Neighbours in Faith follow up meeting

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

cab-advice-and-info_20161124122440

domestic-sexual-violence-advice-services

forced-marriage-and-dv-contact-listsouthall-black-sisters-domestic-violence-advice

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!

https://youtu.be/bExx8ZzfAnw

Refugees – how can we help?

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

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

 

Concern for Refugees

Many faith groups and others in the borough are concerned about the plight of refugees and are doing what they can to respond.  Some have made collections for refugees in Calais. Others are considering sponsoring a refugee family from Syria or may be supporting people already here.

HFOF Vice Chair Tom Gillum, vicar of St John’s and St Mary’s Church in Isleworth is organising a meeting to consider together the extent of work already being done, to see what more might be possible and what volunteer or other opportunities there are.  This will take place in the Hall at St John’s Church, St John’s Road, Isleworth TW7 6NY on Wednesday 16th November at 7.30pm. Please get the word out and let Tom know if you are interested in coming along on 07825 041432 Tom.gillum@london.anglican.org

Volunteer training for End of Life Care

Could you support a patient during the last days of their life?

Currently the preference for the place of care or death at the end of life could be either in hospital, a nursing home, hospice or at home. More and more people are choosing the place of care to be at home. Families or carers are often willing to meet the preferences of the loved one but may not always realise the demand it might place on them emotionally, socially, spiritually and otherwise. Volunteers are being recruited by West Middlesex Hospital Chaplaincy to provide the support or backup that may be needed at that crucial time.

This kind of work is rewarding, but also demanding. Before taking on the work, volunteers will be trained to offer that support to the family. The training offered will cover among others the following:

• Death and dying
• Communication
• Suffering and Hope
• Well–being and illness
• Spiritual needs of the dying, carers/families
• Cultures and dying
• Supporting the bereaved

After training, volunteers will be supported by a member of the Chaplaincy staff based at West Middlesex University Hospital.

The Training Course

This training course will run on Tuesdays from 5 – 7 pm from 14th October – 16th December 2014. It will take place in the Education Centre, West Middlesex University Hospital.

Please complete the application form and return it by post to The Chaplaincy Office, West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth TW7 6AF or by email to: Michael.Sserunkuma@wmuh.nhs.uk .  To download the application form click here.

If you would like further information please contact: Michael Sserunkuma by email or Hounslow Friends of Faith, details on this website.

Closing date for applications 30th September 2014