Faith & Belief Community Awards celebrate vital work of London’s diverse communities

London’s unsung heroes were celebrated at the London Faith & Belief Community Awards ceremony on Tuesday 26 November. These local heroes are from many different backgrounds and communities, but all have been inspired by their faiths or beliefs to make a positive difference in their area. 40 projects were given awards in categories ranging from inspiring youth and supporting women to peace and reconciliation.

The Awards are an initiative of the Faith & Belief Forum, a leading interfaith organisation, supported by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith. The Awards were set up to shine a light on the inspiring work done by ordinary people to make London a city where everyone belongs and feels welcome. Each winning project is given £500 to further their work.

The award ceremony at the Royal Society of Medicine brought together many people from across London who work for harmony and inclusion in their communities. In addition to the 40 projects given awards, the achievements of inspiring individuals were recognised, and the great work of a further 60+ projects highlighted.

Phil Champain, the Director of the Faith & Belief Forum, said:

“At a time when there is so much division in society, it is more important than ever to celebrate those who work to bring people together. The individuals and organisations celebrated at the London Faith & Belief Community Awards provide vital services that often go unrecognised. Their work helps ensure that people of all backgrounds and beliefs feel welcome and safe in this great city.”

David Dangoor DL, Chair of the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council, said:

“The projects recognised are really the cohesive force of London. The standard and ingenuity of their work is outstanding and we are greatly impressed by the dedication and attentiveness of those involved to meet the needs of their community. Through this event we witness the power faith and belief groups generate in the civic life of London.”

For more information: philip@faithbeliefforum.org
 

Notes for editors

Full list of award-winners:

Health and Wellbeing

• British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) – Newham
• Mael Gael Multicultural Community Project – Ealing
• London Non-Religious Pastoral Care Team – Islington
• Croydon Association for Pastoral Care in Mental Health (APCMH) – Croydon
• Caritas St Joseph’s – Barnet
• Growbaby and Kingston Vineyard – Kingston upon Thames
• Chizuk – Hackney
• Christian Kitchen – Waltham Forest

Improving access to services

• Barnet Refugee Service – Barnet
• Testing Faith – Hammersmith and Fulham
• Shree Jalaram Mandir and Community Centre – Ealing

Inspiring Youth

• Jagruti: Awakening – Brent
• Basics of Sikhi Sunday Katha – Bexley
• Maternal Aid Association (Maa) – Southwark
• Angell Delight Community Centre – Lambeth
• Running with the Vision project – Enfield
• Moishe House London – Brent
• Triangoals – Barking and Dagenham

Interfaith Relations

• Bexley Interfaith Forum – Bexley
• Barnet Multi-Faith Forum – Barnet
• Open Iftar – Camden
• Conservative Muslim Forum – Westminster

Peace and reconciliation

• Forgotten Heroes 14-19 Foundation – Hammersmith and Fulham
• Imaan LGBTQI Muslim Support – Tower Hamlets
• Power the Fight – Lewisham

Promoting inclusion

• BARKA UK – Redbridge
• Black and Muslim in Britain – Camden
• Yog Foundation – Bexley
• Sarbat – Islington
• African Portuguese Speaking Community – Newham
• Naz Legacy Foundation, Diversity Programme – Wandsworth
• Speak Street – Camden

Supporting Women

• Selam Conversation – Croydon
• Nisa-Nashim – Camden
• Muslimah Sports Association – Redbridge
• Hillingdon Asian Women Group – Hillingdon
• Hear Women Foundation – Westminster
• Women in Mosques Development Programme – Tower Hamlets
• Roshni-2 Project – Waltham Forest
• All Women’s Network – Barking and Dagenham

Inspirational Individuals

• Pastor Isaac Attram – Greenwich
• Iatedal Jawad – Brent
• James Leachman – Ealing
• Ruth Finkel – Brent
• Rev Herbert Aparanga – Greenwich
• Dr Harjinder Kaur – Westminster
• Ani Barbara Shannon – Lambeth
• Shailen Patel – Harrow