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South Gloucestershire Faith and Beliefs forum |
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There is a programme of events for the year, which includes; working with young people, City of Sanctuary status for South Gloucestershire, local food production and the rearranged HIV/AIDS event. Please contact faithnetsouthwest for more details.
For more information about the Forum, see: www.southglosfaithforum.org.uk
The South Gloucestershire Faith & Belief Forum, with support from Faithnetsouthwest, has carried out an audit to discover exactly what faith groups across the area actually contribute to their communities. It shows that the people of South Gloucestershire benefit to the tune of over £2.5m annually in terms of support they receive from their local faith groups. That is the equivalent of 2 people working full-time in every council ward. Faith organisations are located in their communities and they know their patch and contribute to it. If you take a national average wage, nearly £1m worth of volunteering benefits communities. At least 4,000 people benefit from the services provided.
The audit shows the huge range of activities, providing services for vulnerable people, mums and toddlers, elderly people, youth groups, caring for the sick. There is also support on counselling, pregnancy, debt and transport issues.
Faith group buildings also offer a valuable community resource. Around 76% of those responding to the audit offered access to church buildings, halls and other buildings, with use being provided for the community, for cafes and counselling services.They are working in partnership, with 52% involved in ecumenical and interfaith activities; not just meeting to talk, but practical projects result from partnership.
The full report can be downloaded from here |
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Somerset Faith and Beliefs forum |
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The Somerset Faiths and Beliefs Forum has produced a mobile exhibition and accompanying DVD. The exhibition is designed to show the contribution people of faith make to the community of Somerset and break down prejudice and misunderstanding. It has been inspired by the Somerset Anne Frank Exhibition held in Taunton in March 2006 which had over 10,000 visitors from across the county and beyond.
The exhibition will be taken to Schools, colleges, community organisations, council offices, libraries, health centres, any location where the public might gather.
There are five panels, four of which features young people from a particular faith group, which include quotes on what faith means to them and how it can help create better relations between people in the community. Copies of the DVD are available to purchase.
The Forum has already received sponsorship and funding from a number of bodies including the Somerset County Council, Avon and Somerset Police, Somerset Churches Together and Somerset College of Arts and Technology have produced the first set of exhibition materials and graphic design free.
For more information on the Forum see: www.somersetfaithforum.org.uk |
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Bath and North East Somerset faith forum |
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The Forum, supported by Faithnetsouthwest, has just carried out a faith audit (survey) of the community work of faith groups in Bath and North East Somerset.
Its report, Faith Action Audit 2010, has found that faith based groups and organisations play a vital role in the community life of Bath and North East Somerset. Throughout the district some 5,300 volunteers contribute about 5,600hours of community based activity a week – estimated to be worth £3,600,000 a year.
Now politicians are being urged to allow the different groups’ views on social, political and ethical issues to influence the local political decision making process.
The report found B&NES is predominately Christian (98%) though other groups included Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Sikh.
It said although there is evidence that people’s faith acts as a strong motivator for their volunteering activities, it should not be seen as proselytising but a genuine commitment to their community.
Amongst its several recommendations, the report said the Bath and North East Somerset Local Strategic Partnership should recognise the faith organisations’ contribution and acknowledge it in the Sustainable Community Strategy.
It urged B&NES Council to build strong relationships with faith organisations and the practical projects and services they deliver and make more resources available to them. It also suggested a named council officer should be identified to work with the communities.
It suggested the Faith Forum itself should promote itself better, work closely with the Council, promote funding opportunities along with the Council, identify local resources to help Faith Communities develop their work and promote examples of good practice.
The full report can be downloaded from here |
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Bristol Multifaith Forum: We are working with the Forum to try to secure funding to conduct a faith audit in Bristol. For more information contact: www.bmff.org.uk
Cornwall Faith Forum: Contact Andrew Yates, Social Responsibility Officer, Diocesan House, Kenwyn, Truro, Cornwall. TR1 1JQ Tel: Direct line (01872) 247213 or Diocesan House (01872) 274351 e-mail
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Devon Faiths Forum: www.devonfaiths.org.uk
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