We have been working with women in the Borough of Waltham Forest on a Safeguarding and Solidarity project that engages with women in the Borough who have young children between the ages of 14-25. Many parents today have concerns about what their young people are engaging with on-line, the dangerous attractions of gangs and individuals who may build influence over young people, or the pulls of international incidents like Syria and how it draws in young people.

We know that parenting, good communication and engagement with young people is one way in building their resilience against influences that may be detrimental to their lives. Gangs and the on-line world, pose just a few challenges to young people who are growing up in a fast moving, challenging and dynamic world. Whilst we are aware that the vast majority of parents and their children will not be adversely affected by such issues, there are a small number of young people who may be drawn to issues such as international conflicts which excite them. The allure of travelling to a foreign place, being able to do what you want, handling items that will be illegal in the UK and being surrounded by danger may seem appealing to a small number of young people, though the reality is that for the rest of their lives, such young people may be tainted by the decisions they take now. Some may even, sadly, lose their lives in the process.

This is why this work around safeguarding is important and why we will believe, the mothers and parents in Waltham Forest can be a beacon for others. In Walthamstow for example, we know that the cultural vibrancy of the area means that young people are influenced by a variety of factors in the area, many of them positive. Yet, there are also influences that can be detrimental to their lives.

Over the next 12 months, we will be engaging with women in the Borough of Waltham Forest and in key areas like Walthamstow, on a range of topics which include the strengths and dangers of the on-line world and the topics that we have mentioned earlier. Additionally, if you are interested in being part of the steering group for this project, do contact the Director of Faith Matters, Fiyaz Mughal OBE on info@faith-matters.org. A statement on the project from the Director, Fiyaz Mughal, can be found below:

“Some of the best drivers for change in communities are women and mothers and in today’s increasingly information rich and globalised society, young people are having greater challenges than generations before, in terms of what may influence them. We know that some young people have vulnerabilities and that some groups of people or charismatic individuals may choose to use these vulnerabilities by drawing in young people through messages that may resonate with them and which are re-enforced by their vulnerabilities”

“We owe young people a better future by guiding and supporting them through their parents and especially though their mothers. This is why the Waltham Forest Women’s Safeguarding and Solidarity project is so important to us and please feel free to download the booklet guide for parents that we have developed and which is listed above. Download it and read through the booklet and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

The Our Faiths and Our Shared Futures booklet is the culmination of 1 years work with imams, priests and rabbis in Derby. The booklet looks at scriptural narratives that underscore the need for (1) the respect of difference (2) the protection of life (3) countering extremism.

The booklet is made up of the work of many within the City and is a local narrative against division and extremism and against those who want to separate communities. Faith Matters worked with local religious leaders in looking at relevant religious texts in relation to the themes above and also facilitated interfaith meetings. The text was then edited by local young people in Derby and Faith Matters faciliated and supported local Derby young people in putting together the booklet. This is a booklet developed by local residents in Derby to tackle issues of extremism. Truly Big Society in Action!

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