Funding for Multi-Faith Social Action Projects in England

filed in Charity, Community on 28 Jun 2014

Together in Service is a £200,000 two-year funding programme to help get local multi-faith projects in England off the ground. The funding comes from the Department for Communities and Local Government and the programme is administered by FaithAction. Grants of between £2,000 and £5,000 are available.The programme’s objectives Celebrate the practical contribution that faith communities make to society through social action. Support faith groups in undertaking new multi-faith volunteering projects at local level. Constituted bodies, such as registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, unregistered community groups, clubs, and societies, delivering projects in England are eligible to apply as long as they are part of the Together in Service Fellowship. FaithAction is keen to support a wide range of activities aimed at improving the quality of life for local people. Through its grant-making, FaithAction aims to: Target community need that is informed by local research and local consultation. Focus support to achieve maximum effectiveness. Enhance community and voluntary activity. Encourage best practice among community and voluntary groups. Give help where it is needed most. Projects must: Contribute to the overall Together in Service objectives. Involve faith-based groups/people, with preference for multi-faith projects. Engage people from more than one faith community; for example, Buddhists and Muslims, or Christians and Hindus. Take place in England. Deadline for applications Deadline for applications in 25th August and 1st December 2014.  Projects must be completed by the end of March 2015.  It would be great if two or more faith groups in the Hounslow area could get together to apply for funds to run a project.  See http://www.togetherinservice.net/ for examples and support available.

 

Steps towards Peace in the Walk of Peace and Friendship 2014

filed in Event on 28 Jun 2014

Members of Hounslow Friends of Faith stepped out on 22^nd June on their annual Walk of Peace and Friendship.  The walkers were welcomed at five faith institutions in Isleworth, representing Muslim, Sikh, Christian and Quaker communities all within a radius of less than two miles.  At each stop, a short presentation provided over 40 participants with an insight into beliefs and practices; and refreshments reinforced the spirit of friendship.

Insights learnt                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Members heard how the Sikh school uses stories from other religions in their faith teaching.  The Quakers highlighted their concern for peace and community building.  The Islamic Centre reminded us that only a tiny minority of Muslims are extremely radical and are not in any way representative of the vast majority. St John’s Church also mentioned community, highlighted by their successful summer fair the day before.  The nuns in Gumley House exemplified the inspiration to service.

Mayor’s support                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Councillor Corinna Smart, the Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow, showed her support by joining the walk.   One concrete outcome of the event was a proposal to establish closer ties between two of the institutions.   ‘Very informative’ and ‘learned a lot’ were two of the feedback comments and suggestions were made for future visits.

 

 

London School of Economics Chaplain and Interfaith Adviser to visit Hounslow

filed in Event on 27 Jun 2014

Does involvement with other faiths weaken or strengthen one’s own faith?  How can people remain true to their own faith, but also engage meaningfully with others?  How should people behave who belong to faiths which seek to recruit new members?

These issues will be touched on by Rev Dr James Walters at a talk on Wednesday 16^th July.  James is chaplain and interfaith adviser at the LSE, an institution known in the past at least for radical and secular studies.  There is however now a new interfaith centre which James has helped set up which is used by a wide range of faith groups with its own interfaith programme.

The talk takes place at the Parish Centre, St Michael and St Martin’s Church, Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EH at 7.30pm and is open to all.  For catering purposes it would be helpful if you could let us know if you are coming. Contact details on the Home Page.

RE teachers make the most of local resources

filed in Event on 27 Jun 2014

Hounslow a local resource

Hounslow borough contains within its borders an ideal resource for teaching children about the world faiths in terms of buildings and people.  Schools do not have to go far to give students hands on experience of faith buildings and practices, yet this can be an underused resource.  How can this be overcome?

Sharing experiences

HFOF laid on a training course for 14 RE teachers in June to highlight places of worship which welcome visits. Examples of good practice and teaching tips for visits were offered and experiences shared.  For example, some parents do not wish their children to visit some places of worship.  This can be overcome by inviting parents to come along themselves.

Feedback

Feedback from the teachers was very positive.  There were requests for further sessions on linking RE with other areas of the curriculum, assessment and using the commemoration of World War 1 in RE in addition to history classes. Due to changes in funding, there are now fewer opportunities for RE teachers to meet to share updates and teaching tips and this session also provided this opportunity.