A quick, and long overdue update on this project.Now that the 80 page interim report has been submitted, time for a summary of where we have got to.
The story so far...
The Pan London faith and culture project brings together representatives across all the London boroughs. In practice about 12 of us meet monthly at the London Councils building to steer the project. Eight boroughs are delivering specific activities funded by the project - and I am managing the Barnet contribution - with a team of people from the local CVS (CommUNITY Barnet) and reporting to the Barnet Safeguarding Children Board.
The Barnet contribution covers a number of strands - testing materials with BME and faith groups in the borough, drawing in young people's views and working with supplementary schools. Alongside this we have delivered focus groups across professional and voluntary groups to determine the kinds of support and information that each need to engage with families of different cultures.
A few highlights so far (though as an 18 month project it is difficult to capture it all in a nutshell)...
Taking the safeguarding surgery on the road - Barnet has a local voluntary sector safeguarding adviser. Each month he holds a surgery so that groups and individuals can bring their issues to him for advice. This could be around policies or how to handle a possible safeguarding case, signposting for new information - or processing of CRBs at a much reduced rate. Under the umbrella of this project, the surgery has been "on the road" to faith hosts. So far Ayesha Community Education (school for Muslim girls) and the London Jewish Family Centre have hosted. In May the Redeemed Christian Church of God will host in Edgware.
Safeguarding awareness sessions have been delivered for Barnet's supplementary schools - with an amazing turnout. This is now moving on to create new safeguarding lead positions within each supplementary school - and we will start working with them from May. The focus will be on healthchecking current safeguarding practices, and developing new resources relevant to supplementary schools.
There have been some unusual experiences - delivery of a safeguarding awareness event in a room with a screen down the middle to separate men and women - so that the staff from Ayesha could all participate in the same event.
Some fabulous experiences - delivering a presentation on the project to the Victoria Climbe Foundation conference. Being part of the safeguarding month in Barnet.
Some disappointing experiences - the planned youth faith conference run by SACRE, but supported by the project, did not take place - due to poor numbers booking.
Overall the project has been designed in such a way that we are all learning from one another - across boroughs - with childrens safety right at the centre of everything we do. Projects covering witchcraft, spirit possession, FGM are also featured.
A lot more to say - so look out for more updates.
Please contact me for more information.
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