About Sillah
Every young person deserves someone in their corner.
We started Sillah because we know what it feels like when the system doesn't see you. We're here to change that — one young person, one family at a time.
Our story
Built from lived experience
Too many young people in London are growing up without the right people around them. Not because their families don't care — but because the systems meant to help them are complex, overwhelming, and often feel like they weren't built for them.
Sillah was created to be different. We show up for young people and their families in the way we'd want someone to show up for us — with honesty, consistency, and genuine belief in what they can become.
What drives us
Supporting individuals, lifting all horizons.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: every young person has potential worth fighting for. We work alongside young people, parents, and families to help them find their footing, raise their voice, and build a future that belongs to them.Our support workers/mentors are trained, DBS-checked, and experienced in supporting vulnerable young people.
Connection
Strong relationships create lasting change.
Inclusion
Every child deserves to belong.
Compassion
We lead with empathy, dignity and respect.
Empowerment
Families are experts in their own journey.
Possibility
We focus on potential, not limitations.
Our team
The people behind Sillah - Supporting Individuals, Lifting All Horizons
We're practitioners, advocates, and people who've seen first-hand what the right support at the right time can do for a young person's life.
Sani Dastagir
Founder & Director
Sani founded Sillah after working directly with young people and families in London. She built this organisation because she refused to accept that so many young people were being left behind and not fully supported.
Kemal Thomas
Head of Family Services
Kemal has spent years working in communities across London. Mentoring people to propel successfully as they move forward in life. He believes that when you invest in a young person, you invest in everyone around them.
Malik Thomas
SEND Advocacy Lead
Malik is a specialist SEND advocate who has helped families navigate education and disability systems. He makes sure no young person's needs go unheard.
A young person in your life needs support?
Whether you're a parent, a professional, or a young person yourself — we're here. Reach out and let's talk about how we can help.