiq Rehman from Peterborough said he hopes the project will highlight the efforts of his Muslim community

A mental health campaigner is hoping to “spread cheer” by delivering toys to hospitals across the country.

Atiq Rehman from Peterborough is a poet and a motivational speaker who runs Unspoken Word - a platform that gives people a voice and offers mental health support.

Mr Rehman has launched a new project called Unspoken Toys Drop 24, which aims to deliver toys to children in at least 50 hospitals across the country over 24 hours.

Mr Rehman has been appealing for donations and said he hopes charitable acts such as this project would “change perceptions” of his Muslim community and “bring people together”.

Around 30 volunteers are working with Atiq Rehman on the toy project

Rehman launched Unspoken Word three years ago following his own battle with depression after he lost his brother from Covid-19.

He said it has given “several people” a chance to seek support and share their views on things that matter to them without prejudice.

Mr Rehman said: “I felt I had lost my voice… when I was working at a company a few years ago.

“I felt that only people with a blue tick on Twitter or famous people had a voice and I wanted to change that narrative.

“Over the past three years, the team at Unspoken Word and I have volunteered and led charitable projects, including [a project called] 24 Hours Good Deeds last year, which was covered by BBC’s One Show.

“I am very proud to say our team is a diverse group and has people from different cultures, religions and industries.”

David Lloyd Leisure Club in Peterborough is acting as one of the drop-off points for the toy project appeal

Mr Rehman launched the toy campaign this week, with deliveries expected to start on 15 August and with the aim to drop the toys at 50 hospitals across the county.

If it goes to plan the last delivery would be at 06:00 BST on 16 August at Peterborough City Hospital.

“With the toy campaign – we are around 30 people working on this,” Mr Rehman said.

“Several businesses are supporting our donation appeal and even operating as a drop-off point.

“The hospitals are still being informed but those who we have spoken to are so grateful. It makes me feel great. I am so excited about this. Absolutely buzzing.

“I look at these [projects] to give back to society but also hope my efforts can help bring positivity to my religion and my community.

“After all, charity is a part of my Islamic values and I am proud of it.”