Hounslow Faiths say no to hate
filed in Event, Training on 09 Jun 2015
Members of Hounslow’s faiths came together on Tuesday 9th June 2015 to show their opposition to hate crime. ‘Too many people are suffering in silence’ said Rev Richard Frank, Anglican Area Dean for Hounslow. ‘Abuse whether verbal or physical just for being who you are is unacceptable’.
The ‘We Stand Together’ campaign was organised jointly by Hounslow Police and Hounslow Friends of Faith and is part of a national move to celebrate diversity and to help build a stronger and safer UK. The campaign builds upon the strong bonds that exist between communities within neighbourhoods and together celebrates diversity and drives out all forms of hatred and extremism.
The need to encourage greater reporting of hate crime and the support available from the Hounslow Hate Crime Support Service was highlighted.
Participants from the Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh religions heard presentations on all aspects of crime prevention and keeping safe. What to look out for to prevent a terrorist attack was also covered. Advice and information were shared between faiths and information about social projects, walks of peace and witness and festivals. There was also information about the work of Tell MAMA, a group which monitors islamophobic attacks nationally and makes representation to the police and to Government.
At the end of the event which took place at Hounslow Jamia Mosque a pledge was signed to show that hate crime has no place in Hounslow.
Police Sergeant Mark Ogunwe from Hounslow Police said: “Today’s event demonstrates that the people of Hounslow are united as a community and their difference is something they celebrate and cherish.
“There will be people who will try to drive us apart, and I urge anyone who is a victim of hate crime to report the incident to the police so we can investigate it and catch those responsible.”
To report Hate Crime as a victim or as a witness ring 999 in an emergency or 101 to report an ongoing issue. Contact Hounslow Hate Crime Support Service on 0203 096 4252 or see www.hounslow-hatecrime.org.uk .
Walk of Peace and Friendship biggest yet
filed in Event on 09 Jun 2015
Over 100 people took part in a day long walk in Hounslow to encourage friendship between faiths and good community relations, making it the biggest yet. The annual Walk of Peace and Friendship organised by Hounslow Friends of Faith was joined by visitors from across London and beyond as part of Westminster Interfaith’s 30th Multi-faith Pilgrimage.
Walkers met on Saturday 6th June 2015 at the Laxmi Narayan Hindu temple in Neville Close at 10am, moving on to Holy Trinity in Hounslow High Street, St Michael and St Martin’s Catholic Church and Hounslow Jamia mosque. The final visit was to the Sikh Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Alice Way at 4pm. Stewarding was provided by HFOF members and volunteers from the gurdwara.
Mayor Councillor Nisar Malik joined the event. ‘His support for engagement between communities to reduce misunderstanding is very welcome’ said Secretary of HFOF Bessie White. ‘The walk plays its part in this. It is open to all whether members of a faith or just people interested in getting to know their neighbours.’ MPs Seema Malhotra and Ruth Cadbury also attended and spoke before the walkers set off.