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05 / 10 / 22
Places of worship hosting a vaccine drive, mental health initiatives, foodbanks, inspiring youth schemes, community gardens… These are just some of the areas where Southwark residents benefit directly from the involvement of organisations and groups with faith and belief at their core – and yet they often go unnoticed.
The Southwark Faith & Belief Awards look to change this by awarding 7 amazing projects that have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Southwark residents, as well as recognising the contributions of many other inspiring groups. The Awards are a partnership between Southwark Multi Faith Forum, Southwark Council and The Faith & Belief Forum.
At the inaugural awards ceremony on Thursday 22nd September at Southwark Council, Tooley Street, the winners of the Southwark Faith & Belief Awards were announced across 6 categories, along with performances and speeches by key figures.
Chair of the Southwark Multi Faith Forum Musharraf Chaudhury described the event as, “an amazing event showcasing what the faith sector has achieved for the benefit of all who live, work, study, play and pray in Southwark. The work of the individuals and organisations recognised tonight is truly inspirational.”
The winners of the 2022 Southwark Faith & Belief Awards:
Shaaron O’Driscoll, Clinic Manager at Growing Hope Brockley, said: “Growing Hope Brockley provides free therapy for children with additional needs in partnership with St Peter’s Church Brockley in the Southwark and Lewisham area. We have the privilege of journeying with families and sharing hope with them even in the most difficult situations. We’re grateful for the Southwark Faith & Belief Awards which have encouraged us in celebrating the impact of the third sector on healthcare today.”
Kathleen Heather from Love North Southwark said: “We have been helping our community since April 2020. We work with the local community to help people find a way to a better future. Over the past two years we’ve seen many of our local community come to us who need supporting – not problems which need solving. To be nominated for this award means we are reaching out to our community, and we at Love North Southwark will see more people coming for help.”
Jessica Hazrati from the Faith & Belief Forum said: “Having worked in the interfaith sector for over twenty years, we at F&BF have seen the power faith and belief communities have in transforming their communities for the better. This work that happens at the grassroots often goes unnoticed by wider society, due to the humility of those delivering the work but also sometimes due to incorrect assumptions about the role and influence of faith and belief in society.”
This project was possible with the kind support of Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith and the City Bridge Trust.
