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SCOTLAND’S FIRST FAITH IN REGENERATION CONFERENCE

A major conference will showcase, for the first time, the contribution being made by faith communities to tackle poverty, inequality and help the regeneration of deprived areas.

Communities Scotland, in partnership with Faith in Community (Scotland), is hosting the event “What’s faith got to do with it?” on 5 September in Glasgow. It will involve six major faiths and look at the common ground shared by people working to build communities and improve lives .

Examples of the work of these diverse organisations and their impact will include:

* Richmond’s Hope – Richmond’s Hope is a child bereavement project based at the Richmond Craigmillar Church. The project works with young people who have suffered the loss of a parent, sibling or other close relative;

* Amina: Muslim Women’s Resource Centre – Amina’s main aims are to enable Muslim women to fully participate in society without having to compromise basic Islamic values and to ensure that they are able to access appropriate service and facilities;

* Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre ‘a place for people, a centre for all’ – The idea to create a centre for the people of Orbiston and St Andrews in Bellshill arose in 1991. The centre is now an essential part of the community offering day care for older people, a café, arts activities, volunteer programmes, IT facilities and out-of-school care for young people;

* Transformation Team – the Transformation Team is an organisation which helps faith communities in some of Glasgow’s poorest areas to become involved in their local community.

Ian Mitchell, director of community regeneration at Communities Scotland, said:

“This event is a first for Scotland and will allow faith groups the opportunity to show the worthwhile work they are doing within their communities to improve lives.

“Faith groups may have different perspectives in what they are doing but a clear common denominator exists – to help fellow citizens live and work together in improved communities.

“The event will bring people together for the first time in this way and hopefully inspire others with what they see on show.”

Martin Johnstone, executive director of Faith in Community Scotland, added:
“In today’s atmosphere of fear and mistrust the need for a greater understanding of what our faith communities are doing is of huge importance for us all.

“This gathering will be a celebration of much that people of faith are already doing in local communities across Scotland to tackle poverty and promote justice.”

“We also hope that it will mark a new stage in the conversation between faith communities and others concerned with making Scotland a better place for all its citizens to live in.”

The event will also include displays and music from around the world – from Chinese calligraphy to hand painting.

FURTHER INFORMATION

1. The day-long event will be held in the Royal Scottish Academy for Music and Drama, Glasgow on 5 September beginning at 0930. Following a welcome by Stephen Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, the event will be launched by Malcolm Chisholm, Minister for Communities.

2. For further information ring Martin Johnstone at Faith in Community (Scotland) on 07710 509061.

Communities Scotland was abolished on 1 April 2008. This is an archived site and the contents may no longer be accurate. If you are looking for information about housing and regeneration, please visit www.scotland.gov.uk For information about regulation and inspection, please visit www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk.