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10 / 04 / 26
Faith has so much power and, as one Brent council leader told us, we have to engage with communities of faith in their spaces, through using language of faith and belief, and engaging with values that are common to all so we can thrive together.
And that’s what has been happening over the past few months with trainings, dialogue and celebrations cross Brent Council and Faith Communities.
From January to March 2026, the Faith and Belief Connect programme brought council staff, young people and community leaders into conversation with one another, creating space for stronger relationships to form across the borough. Funded by the City Bridge Foundation and coordinated by the Faith and Belief Forum, the project focused on building closer ties between the council and local faith and belief communities, with a programme designed to be practical, reflective and rooted in collaboration.
The programme opened with Faith Inclusion Training, delivered in partnership with Brent Council’s Faith and Belief Staff Network. 16 staff members took part in a session aimed at deepening understanding of Brent’s rich religious diversity and offering practical tools for engaging more meaningfully with faith and belief communities. As well as exploring the borough’s make-up, participants reflected on the role local authorities can play in understanding and responding more thoughtfully to the needs of different groups.
The focus then shifted to younger voices.
Delivered in partnership with Brent Multi Faith Forum, the Capacity Building Training brought together 14 participants, most aged between 16 and 30, for a series of interactive sessions exploring faith, identity and interfaith dialogue. Through discussion and shared reflection, the training created space for young people to engage with complex questions about who they are, how they relate to others, and what it means to build understanding across difference.
The programme came to a close with Building Unity in Brent, a celebration event held at Chalkhill Community Centre in Wembley Park on Wednesday 25th March. 50+ attendees gathered, including councillors, council staff, members of Brent Multi Faith Forum, and representatives from local organisations. It was an evening that recognised the dedication of the faith sector to making Brent a better place to live for people of all faiths and none.
The event opened with remarks from Cllr Ishma Moeen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, followed by a spoken word performance from a young artist, Bethany Sanchia Perera from Unity Theatre (@its_sanchia2012), whose words highlighted the visceral power of faith, family and community.
“Generations live beneath me
Not separate – together.
Yet fingers try to divide me
Make me choose which part deserves to live.
But I am not a half, I am not a fraction, I am a whole.”
Local projects and individuals were then recognised for their contribution to partnership work across the borough, highlighting the many ways collaboration is already being lived out in Brent. Closing remarks came from Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, alongside the co-chairs of Brent Multi Faith Forum.
Reflecting on the project, Sophie Mitchell, Senior Programmes Coordinator at the Faith & Belief Forum, said: “Delivering this work in Brent has shown just how much appetite there is for honest conversation and shared learning across communities. From council staff to young people and faith leaders, participants brought openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage with complex issues. It’s encouraging to see new connections being made and a strong foundation in place for continued partnership working.”
What emerged through Faith and Belief Connect in Brent was not just a series of events, but a growing sense of what becomes possible when people come together with openness and intent. With fresh momentum and stronger relationships now in place, the borough is well positioned to keep building meaningful connections across its communities.
05 / 05 / 26
