FAITH CENTRE SURVEY
Next Faith Forum Meeting
25th March
2.00pm
Barking Town Hall Council Chambers
Agenda Includes
Events for 2010-2011
Minutes of Faith Forum Meetings
Minutes of Barking and Dagenham Faith Forum meeting
Date: Thursday 26th November 2009
Location: Barking Town Hall, Chambers
Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Attendees:
Held as Blank
1. Welcome & Introductions
Nigel Schultz chaired the meeting and welcomed all attendees. Introductions were given.
2. Apologies
Held Blank
3. Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 22nd October and matters arising
No matters arising – corrections as follow:-
Mick Beackon (not Bacchen)
Neeta Kanagaratnam (not Kalagaratnam)
4. Feedback on the Faith Forum’s In2Faith week 2009
Harjinder Singh thanked everyone who took part in the Barking College ‘open talk’ event. There were some good conversations with the students.
Nigel Schulz added that approximately 20 people attended the launch at the Salvation Army on the Monday however, we were hoping for more attendance. There was a speaker who spoke about the interfaith work and then lunch was laid on.
There was a display in the Barking Library in the town centre which was very successful. The display was manned by various people throughout the week and the feedback has been varied. It has been decided to continue the display with the Health Trainers being present until after Christmas to speak on healthy eating. A dvd was also used in the Barking Learning Centre which will now be circulated to schools in the borough to be used as a resource regarding interfaith.
We will also continue to work with Barking College and hope to get the Health Trainers talking about health issues, such as smoking to the young people.
Interfaith week was due to conclude with a cultural event on Saturday, however the executive committee have decided that this will be held at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in January 2010 to make it a special event.
The Barking Mosque had approximately 35 visitors in the first two days of Interfaith week due to the banners which were put up on their building.
5. Faith Forum meetings – monthly meetings and recommendations for 2010
The dates for future meetings are as follows:
Thursday 28th January 2010 (AGM) 6.00pm
Thursday 25th February 2010 7.00pm
Thursday 25th March 2010 2.00pm
Thursday 22nd April 2010 7.00pm
Thursday 27th May 2010 2.00pm
It was decided to move the AGM to an evening meeting in order to hold the conclusion of the Interfaith week. The meeting will finish at 7.00pm when we will then commence the Interfaith event with food and entertainment.
We need offers of groups to be involved, for example, a choir, Sikh drummers etc.
6. Christmas Meal
The annual Christmas meal will take place at Jazzies Steak House in 456 Becontree Avenue (Andrews Corner), Dagenham. The time has changed to12.30pm with sit down for 1.00pm. Please can you book today or turn up on the day. The total cost is only £5.00 per person.
There will be Roast Turkey dinner and a vegetable option.
7. Annual General Meeting and Election of Officer for 2010
The AGM will be held on Thursday 28th January 6.00pm at the Barking Learning Centre. We need nominations for officers to sit on the committee for next year. Forms will be available at the Christmas meal.
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Regeneration
Youth
Child Protection
3 Muslim Reps
3 Christian Reps
3 Hindu Reps
3 Bahai Reps
3 Sikh Reps
2 Faith based Community groups
Police Rep
Borough Rep
8. School Admissions Consultations 2011-2012
Nigel received an email regarding a consultation on school admissions for 2011-2012 looking at the whole admission process. There is a leaflet to hand out, but is not available today so it will be handed out at the Christmas meal on 10th December 2009.
9. Police Chaplains – Andrew Hawkins (Met Police)
Andrew is the new Local Chaplaincy Director and the plan is to roll out local Chaplains over London. Safer Neighbourhood teams have increased the chaplaincy work across the boroughs.
They offer independent pastoral care to officers and staff and the work is proactive so they visit the different teams every two months. The Chaplains also officiate when there are deaths.
(A slide show was shown via the projector).
At present Barking & Dagenham are looking for an Iman from the muslim community to join the Chaplaincy team. Neeta stated she would pass the information to Ash from the Barking Mosque.
10. Community Engagement Manager – Chris O’Connor
Chris O’Connor stated that the consultation board would like faith representatives to get involved in engage with local residents. The four stages are:
Information
- Consultation
- Engagement
- Empowerment
There will be free training available to those who come on board on how to consult residents in the borough.
The Consultation board will send Nigel the minutes of the meeting in order to see how the consultation works. (Handout given out).
11. ChangeUp Consortium – Barbara Droxdowicz
The ChangeUp Consortium support community and voluntary groups and is a government funded programme for third sector. However, even though faith groups are regarded as first sector the faith dimension is lacking - Nigel agreed to attend meetings.
At present there is a project to discover what communities are living in the borough and will be completed shortly. Barbara hopes to share the results in a future Faith Forum meeting.
Any faith groups interested in joining the board please see Barbara after the meeting. Neeta agreed to send out information if Barbara forwards documentation to her.
12. Citizens Panel – Louise Hider (LBBD)
Louise works with on the Community Engagement team and the Citizens Panel consists of 1000 residents at present. However, the programme has not really been used since February this year so they are adding 300 more members to refresh the panel. All borough partners will be joined to this panel and will address all areas across the borough council.
The panel will be sent two to three surveys a year and will be invited to attend focus groups and workshops. Vouchers are also offered as an incentive to join the panel and get involved. They will keep all members updated and ensure they act upon things that are asked for.
Nigel encouraged the forum to help make up the 300 panel members required.
Chris O’Connor added that there is intergenerational conflict between the older generation and young people. At present they are working to get the two groups connected with projects such as, the young people teaching their elders to use the computer, and in return the elders teaching the young people to dance or cook. They are looking for someone to lead the pilot project. If the Faith Forum would like to get involved there may be some funding available.
Nigel added that faith groups are good at connecting the generations for example, Brownies or Rainbow groups going to residential homes to sing etc. especially at this time of year. Nigel encouraged the faith groups to think about how we can connect the teenagers to the older generation.
Nigel would like to know what ideas the faith communities have put in place. Please feedback information.
13. Personalization of Health and Social Care Services – Gemma Lewis (LBBD)
Gemma Lewis did not attend.
14. Equality Impact Assessment – Jyoti Nayar (LBBD)
Jyoti Nayar addressed the Faith Forum about Skills Learning Employment.
Job shops are located in Green Lane, Vicarage Field Shopping Centre in Barking and in the Dagenham Mall. They are conducting an Impact Assessment on the Job Shops taking into consideration age, gender, ethnicity etc. and would like to find out opinions on the shops, whether they are accessible, visible and what people think of the Job services.
Joyti will send information to Neeta who will pass it on to Faith Forum members.
Handouts were given out.
15. Any other matters and date of next meeting
David Carter NHS stated that they were offering free dental health checks. He had vouchers and posters to distribute.
At present his department are operating from the Clockhouse in Barking and are refurbishing the building. They would like to add a prayer/quiet room in the building and would like any advice, suggestions or comments on this new facility.
Nigel added this prayer/quiet room in a NHS office building was great news and a good idea.
Neeta will email information.
Nigel Schultz mentioned that some of the faith groups in Barking college were not members of the Faith Forum. During the ‘Open Talks’ event during Interfaith week on a couple of occasions some were preaching about their faith. This is a concern especially when dealing with young people.
Roger stated that he thought by the end of the week it was quite harmonious between all the faith groups taking part.
Monica Needs suggested that we put a protocol together of how representatives conduct themselves at events such as Interfaith week. The committee will discuss this further.
Nigel encouraged faith groups to visit the website
www.barkinganddagenhamfaithforum.viviti.com
We would like to see more pictures of faith buildings and opening times on the website.
Paula Watson stated that the Christian Party will be holding a meeting to discuss the 2010 election. The British National Party are standing candidates locally and Nick Griffin the leader of the BNP will be standing in Barking. The Christian Party would like to address the implications on faith groups and to the Faith Forum if BNP support continues to grow and what we can do to encourage our faith communities to vote.
Paula will inform everyone of meeting once it has been confirmed. All faith leaders and organisations are invited to this meeting for discussions.
Roger Gayler added that it is important that this issue is addressed and should be put on the Faith Forum agenda.
However, there was concern as to how much the Faith Forum should be involved regarding the 2010 elections. This will be discussed further by the executive committee.
Next meeting will be the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 28th January 2009 @ Barking Learning Centre 6.30-8.30pm
Minutes of Barking and Dagenham Faith Forum meeting
Date: Thursday 24th September 2009
Location: Barking Town Hall, Chambers
Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Attendees:
This is Blank for confidentiality.
- 1. Welcome & Introductions
Nigel Schultz chaired the meeting and welcomed all attendees. Introductions were given.
- 2. Apologies
Kristyna Hebb Methodist Church
Mike Barrett Kingsley Hall Church
- 3. Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 23rd July and matters arising
No matters arising and minutes were approved with no corrections.
- 4. Chief Superintendent Matt Bell of Barking and Dagenham Police
Nigel welcomed Matt Bell on behalf of the Faith Forum.
Matt addressed the forum with thanks for the warm welcome since he has been in post since July 2009. He stated that there are challenging times ahead regards to crime and developing partnerships within the borough. Matt stated he will ensure that we have an open and inclusive community including the faith community. The faith leaders and communities can highlight issues before they escalate, if there are any concerns then please do not hesitate to contact Matt, Vicky Golledge or Nick Hancock. The police hope to have a good working relationship with the Faith Forum and individuals. Matt added that he is available to visit organisations and attend events in the borough.
Matt and Vicky gave there apologies as they had to leave for another meeting.
- 5. Health Trainers Report
Nigel reported that the Health Trainers are keeping busy and the recent report is available if anyone would like to have a copy – ask Neeta.
Regarding the flu pandemic, some faith groups have changed procedures in their places of worship. It has been said that there may be another bout of flu casualties during the winter months. Therefore, if there were an excessive number of deaths, could we cope as a borough regards to religious burials. There is already a shortage of cemeteries in East London and due to lack of space, cremations may increase. This may be a problem as some faith communities do not cremate bodies.
It is very important that all the faith communities discuss this issue and are aware of the concerns. Please feedback to the faith forum once you have addressed this.
David Carter added that he has a new Swine Flu leaflet which states who is eligible for the vaccine and the general flu vaccine information. It was agreed that he will email Neeta the leaflet for her to distribute as there were not enough to give out.
- 6. Development of Peace week in September and future plans
Peace week is going well so far this week starting with the Peace Launch at Sydney Russell School. The young people performed and council leaders attended as well as some representatives from the faith forum. Doves were released as a sign of peace and partnership and a lunch was put on for all attendees. On Wednesday an event was held in Barking Town Square. The Salvation Army band kicked off the afternoon of events. There were speakers and then children from the local primary schools performed a few songs in the square.
NHS Barking & Dagenham (formerly known as the Primary Care Trust -PCT) have produced the leaflet for us to give out on during this Peace Week about messages of peace.
The awards dinner took place last night and the Volunteer of the Year award went to Rita Giles from Barking and Dagenham.
- 7. The Peace Walk and the plans for involvement
Neeta organised a peace tree in the square where individuals could write a prayer or thought and hang it on the tree. The tree will also be at St Margaret’s Church for the peace walk on Saturday.
The Mosque will be holding a family funday on Saturday and we will stop there for refreshments on the peace walk.
Please email people to connect to the facebook page and encourage them to come along us on the peach walk.
Help is needed ho help organise the tree on Saturday and to transport the peace tree from St Cedd’s Church to St Margaret’s Church on Saturday.
- 8. Faith week in November and the involvement of faith buildings
National Inter-faith week takes place on 15th – 21st November 2009. The theme is called ‘open faith’ and we would like faith buildings in the borough to have open house during the week and to hold open talks. We would like as many faith communities as possible to participate in the week.
Harjinder Singh from the National Council of Faith and Beliefs has been asked by Faith and Belief in Barking College to organise an event.
Harjinder stated that the aim is to give spiritual support and promote faith literacy even within faith groups. It’s important to promote links across the different faiths and ensure the work fits in to the government’s agenda.
The event will from around 11am – 3pm in Barking College where different faith groups will have tables where they can give out information and engage with the young people and answer questions. Some of the questions the young people ask can be quite difficult to answer, so be prepared.
We need the faith communities to commit to having a table at the College on the 18th November during the Inter-faith week.
Nigel stated that at the committee meeting it was agreed that we could invest in some banners that can be sold on to the faith groups to put on their building during the week.
- 9. Feedback from the Stronger Borough Board
Nothing to report.
- 10. Places of Worship on Barking Riverside
Brian Endacott stated that the first Church building will be connected to the new primary school. It will be connected to the hall by a divider. There will be a reception area; however there will not be any access from the road. There will be a door at the rear of the church for funeral access.
The Anglicans are funding a worker for the Church and the Methodist Church will be purchasing a 4 bedroom town house.
The second worship building will be a site that provides for the community; however we are not sure what the community will be. If anyone is interested on this build please submit a business case to Nigel Schultz.
- 11. Multimedia & computer training day
Nigel stated that there was not much uptake for the training and Nigel had another engagement so the training was cancelled. The multimedia training will now take place on Tuesday 13th October 10.00am-3.00pm at the Salvation Army. The cost will be £15 which will need to be paid in advance. The attendee will receive an USB key with information and lunch will be provided. Please bring a laptop.
Contact Nigel or Neeta to book a place.
- 12. Faith Forum meetings – monthly meetings
A number of people have requested midweek faith forum meetings so it was discussed at the committee meeting. It has been decided that we will hold our first midweek meeting on 22nd October from 7.00pm – 9.00pm. The midweek meetings will be themed and it has been suggested that we discuss unemployment in the borough and Credit Union.
- 13. Christmas meal
The Christmas lunchtime meal will take place this year at Jazzies T-Bone Steak House in Becontree Avenue, Dagenham. Grace who takes care of the accounts in the office will take bookings - the cost of the meal is £5.00.
Nigel added that individuals have asked about any faith trips. If anyone has any suggestions then please email Nigel.
- 14. Any other business and date of next meeting
Monica Needs mentioned that Safeguarding training will take place next Monday 28th September at Ted Ball hall and on Tuesday at Village Community hall by Kellie Ann Fitzgerald.
It was also mentioned that the NHS would like feedback from the faith groups on services in the borough and there is a consultation form to complete. A representative is available to speak to the faith groups about this consultation.
Next meeting will be the evening Faith Forum on Thursday 22nd October 2009 @ Barking Town Hall 7.00pm-9.00pm.
The next Faith Forum after this will be a daytime meeting on Thursday 26th November 2009.
Date: Thursday 23rd July 2009
Location: Barking Town Hall, Chambers
Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Attendees:
Removed Names
- 1. Welcome & Introductions
Barrie Lazarus chaired the meeting and welcomed all attendees. Introductions were given.
- 2. Apologies
Nigel Schultz Salvation Army
Roger Gayler St Mark’s Church
David Pearson Christchurch
Mike Barrett Kingsley Hall Church
Monica Needs LBBD (sent a representative)
Linda Smith LBBD
PACT (Parent of Autistic Children Together)
- 3. Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 21st May and matters arising
No matters arising and minutes were approved.
- 4. Health Trainers
At present there are two Health Trainers as Fumi is on maternity leave. The Trainers are still taking bookings for autumn so if any faith groups would like a trainer visit your organisation then please let Neeta know.
Attendees were asked if people in their faith communities would be able to help those people suffering from Swine Flu.
Volunteers may be needed to collect medication on behalf of people who are infected. If you have names, please email Neeta.
- 5. New Staff
Neeta Kalagaratnam now works for the Faith Forum along with Grace who has taken on the accounts. This is the first time that the office has been fully staffed at the Salvation Army office to support Nigel.
Reminder for organisations to pay membership fees for this year.
- 6. Peace week in September
Peace week takes place this year on 21st September to 26th September.
Walkers and stewards are needed for the walk on Saturday. There is a legal requirement to have stewards and volunteers must be capable and confident in order to deal with unexpected situations.
Diane added that the Street Pastors will be volunteering. Please email Neeta if you can help to steward.
The PCT have offered to fund the printing of the leaflets. At present we are still waiting to confirm the text. This needs to be completed as soon as possible – speak to Nigel on this.
- 7. Inter Faith week in November
The Inter Faith week will run from the 15th – 21st November. Funding is available for the event, however a proposal is needed before funding can be given.
- 8. Feedback from Stronger Borough Board
Nigel Schultz is on the Stronger Borough board which has been discussing how faith groups work and promoting cohesion.
- 9. Places of worship on Barking Riverside
The first worship build is scheduled to be completed in September 2011 and the second in 2013. There has not been any decision made on design of the second building yet.
- 10. Feedback from Consultation Day
Twelve people from the Faith groups participated in the PCT Consultation day. David Carter stated that the Equality Impact assessments are required by law and cover 18 services. This consultation day was to find out what could be done to improve services. The day was a success with approximately 60 people in attendance. Feedback is starting to come in from the groups.
The Faith Forum will receive £160 for taking part in the Consultation day once feedback is sent in.
- 11. Multimedia & computer training day
Nigel is organising another training day after the success of previous training. The next session will hopefully take place on Tuesday 22nd September. If anyone is interested in attending please contact Nigel or Neeta. It is to be confirmed if the training will take place in the day or evening.
- 12. Faith Forum meetings – monthly meetings
Barrie stated that it has been suggested whether the faith forum should meet monthly instead of bi-monthly. The executive committee have not made a decision on this and therefore would like feedback from the full faith forum. Please send replies to Neeta at the office, it was suggested that Neeta email this request to all organisations.
- 13. Christmas meal
The Christmas lunchtime meal will take place this year at Jazzies T-Bone Steak House in Becontree Avenue, Dagenham. Grace in the office will take bookings and the cost of the meal is £5.00.
- 14. 7/7 Remembrance Day
Nigel attended the 7/7 Remembrance day and it was well attended.
- 15. Street Pastors
Diane Augustine addressed the forum and stated that the Street Pastors are in need of more volunteers. Diane is available to speak at local churches to inform them of the work of the Street Pastors and how people can get involved. It was agreed that Neeta will send an email to the local churches.
- 16. Inter Faith Network
The Inter Faith Network is a national body and we have now become members. As previously stated we will take part in the Faith week in November.
- 17. Social Care and the role of faith representatives
Cancelled – coming to next meeting.
- 18. Invitation to participate in the Lift Molten Festival
Nicky Peto, the producer of LIFT is working together with Molten festival to put on the 11 day events programme. There will be an outdoor theatre event, choirs, tours etc. There will also be a debate which will be hosted in the mobile tent on Abbey Green. Meetings and conversation as well as arts will also take place in the tent during the event. They are looking for 6 speakers on why they believe the arts festival is important. Examples are, what’s the point of the festival – bringing people together, looking at issues, etc.
It was suggested that Jonathan Evens, a former chair of the faith forum, be contacted as he has done pioneering work on the arts in the borough.
The festival takes place on 21st – 31st August and the debate will be on 26th August.
If you are interesting in taking part please contact Neeta and she will forward details to Nicky.
- 19. PACT (Parents of Autistic Children Together)
Cancelled – will come to next meeting.
- 20. Any other business
NHS
David Carter spoke to the forum about the Single Equality Scheme which is a document that forms part of the Equality Partnership Group.
The scheme establishes a set of integrated, general and specific duties to positively promote equality across all equality areas and human rights including faith communities.
David acknowledged that faith groups offer good services regarding mental health. Faith groups were asked if they give counselling or support to people suffering from mental health the NHS would like to know of the service so they can work with you. David Carter will send an email to Neeta regarding this.
Metropolitan Police
Vicky Golledge stated that Matt Bell has joined borough as the new Super Intendent. He hopes to attend the executive committee meeting to introduce himself and discuss any community issues.
Broadway Theatre
Cheryl Perkins from the Broadway Theatre addressed the forum about their community programmes with a focus on diversity. November 2008 was the launch of the community production which was across 4 boroughs. Since January they have been working and have the first draft of the production which consists of people from different cultures and with disabilities. The production is called ‘Journey’ and Cheryl would like to invite people from faith groups to join the core group.
There is a set design meeting for 16+ and adults and there are also family groups. After the project there will be 3 major performances at the end of August. Then there will be focus groups on what the public would like to see in future productions.
Faith groups are invited to the meetings or can come for a tour of the theatre. Leaflets were distributed.
Next meeting will be Thursday 24th September 2009 @ Barking Town Hall 2pm-4pm.
