FACES Update on our Summer Conference 2023

PART 2 with Cricket East and Wicketz Luton Nigel meets over 2 podcasts with Amran Malik and Nauman Javaid and a group for their young coaches to discuss how the sport of cricket is being used to bring protection to young people. In this podcast we discuss how sport can be a powerful tool in helping young people overcome difficulties that they face. For more information of both Cricket East and Wicketz and the hope they give into young lives can be found here:  http://www.cricketeast.co.uk/ https://www.lordstaverners.org/programme-information/luton-wicketz/ 

Nigel meets over 2 podcasts with Amran Malik and Nauman Javaid to discuss how the sport of cricket is being used to bring protection to young people. In this podcast we discuss how sport can be a powerful tool in helping young people overcome difficulties that they face. For more information of both Cricket East and Wicketz and the hope they give into young lives can be found here:  http://www.cricketeast.co.uk/ https://www.lordstaverners.org/programme-information/luton-wicketz/ 

Nigel and Maria discuss the work she heads up within Noah Enterprise with people seeking asylum and refugees. She discusses the charity's wholistic approach to working with people which cares for the whole person. You can find out more about the work of Noah Enterprise from their website: https://noahenterprise.org/ 

Nigel discusses the work of Squared in Luton with Pauline and Nahida who are part of their work with people seeking asylum and refugees.  They discuss how people need more than just bricks and how they work to see people empowered and gaining skills to to live their best life. You can find out more about the work of Squared here: https://www.squared.org.uk 

Nigel (FACES) and Melissa (FACES and The Courtney Foundation) discuss with Peter and Linda the work taking place at Hightown Baptist Church with people claiming asylum and refugees. They discuss the importance of collaboration and how working together can be very beneficial. Hightown Baptist Church run a coffee morning every Monday 9.30am-12pm that's open to all. They also host FoodCycle Luton who provide free meals every Tuesday at 6pm - no referral needed (Hightown Baptist Church, Reginald Street, Luton, LU2 7QZ) You can find out more about Hightown Baptist and their work here: http://hightownbaptistchurch.org.uk/ and more about The Courtney Foundation here: https://thecourtneyfoundation.org/ 

Melissa and Nigel hear about the support Discover Islam provide to local refugees and people claiming asylum. Abderrahmane Mezdidioua, Translator and Coordinator, explains that better understanding of the asylum systems and improved housing conditions are common types of help that people ask for. He also reminds us about the lasting friendships being made and that we shouldn't view refugees/people claiming asylum as separate from our community - they are part of our community just like everyone else. Find out more about Discover Islam at: https://www.discover-islam.org.uk/ For clear and translated details on asylum processes visit: https://righttoremain.org.uk/  

Melissa and Nigel meet with Revd David Kesterton (Area Dean of Luton) to hear about All Saints and St Peters Church and their initiative to help people who are seeking asylum. This includes an art display in Luton Central Library. You can find out more about how to help by contacting David on [email protected] or their website www.allsaintpeter.org.uk 

Melissa and Nigel discuss our Summer Conference- Safeguarding Together and some of the people who will be attending. It's been several years since we last hosted a FACES conference (pre-pandemic) and we're looking forward to the discussions this year! We'll be introducing new training and research opportunities, listening to local school leaders and representatives about the context of safeguarding in Luton and offering a space for discussion and questions focusing on young people's safety and wellbeing. You can find out more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/faces-summer-conference-2023-safeguarding-together-tickets-652897543127  Hope to see you there!

Peter, Lucie, Tony, Melissa and Nigel discuss their thoughts around a current ongoing investigation into a key Christian Leader Mike Pilavachi. They discuss the investigation and also what can be learned by organisations and churches from what is emerging. They discuss accountability, charisma, good practice and how difficult it may have been for people to to come forward. As a Muslim and Christian Charity they also discuss lessons that can be learned wider than one religion. Discussions also look at how when issues arise like this it is important for survivors voices to be heard rather than the focus being the protecting  the organisation.  This is an ongoing investigation and so although there are no conclusions made it is important to discuss these complex and painful issues rather than stay silent. Some of our discussion touches on articles and useful websites you can find these below: https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-news-releases/statement-national-safeguarding-team-and-diocese-st-albans   https://www.soulsurvivorwatford.co.uk/latestupdates   https://www.youthscape.co.uk/services/youth-work-news/as-a-youth-leader-how-do-i-respond-to-the-investigation-into-mike-pilavachi https://mindandsoulfoundation.org/Articles/662634/Mind_and_Soul/Articles/When_your_faith_in_the_church_or_its_leaders_is.aspx   If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by this news and want to talk to someone independently, please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056.

Nigel and Melissa discuss the UK Illegal Migration Bill as it moves from the House of Commons to the House of Lords. The Bill seeks to change how people seeking asylum are processed and aims to prevent people arriving in the Uk through non sanctioned routes by firm action. There is much debate around the bill and what it could do to vulnerable people and its arresting of unaccompanied minors. The Bill was opposed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and many other religious organisations. You can watch the discussion in the Lords here: https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/4fb77d13-3188-4d77-8b91-fd57af95afea or read the full bill in its present form here: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3429 the Book referring to victorian classification is https://www.amazon.co.uk/Myth-Undeserving-Poor-Christian-Response/dp/1781488754