Faith Leaders and community groups from across the West Midlands gathered at Bescot Stadium in Walsall last week alongside civil leaders, local government, and public sectors bodies at an event organised by the West Midlands Combined Authority & Faith Strategic Partnership Group.
During the pandemic, there was a variety of collaboration between faith and community organisations and public sector bodies. This summit looked at how best to build on those collaborations and move forward with new networks and opportunities. Over 250 people attended the event including the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street.
Paul Latham from the Community Link in Cradley Heath hosted two workshops on ‘Feeding the Hungry’ alongside Adrian Lowe from the Love Dudley group of churches. This explored hunger and the cost-of-living crisis, existing provision and issues, providing dignity and choice and collaboration and effective working. Practical outcomes from the workshop will be fed into the West Midlands Combined Authority for action over the coming year.
Delegates to the event were able to attend a range of different workshops looking at issues such as homelessness, mental health, family hubs, warmth and welcome, developing young leaders and building healthy communities. There were also panel discussions on understanding the regional picture, the role of faith communities locally, and addressing health inequalities. The summit heard the voices of young people through an ‘imagine’ film.
The Mayor, Andy Street said: “During tough times, many people turn to their faith leaders and communities for help and guidance. We saw that very keenly during the pandemic when local faith groups made an incredible contribution in tackling Covid-19. Now, as communities face new issues, it’s important that our faith groups continue to help steer our region. This is a time when we urgently need to hear their voices.”
The summit aimed to leave delegates with clear ideas and actions of ways to work together to better serve communities.
