One Community
The ‘One Community’ event brought together a range of people from different faiths and cultures; Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindu’s, Sikhs and secular citizens, all with one common objective: the future of our young people.
Building Bridges
The aim of Building Bridges was to promote respect, understanding and tolerance between different social groups by holding a series of competitions and meetings between ‘elders’, young people, police, politicians (local councillors) and faith representatives. ACF facilitated the interaction between these groups.
These forums were designed to encourage openness, honesty and non-judgmental attitudes and to allow young people to express their concerns freely in their own space, where they felt comfortable. These forums were held in a highly critical environment and it was obvious that tempers would flare in the political and security climate at the time. ACF’s partners kept the peace by allowing the young people to vent their frustration in a controlled environment, and the event was described as “groundbreaking” by many participants.
The Waltham Forest Borough Lead Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Protection, Councillor Barry Smith, expressed his view, saying:
“Events such as these help to break down barriers, clear up misunderstandings, and teach respect of different viewpoints. Actions always speak louder than words, and by our different communities doing things together, real progress is being made, towards a calmer, more respectful society.”
Safer Neighbourhoods Discussion Groups
ACF hosted discussions between the MPS Safer Neighbourhood police teams and local young people.
The meetings were aimed at discussing Asian gang culture, raising questions about high value vehicle crimes; money laundering and anti social behaviour locally, as well as the methods employed in operational policing and the approach of officers towards young Muslims.
This allowed both sides to express their concerns and utilise the debate as a learning curve.
Chief Inspector Ian Larnder (ACPO Counter-Terrorism) stated:
"Events such as this are welcomed and it is a sign of the strong community contacts that have been built between the Safer Neighbourhood team and those predominantly young Muslims in Waltham Forest. It gives great opportunity for informal debate about many issues and it contributes significantly to promoting understanding, openness and respect."