Faith and the Community - Consultations with Faith Communities

Registering as a Charity

The Charity Commission has established a Faith and Social Cohesion Unit (FSCU) as a dedicated team who will work with and support the faith-based sector. We're currently working specifically with the largest minority faith community in the UK - the Muslim community. Islam is now the UK 's second largest religion and the fastest growing single faith group in the country. We want to encourage faith organisations to register as charities and enjoy the many benefits of registration. We also want to support those already registered by offering guidance and advice to promote high standards of governance and accountability.

We have identified and surveyed Mosques across the regions and worked in partnership with umbrella organisations and others to raise awareness of the benefits of registration and how to meet legal requirements through various tailored events and workshops. As well as encouraging registration, our work also focuses on promoting good governance. We are holding a series of free regional governance workshops over the coming months and have held specific workshops for accountants and treasurers who work with faith-based charities. We hope to share the lessons learnt, provide helpful advice and good practice identified by the Faith and Social Cohesion Unit with all faith charities.

For further information on the FSCU's work visit our page on the Commission's website at www.charity-commission.gov.uk/tcc/faithsc.asp and if your organisation is interested in attending any of our events please contact the FSCU: FSCUinfo@charitycommission.gsi.gov.ukor on 0207 674 2442.

 

Lloyd Park Renewal Consultation

Waltham Forest Council is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore and renew Lloyd and Aveling Park (off Forest Road, Walthamstow). If the bid is successful, therell be new facilities, events & activities and new volunteering and education programmes.

Ellie Mortimer, the Community Project Co-ordinator is working to encourage more people to enjoy and benefit from their park. Ellie would like to meet faith group leaders, or send them a questionnaire. She wants to find out what events and activities different communities would like to see in their park and how to encourage people to use their park more.

If you'd like to help your community benefit from their park, please contact Ellie before 30th September: ellie.mortimer@walthamforest.gov.ukor0208 496 2822. A meeting or questionnaire would take no more than 30 minutes of your time.

The results of the interviews and questionnaires will be used to develop events, activities and volunteering that everyone can access and enjoy.

Lloyd Park can greatly improve the quality of peoples lives. Its a place for relaxation, play, fun, sport, nature and heritage. Its also a place for learning, getting work experience, making new friends, improving your wellbeing and getting fit.

For further information, please visit: www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/environment/parksrec/parks-op-spaces/parks/parks-lloyd.htm

Arcade Site Use Consultation

The former Arcade site -a large area near to Walthamstow Central tube station is being redeveloped by the council. The long term redevelopment plan includes provision for a fitness centre, cinema, hotel and family houses. While these plans are finalised and drawn up the council wants to know how you would like to use this temporary space. A short questionnaire can be found on the councils website at:

www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/environment/regeneration/walthamstow-regeneration/current-projects/walthamstow-arcade-site.htm