Catholic projects receive community awards at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey award ceremony - Image by Faith & Belief Forum

Source: Faith & Belief Forum

Caritas Bakhita House and the Companions' Cafe and Donation Hub run by the Companions of the Order of Malta, were among
London's unsung heroes celebrated at the London Faith & Belief Community Awards ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 23 November. The Awards highlight the vital work of London's faith and belief communities by bringing together local heroes and shining a light on their inspirational work.

300 people attended the ceremony at Westminster Abbey which saw 38 projects given awards in categories ranging from Environmental sustainability to Community resourcefulness in response to Covid-19.

This was the first time the event has been held at Westminster Abbey, and the ceremony brought together people from across London who work for harmony and inclusion in their communities. In addition to the 38 projects given awards, the achievements of inspiring individuals were recognised, and the great work of a further 60 projects highlighted.

The Awards are an initiative of the Faith & Belief Forum and supported by Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Greater London's Council on Faith. The Awards were set up to demonstrate how Londoners of all faiths and beliefs can work together for a fairer and more inclusive city. Each winning project receives £500 to further their work.

Phil Champain, the Director of the Faith & Belief Forum, said: Faith and belief groups are at the centre of community life in London, providing vital services and support to those in need and a strong sense of belonging to their members and beneficiaries. We believe that the power of collaborative faith and belief based social action needs to be supported, recognised, and celebrated."

Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, said: "This event is about saying thank you to those who help to increase Londoners sense of belonging through their actions and principles. At the heart of this is faith, which gives so many of us our sense of identity and duty. The amazing projects celebrated through this scheme, show us how faith teaches selflessness and strength. These are values that need to be projected and I am glad that by supporting the London Faith & Belief Community Awards we do just this."

A full list of award winners follows:

Community resourcefulness in response to Covid-19

CCC. Amazing Grace Ministry
Chinese Information and Advice Centre
London Islamic Cultural Society
Go Dharmic
Gurdwara SGSS Hounslow
Gurseva
Hot Line Meals Service
Jain Vishwa Bharati London
Jewish Care
Romanian Foodbank-RCCT
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury
Supporting Humanity
The Paperweight Trust

Environmental sustainability

Keeping It Wild
Vine Goes Green (Vine URC Church Ilford)
Young Christian Climate Network

Health and wellbeing

Brent Indian Community Centre
Brent Multi Faith Forum
Central Mosque of Brent's Community Health Project
Club Soda
Companions' Cafe and Donation Hub
Croydon Nightwatch
Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association (HASWA)
Jeevan Organ & Blood Donation
Mandhata Youth and Community Association
Peckham Pantry - PECAN
The Redeemed Assemblies Trust
World Shirdi Sai Baba Organisation (UK) - Food Seva Project

Inspiring youth
Come Out Of Hiding - The Lighthouse Network CIC
Growing Hope Brockley
Island of Heroes - Neasden Temple
James Ross Hunter Youth Support CIC
Project ImpACT
Steps to Success Academy/Pas cu Pas
Write Back
Znaniye Foundation

Supporting women
Bakhita House

Inspirational individuals
Imam Tajudeen Salami
Kunlé Oyedeji
Ishaan Shah

The Faith & Belief Forum has worked for 25 years to build good relations between people of all faiths and beliefs, and to create a society where difference is celebrated. Its vision is a connected and supportive society where people of different faiths, beliefs and cultures have strong and lasting relations. The organisation creates spaces in schools, universities, workplaces, and the wider community where people from different faith and belief backgrounds can meet and learn from each other.

LINKS

Caritas Bakhita House: www.caritaswestminster.org.uk/bakhita-house.php

Order of Malta Companions: www.orderofmalta.org.uk/companions/

Faith & Belief Forum: https://faithbeliefforum.org/