THE LONDON FAITH & BELIEF COMMUNITY AWARDS 2019 Celebrating the unsung heroes of London's faith and belief communities With the support of Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith WELCOME The content of this brochure gives an insight into a much bigger story. London’s diverse and vibrant population powers 24,000 voluntary organisations. That is 1 for every 360 Londoners. Many of these initiatives are working through values shared by people of different faiths and non-religious beliefs. This is worthy of celebration in itself, since it demonstrates how much we have in common. It underlines the notion that our diversity is not the problem we face. The work of those highlighted in this brochure demonstrates the deep, generous pool of diverse creativity that Londoners can draw on to tackle a wide range of societal issues. And herein lies the second cause for celebration. The projects and individuals on show here are tackling issues that have the potential to exclude and divide. If we are to truly extend the benefits of our city to all, then we need to ensure fair access to services, improve health and well-being, alleviate deprivation, promote inter-faith relations, and inspire the next generation of Londoners. This year we are also shining a light on the achievements of women from all walks of life and backgrounds, and on peace and reconciliation given the rise of hate crime and continued polarisation in the wake of the EU referendum three years ago. The fact that so many relatively small and modest organisations made up of people of different faiths and non-religious beliefs collaborate to achieve so much gives hope and inspiration. This evening we are recognising and celebrating the contribution lesser- known projects are making to ensuring London is a more inclusive and a fairer city. We are honoured to host the third London Faith & Belief Community Awards with the continued support of Her Majesty’s Lord- Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith, to shine a light on those who do not receive sufficient recognition for the important work they do at the margins of our great city. We are proud that now over 300 projects and individuals have been recognised for their selfless work. May the examples of these inspiring projects motivate and challenge us. Phil Champain Director of the Faith & Belief Forum 3 In terms of diversity of background and It has been a pleasure for me to be MESSAGES culture, London is one of the richest Chair of the Judging Panel. The panel cities in the world. It boasts many sizable comprised of four members of the Council communities coming from every corner of on Faith: Babulal Sethia DL, Dr Sheila OF SUPPORT the globe. For many of these communities, Gewolb DL, Dr Mustafa Abu Lisan DL their faith or belief is their cultural fountain and me, joined by Ben Shapiro, Siobhán and a source of their identity – representing Anderson and Ianthi Stergiou from F&BF. I wish to extend a warm welcome to all to the London universal core principles that are shared The judging panel received 128 completed Faith & Belief Community Awards. As the Lord- across all faith and belief systems. Our nominations by the deadline of 15th Lieutenant of Greater London, I am Her Majesty The aspiration at the Council on Faith is to July 2019. We had a couple of weeks Queen’s representative in Greater London, charged harness these values and reach out to all of to scrutinise the nomination forms with upholding the dignity of the Crown. I have over those who have made London their home. and complete a judging grid. The grid 100 Deputy Lieutenants, who, like me, are volunteers. By supporting the London Faith & Belief assessed each submission on three I have 32 Representative Deputy Lieutenants, one Community Awards, we gain the opportunity criteria based on increasing sense of for each London Borough, providing a vital link to meet and engage with those who have belonging, building bridges and impact. with local communities across the capital. made it their mission to increase wellbeing within their local community, help individuals The judging panel met on 18th September In addition, we are a bridge-builder, connecting individuals, build a sense of belonging within London 2019 and discussed each submission organisations and social networks, to enhance Londoners’ and build bridges across communities of against the criteria. It was a humbling sense of belonging and thereby increasing social all faiths and beliefs. The London Faith & and enlightening experience to read and inclusion within the capital. Through its rich heritage Belief Community Awards is a wonderful discuss the nomination forms. The projects and diverse population, London is home to many faith demonstration of what people motivated by were diverse, from across most London groups from every religion. As The Queen said in her 50th their faith or belief can achieve for this city. boroughs and helping different groups. Christmas broadcast in 2001: ‘we all have something By shining a light on their work, this event There was great uniformity amongst the to learn from each other, whatever our faith’, because promotes and connects the unsung heroes 7 judges. We were able to agree the 40 living life according to a strong set of positive values is of London’s faith and belief communities. projects to be awarded and 52 projects an antidote to exclusion. Overcoming differences and This event also gives them access to recognised for their good work. The misunderstandings, reducing prejudice, ignorance and further support which may enhance their nominations this year also identified 21 fear, and learning the ethical lessons of the widest range work and inspire others to take action. individuals who will be recognised under the of faiths and beliefs are objectives enshrined in our Inspiring Individuals category – and tonight strategy Building Bridges for a fairer London. In that spirit, At last year’s event we were bowled we will be awarding their work through we recognise and celebrate the work of Londoners from over by the number of inspirational certification. I would like to thank my fellow all faiths and beliefs who create a sense of belonging dedicated selfless people we came judges for their hard work and support. and inclusion in our great city. Thank you to you all. across who are doing the most amazing Congratulations to all who are celebrated and innovative things. It was an Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE and recognised at tonight’s event. honour to meet those behind London’s The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London inspirational community projects and Mrs Bushra Nasir CBE DL learn from their work. I look forward to Chair of the Judging Panel continuing the conversation this year. The London Faith & Belief Community Awards is primarily about celebration and recognition, and I am honoured that tonight we have the opportunity to celebrate over 120 projects and individuals. On behalf of Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith, I look forward to supporting this event further and to meeting many more of London’s unsung heroes as the initiative grows. Dr David Dangoor DL Chair of Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith 4 5 Award Winners PROGRAMME HEALTH AND The hosts of tonight’s ceremony are Paraskevi Koumi Programmes Officer, Schools, at the Faith & Belief Forum and Rev Nims Obunge MBE, WELLBEING Pastor of Freedom’s Ark Church, Tottenham. Sponsored by The Penny Appeal Key note address Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, Her Majesty’s Projects in this category create specialised services for Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London the health and wellbeing of Londoners. They reduce social isolation and improve quality of life for vulnerable London Presentation of awards from different backgrounds. Closing speech Dr David Dangoor DL, Chair of Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith Refreshments and Networking in the Atrium 6 7 British Islamic Medical Chizuk Growbaby and Association (BIMA) Hackney Kingston Vineyard Newham Chizuk promotes Mental Wellbeing in the Kingston Charedi Community. They were created BIMA is a democratic, independent, In 2003, Growbaby started out as a in 1996 to help those with mental health grassroots organisation for Muslim local project providing free baby clothes problems in the follow-up to Community healthcare professionals in the UK, and equipment regardless of income, Care legislation. They support their clients founded in 2013. In addition to supporting faith or background. Now a huge by mediating with Health Provision, Muslim professionals in the workplace, number of outreach support projects both in and out of hospital; and with we work with volunteers across London are run out of the space, these include other statutory bodies and by sourcing to deliver 'Livesafers' training and run a breast feeding drop in, a “skills for translators who can support the families. public health campaigns such as Cancer life” group for young parents, English They also offer drop-in services and Screening Awareness Campaign where we classes and parenting classes. activities such as art and drama groups. delivered talks to in excess of 1000 people www.kingstonvineyard.co.uk/growbaby nationally. This included 43 mosques as well as 5 local radio stations. Christian Kitchen www.bima.org London Non-Religious Waltham Forest Pastoral Care Team The Christian Kitchen is a charity provision Caritas St Joseph's set up over 25 years ago, it seeks to Islington feed and support the homeless and Barnet The London Non-Religious Pastoral Care marginalized people in Waltham Forest. It Mael Gael Multicultural Community Project team seek to provide emotional support Caritas St Joseph's is a safe place for does so by offering signposting, support to all those who need it, whether this is adults with intellectual disabilities to learn and serving a hot three course meal to in an institution like a hospital or prison, Mael Gael Multicultural - we recognise their gifts and talents and around 50 – 70 people.