Initial Statement on the Formation of the Masoumeh Behzadi Foundation
An Invitation to Share Experience, Ideas and Participation
To all those who care about human dignity, ageing, and social solidarity,
For many years, caring for our mother, the late Masoumeh Behzadi, throughout her later years and illness was both a deeply meaningful and educational experience. It revealed to us that many older people—particularly elderly migrants and Persian-speaking seniors—face challenges that extend far beyond physical health and medical care.
Alongside medical concerns, many experience loneliness, social isolation, language barriers, reduced social interaction, and a growing need for companionship, understanding, and meaningful participation in community life.
Over time, we came to realise that this was not unique to our family. Conversations with other families, carers, friends, healthcare professionals, and community activists confirmed that many older people and their families face similar difficulties and would benefit from greater support and attention.
For this reason, a group of family members, friends, and supporters has begun exploring the establishment of the Masoumeh Behzadi Foundation—a non-profit and humanitarian initiative dedicated to reducing loneliness and isolation among older people, strengthening human connections, supporting Persian-speaking and migrant seniors, and encouraging voluntary, cultural, and community-based activities that enhance quality of life.
We believe that no older person should feel forgotten, isolated, or disconnected simply because of age, illness, migration, language barriers, or separation from familiar surroundings. A society becomes stronger, healthier, and more compassionate when it values the experience, wisdom, memories, and continued participation of older generations.
At present, the Masoumeh Behzadi Foundation is in the early stages of consultation, research, and programme development. More than anything, we wish to learn from the experiences, knowledge, and insights of those who have worked in the fields of ageing, healthcare, social care, voluntary services, community development, and cultural engagement.
We warmly invite older people, family members, carers, doctors, nurses, social workers, volunteers, researchers, community organisations, and all interested individuals to share their experiences and perspectives with us.
In particular, we would welcome thoughts on the following questions:
- What are the most significant challenges facing Persian-speaking and migrant older people?
- Which services, activities, or initiatives can most effectively reduce loneliness and improve quality of life?
- How can volunteers, charities, community groups, and public institutions work together to better support older people?
- What successful examples or models exist from which we can learn?
At this stage, our aim is to begin a constructive conversation, gather experiences and ideas, learn from successful practices, and explore the most effective ways of creating a sustainable, responsive, and meaningful organisation.
We sincerely welcome your comments, suggestions, constructive criticism, and expertise. We hope that through cooperation, shared experience, and collective effort, we can contribute—even in a small way—to improving the lives of older people and strengthening social solidarity within our communities.
With gratitude and respect,
Founding Committee
Masoumeh Behzadi Foundation
London, 2026
We invite all friends, families, professionals, carers, and interested individuals to share their comments, experiences, suggestions, and feedback through the comments section of this statement.
All contributions will be carefully reviewed and considered as part of the Foundation’s development process.
For private messages or more detailed submissions, please contact:
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