Faith Matters in West Sussex

Faith Matters in West Sussex took place on the 19th May, a pilot event promoting joint working with the Faith Sector and Voluntary and Community Sector. Over 50 organisations were represented.

Peter Bottomley, MP for West Worthing began with a key note address on the strengths of a multi-faith society and the advantages of joint working.

This was followed by question time, chaired by the Revd. Andrew Fadoju who chairs the Equality and Diversity Working Group. The panel was represented by;

• Imam Idris                          Worthing Islamic Society
• John Kelly                            Community Cohesion Officer
• Julia Carrette                       Chief Officer Worthing Council for Voluntary Service
• Maggie Simons                     Director Family Support
• Rev Nigel O'Dwyer                 Chair Churches Together for Worthing
• Sue Stevens                         Worthing Churches Homeless Project

Following on from the interactive question time, the spotlight was on;

• Street Pastors Worthing
• EESI project
• Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group
• Worthing Churches Homeless Project
• Food Bank
• Community Cohesion Officer
• Islamic Society
• Peaceworks

This gave everyone the opportunity to get a sense of faith groups in the Worthing area and the work that they do. It will help with ideas about how we might help each other in the future.

Feedback was very positive with people enjoying the chance to network and find out what is going on within our faiths in Worthing. Suggestions below for a future event should maybe be considered when planning the next event;

• Faith in context of health and wellbeing event
• Workshops and more networking time
• Inclusion of non-faith, belief-based speakers
• Invite the statutory bodies

This pilot event was very successful and plans are under way for an event in the North of the County, possibly East Grinstead in the near future. Please keep a look out on our website for more information.