Neighbours in Faith follow up meeting
filed in Event, Service on 25 Nov 2016
A second meeting for faith groups responding to social need locally took place at Hounslow Civic Centre in November. It was opened by the current Mayor of Hounslow Councillor Ajmer Grewel. She shared her passion for the work which faith groups do. She would very much like to visit projects and be kept informed.
Information was provided by Meena Patel of Southall Black Sisters on services for women subject to domestic violence; by Eamon Rooke from Volunteering Hounslow who can provide training, volunteers for projects and for trustee roles; and by Bahzad Brifkani on housing support for homeless people. Tom Gillum gave background to a meeting the next day for anyone interested in hearing more about the current refugee crisis and what we here in Hounslow can do.
Below is a link to the report of the first meeting in April, followed by contact lists for services for needy people including out of hours were circulated.
neighbours-in-faith-conference-11-4-16-report
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domestic-sexual-violence-advice-services
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The final link below is to a short You-tube film London is Open, which was shown at the meeting. It comprises clips of places of worship from a wide range of faiths in central London making clear that despite everything, faith groups are open and welcoming, not closed and fearful. An inspiration for the work that we do!
Creating a flower of paradise
filed in Event on 21 Nov 2016
Over 30 women of many faiths and backgrounds came together to create a flower in felt during 2016 Inter Faith Week. Funded by Near Neighbours, the workshops were ably led by Hana Horack, an artist who works in a range of different media. Women worked with merino wool mixed with silk to make the felt and form it into first a brooch or then a flower on a stem.
Responses were very positive. It was great to learn something practical and enjoyable together in all our diversity’ said one participant. ‘Really enjoyable to mix and chat with other faiths’ said another. ‘Watching each other’s faces and expression added to the happiness of each one’s contentment in creating something unique, of their own. Such moments are precious in our memories and have no ending’ said a third.
The event took place at the Centre for Spiritual and Cultural Advancement in Feltham who generously provided lunch. For several women it was the first time they had attended a HFOF event.
There was support for the idea of more events of this type in the future.
See another photo of the event in our Gallery.
Refugees – how can we help?
filed in Event, Service on 21 Nov 2016
A packed meeting on 16th November heard of ways to respond to refugees from war and oppression. Tom Gillum, vicar of St John’s and St Mary’s Churches in Isleworth, described a recent visit to Amman in Jordan and the impact of conflict on people he met there who are now in effect stateless. Some now have the chance to come to this country. Can we give them hope and a place they can call home?
Information was shared by Hounslow Council, Migrants Organise, Refugee Support Network, voluntary groups and Citizens UK.
Hounslow Council have offered to take 10 Syrian families from camps in Jordan. The local authority is making preparations to ensure services are in place for the families who are likely to arrive in the early part of next year. Offers of self contained properties for a guaranteed two years are needed as a first priority. Once here, the families will need befriending and support as they settle children into schools, clubs and their own faith community. English classes will also be needed, either through a college or one of the many voluntary groups which are already providing this. Representatives of two voluntary groups described what they offer. It is very helpful to the Council to know that there is good community support as shown by this meeting.
The meeting also heard about support for unaccompanied minors, some of whom are with families and some with foster parents. There is a need for destitution support when they turn 18 and are no longer eligible for public funds.
There is also need for befriending for detainees at the Heathrow Immigration and Removal Centre while they wait for final appeals before being returned to their home country. Patrick Wright, Chaplain there, described the need for friendship and also toiletries and clothing.
Citizens UK is a campaigning, organising and action group which takes up issues around social justice such as refugees. They have successfully encouraged Ealing and Hammersmith Councils to agree to take their share. They are looking to set up a local chapter of the organisation in Hounslow to take up this and other issues. Get in touch to know more.
A follow up meeting to today’s event is planned. To be kept informed about how you can get involved contact refugeeswelcomehounslow@gmail.com.
Inter Faith Week 13 – 20 November 2016
filed in Event, Service on 13 Nov 2016
Inter Faith Week takes place this year between 13 – 20th November. There are a number of exciting events taking place across the borough.
Monday 14th The trustees of Gurdwara Guru Singh Sabha Hounslow TW3 3UA welcome visitors to share the celebrations for Guru Nanak’s Birthday between 11 and 1.
Tuesday 15th Working Lunch for faith leaders. Follow Up to the Mayor of Hounslow’s Meeting of Faiths on social action. 12 – 2, Hounslow Civic Centre TW3 4DN.
Wednesday 16th Hounslow’s Response to Refugee Realities. A meeting to hear about present needs and the possibilities for getting involved. Speakers from Hounslow Council, the Refugee Support Network, Citizens UK, Migrants Organise and the Heathrow Immigration and Removal Centre. St John’s Church Hall, Isleworth TW7 6NY.
Saturday 19th Women’s Felting Workshop. 9.30 – 12.30 or 1.30 – 4.30. Centre for Spirituality and Cultural Advancement, Manor Lane Feltham TW13 4JQ. Funded by Near Neighbours.
Saturday 19th Faith and Cohesive Communities. Venerable Seelawimala warmly invites guests to attend the London Buddhist Vihara for an Interfaith event at 5pm at the London Buddhist Vihara, The Avenue, Chiswick W4 1UD.
The week aims to increase awareness of the different faith communities in the UK and celebrate the contribution their members make to their neighbourhoods and to wider society. It also is an opportunity to increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs. For further details on any of these items, see under Events or contact us.
For other events happening nationally see https://www.interfaithweek.org