Faith led initiatives help thousands of Londoners

Projects that break down barriers and make communities positive places win new funds  

Over 70 small scale and little-known faith based projects meeting the essential needs of Londoners attended an “Evening of Faith Recognition and Celebration” hosted by the Three Faiths Forum (3FF), with the support of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith. The Exilarch’s Foundation and Amersi Foundation have awarded £20,000 to be shared amongst 40 projects whose work creates a sense of belonging and togetherness for the capital’s diverse, and sometimes disenfranchised communities.

London is one of the richest cities in the world yet these community centric faith led projects are providing food banks, countering housing poverty, combating isolation and loneliness, increasing language support and finding better ways to create a sense of belonging.

“An Evening of Faith Recognition and Celebration” took place at the Royal Society of Medicine on 27 November. Kenneth Olisa, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Greater London formally expressed thanks to around 70 faith based projects for their significant contribution to London.  Dr David Dangoor, Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London and Chair of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith said:

“London is one of the richest cities in the world, it boasts many communities coming from every corner of the globe. For many of these communities, faith is their cultural fountain and a source of their identity. Our aspiration on the Faith Council is to harness these values and reach out to all who have made London their home. By supporting 3FF’s Evening of Faith Recognition and Celebration, we gain the opportunity to meet and engage with those who have made it their mission to increase wellbeing within their local community; helping individuals build a sense of belonging within London and building bridges across communities of all faiths and beliefs. Tonight’s awards are primarily about celebration and recognition and I hope examples of these projects will enhance the good work already happening, whilst inspiring further action.”

Director of the Three Faiths Forum, Phil Champain, added:

“Questions and doubts can hamper meaningful dialogue on the role and relevance of religion in society today.  Faith and belief networks are instrumental in drawing people together and encouraging positive progress. Small, local projects pay close attention to the needs of a local area yet all too often their work goes unheard. Thriving communities depend on everyone being given the opportunity to participate as fully as possible, without facing barriers due to their race or faith.”

A wide variety of projects will receive awards, including the Caribbean Hindu Society Lunch Club who run a social lunch club, the Refugee Cricket Project, Marion Richardson School’s interfaith parental engagement project, the Bengali Women’s Group, the Chaverim Youth Organisation, the Jamyang Buddist Centre’s Courthouse Community Centre and Sufra NW London, a community food bank and kitchen.

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A full list of award winners is available here.

Photos are available on request.

For media enquiries please contact:

3FF

Tel: 0207 482 9535

email: comms@faithbeliefforum.org