Introducing Kitab Corner
For centuries, people have handed down knowledge and learning from one generation to the next in the form of books. This is especially true in our own tradition; During the Fatimid period of Ismaili history, the palace library held one of the largest collections of rare and precious books anywhere in the world. It is reported to have included more than two hundred thousand books on a variety of subjects, and was once described as a “wonder of the world.” Books help to increase our knowledge and find meaning, guiding us to understand ourselves and others better. Whatever question you may ask, whatever problem you may face - it has most likely been addressed in a book. The stories contained in books teach us to care, to help others, to be just, and to strive to be better. 
To gain maximum benefit from the knowledge contained in books, ITREB and the UK Jamati Institutions are delighted to launch the Kitab Corner postal service. During this uncertain time, the remote service enables individuals and families to request devotional material, curriculum books, and other publications to be sent to their homes during the temporary closure of Jamatkhanas. 
Through this initiative, we aim to provide comfort and solace to members of the Jamat of all ages to help get through this difficult time, and hope to facilitate a reading culture within the Jamat, following in the traditions of learning in Ismaili history. For more information, please visit the Kitab Corner page on The Ismaili.

Telephone Link
The Aga Khan Social Welfare Board Telephone Link started approximately 8 years ago with a handful of volunteers. The portfolio’s aim is to maintain communication links via telephone with members of the Jamat over the age of 70 who are alone, isolated or vulnerable. During this pandemic, many Jamati members may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or may require support. We have expanded our team and our remit to accommodate demand. AKSWB now have 120 trained, dedicated, caring, anonymous volunteers who currently make weekly phone calls to just under 1000 Jamati members to ensure they are safe, healthy and have essential supplies. 
If you know of anyone who would benefit from this service, please email akswb@iiuk.org.

Call NHS 111 if you have symptoms
If you are feeling unwell (and suspect that you may have symptoms of coronavirus, or any other unrelated symptoms), please ensure that you contact NHS 111 either by telephone (by dialing 111 from your phone) or online at 111.nhs.uk.service/covid-19. Remember you should use the NHS 111 if you need medical help or advice but it is not a life threatening situation.  NHS 111 will appropriately advise you as to whether you should stay at home and monitor your symptoms or whether you need to see a healthcare professional for further investigation and advice.

Embrace - A support network for parents of newborns
Having a baby is a blessing and a special time. As a new parent, you may have questions and some anxiety about caring for your child. In this current situation where parents can’t access the same level of support from friends and family, Embrace can help you. For parents with newborns we are providing 1-2-1 conversations with professionals.
We will be in touch but if you have questions contact us at akeb.events@iiuk.org. Resources for parents are also available on Headstart.
Please ensure that you add your baby to your family on IIUK.

Friday Night Trivia
Due to high demand, ISN’s Friday Night Trivia is back tonight,  Friday 17th April to liven up your evening! If you’re aged 17-25 join us on Friday at 20:15 BST to battle it out, connect online and try something new at home. To sign up to the fun and make your Friday night the highlight of your week, please drop us an email at info@isn.org.uk.

High interest on credit cards
The typical credit card has a 19% (or more) interest rate. This can make repaying very challenging because the amount that was initially borrowed continues to increase with the high  interest rate. Here’s a top tip - if you have existing credit card debt, consolidate your outstanding balance on a “balance transfer credit card”. These often have a limited period of 0% interest on balances transferred from other credit cards. Use this time to clear your outstanding balance. Please note: you are usually unable to transfer balances between cards owned by the same credit card provider. For more information on personal finance, tune in to the latest Wise Wallets Podcast.
For support or guidance, we are here to help. Please email us on EPBUKInfo@iiuk.org.

ITREB Thought of the Day: #FridayFaith
In a speech made in Dhaka in 2008, Mawlana Hazar Imam said that, “World and faith are inseparable in Islam. Faith and learning are also profoundly interconnected. The Holy Qur’an sees the discovery of knowledge as a spiritual responsibility, enabling us to better understand and more ably serve God’s creation.” While the Internet has an endless wealth of information, there is also an infinity of timeless learning and wisdom contained in books and publications. Books come in all shapes and sizes, and affect each of us in different ways. They help to simplify complex topics, and can transport us to other worlds. Books also help us to better understand ourselves and each other, and accompany us on our individual and collective journeys of faith and learning. Head over to the newly launched Kitab Corner, and select a book today!