Contact: Jane Goodwin 8 252 8823, [email protected] /Colin Poynter 8 200 6246 [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 This report provides information in support of the request for funding to support project work of the Youth Interfaith Forum and the Faith and Communities Network..

1.2 This decision supports Aims 1, 4 & 5 of the Corporate Strategy, namely; Maximising Life Opportunities, Building Strong and Safe Communities and Improving Services

2 Background

2.1 The National SACRE is encouraging local Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education groups to consider issues around social cohesion in their work. An amount of money has been set aside to support local initiatives that promote dialog between young people on issues of faith. Hampshire SACRE has made a bid for this money to support a proposal to develop a Youth Interfaith Forum in the County. The success of the bid is dependent on support from the County Council. This support has been provided from Cabinet Members and Council Officers, in particular the Youth Service and this report seeks financial support.

2.2. A Faith and Communities Network is being developed involving adults from a range of faith groups across the County. The first meeting was held on 14^th January and over 60 people from a range of faiths groups attended. The need for young people to be involved was identified as a key aim.

2.3 It is fortunate that both of these initiatives have started at the same time although being developed by different parts of the Council. Steps will be taken to ensure that clear links are developed between these groups and this bid for financial support is one of those steps

3 Supporting project working

3.1 The Youth forum will be a sub group of the Youth Council and staff in the Youth Service will support the development of the forum. Development of the adult Faith and Communities Network is being led by Mohammed Mossadaq, Race Policy Adviser. Although the Council has instigated the network it will be run by the members and be an independent community group. There are external funding streams that such networks can apply for and financial support from the County Council will help to secure this.

3.2. Once they have been established there are a number of ideas and projects which have been identified by both the groups and these will require financial support.

3.3 Examples of projects:

· The development of a faith and culture website and newsletter

· An MSN open forum to encourage discussion of significant topics and issues

· A calendar of religious festivals and events to raise awareness of the significance of these

· A video/CD Rom about local faith communities

· Meetings at the University of Winchester managed by students to debate socio-cultural issues from differing faith and cultural perspectives

· Sporting and other cultural initiatives through music and dance to encourage awareness and integration

· Visits to places of worship and places of artistic, historical and intercultural interest in relation to faith

· Events that raise awareness of issues: refugees, immigration and asylum seekers

· Developing school networks on inter-faith issues, especially between schools with different types of catchment areas, within Hampshire and within neighbouring urban areas.

· Workshops to share faith and cultural experiences

3.4 It is proposed that any funds allocated would be held in a central budget. A panel of three Council officers would receive bids for funding support and each group will have to apply for funds for specific projects. Clear criteria will be set, each project will need to show that it meets the objectives of the group.

Youth Interfaith Forum aims to:

· Inform and develop Hampshire County Youth Council, Hampshire SACRE and through existing links the Hampshire Strategic Partnership

· Address and challenge stereotypes of faith adherence

· Address issues of exclusion, vulnerability and social cohesion

Hampshire Faith and Communities Network aims:

_ To encourage and promote the knowledge and understanding of beliefs and practices of religious faiths and denominations, recognising common ground between the religions and their unique characteristics.

_ To consult and co-operate in social and racial issues and other matters of material concern

_ To sustain community harmony and strengthen Hampshire society/agencies

_ To open channels of communication between various faith communities and the wider public

_ To enhance understanding of issues faced by different faith communities

3.5 These arrangements will be reviewed annually to ensure that funds are being effective in achieving set objectives.

4 Legal implications

4.1 None.

5 Financial implications

6.1 Funds are requested to support specific projects. Staff time is to be committed through the Youth Service. This is to be reviewed annually to ensure that the funds are meeting the agreed objectives.

6 Personnel implications

6.1 None

7 Impact assessment

7.1 This action has been identified as a result of an impact assessment of the Corporate Strategy. There is evidence of involvement of Churches Together which is a Christian based forum. This means that there is no mechanism in place for the Council to hear the views of other faith groups. The work to develop the Faith and Communities Network has identified that the voice of young people must be heard and to assist this the Council is supporting the development of the Youth Interfaith Forum which is proposed by SACRE.

8 Crime prevention issues

8.1 The outcome of the work of interfaith dialog is to enhance mutual respect and understanding between faith communities. National SACRE has been mindful of recent community tension in Bradford and therefore see the work with young people as key to improving social cohesion. Therefore this work will service to improve community relations.

9 Views of the Local County Councillor

10.1 This proposal has full support of Councillor David Kirk and Councillor Roy Perry

Recommendations

That funding of £10,000 per annum for five years be approved to support specific projects associated with the work of the Youth Interfaith Forum and the Faith and Communities Network

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background documents

The following documents discuss facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and have been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB: the list excludes

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

None