Faith groups seek regional policy role in northwest England

-22/01/06

Paul Goggins MP,


Faith groups seek regional policy role in northwest England

-22/01/06

Paul Goggins MP, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the UK Home Office has joined members from faith communities across northwest England to mark the official inauguration of the Northwest Forum of Faiths, reports Independent Catholic News.

The idea has been to create an advisory body to ensure that faith communities across the region are consulted on key regional concerns alongside other civic groups.

The forum is supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), and will comprise of 24 individuals representing the nine major world faith communities from every part of the region.

The NWDA has conducted significant research to measure the contribution faith communities make to the northwest. Findings revealed that they play a key role in offering social care and support to vulnerable members of society and stimulate unrivalled levels of volunteering, as well as being important custodians of the region’s built heritage.

The reports also found that faith communities contribute up to £94.9 million per annum to the regional economy and attract 697,114 visitors to the region.

The Northwest Forum of Faiths has been established as part of the Agency’s commitment to taking forward relations with faith groups in the region.

The forum will enable government and other statutory bodies to consult with faith communities on regional issues, ensuring that they are able to effectively respond to regional initiatives.

The inauguration of the Forum took place at St Augustine’s New Avenham Centre in Preston.

Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, said: ìFaith communities make a valuable contribution to the social and economic development of the region. Through their infrastructure and volunteer work, they play a key role in the drive to improve our local communities and create social cohesion.î

He continued: ìUtilising the experience and resources of faith communities in delivering services will make a significant difference to the region’s quality of life and it is therefore vital that they are fully consulted on regional issues. The NWDA recognises faith communities as key stakeholders in the region’s future and I am delighted to support the Northwest Forum of Faiths, which will ensure that faith communities are effectively engaged in regional initiatives.î

Mgr John Devine, Churches Officer for the northwest, said: ìAccording to the 2001 census eight out of ten people in the northwest identify themselves as being a member of a faith community.î


Faith groups seek regional policy role in northwest England

-22/01/06

Paul Goggins MP, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the UK Home Office has joined members from faith communities across northwest England to mark the official inauguration of the Northwest Forum of Faiths, reports Independent Catholic News.

The idea has been to create an advisory body to ensure that faith communities across the region are consulted on key regional concerns alongside other civic groups.

The forum is supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), and will comprise of 24 individuals representing the nine major world faith communities from every part of the region.

The NWDA has conducted significant research to measure the contribution faith communities make to the northwest. Findings revealed that they play a key role in offering social care and support to vulnerable members of society and stimulate unrivalled levels of volunteering, as well as being important custodians of the region’s built heritage.

The reports also found that faith communities contribute up to £94.9 million per annum to the regional economy and attract 697,114 visitors to the region.

The Northwest Forum of Faiths has been established as part of the Agency’s commitment to taking forward relations with faith groups in the region.

The forum will enable government and other statutory bodies to consult with faith communities on regional issues, ensuring that they are able to effectively respond to regional initiatives.

The inauguration of the Forum took place at St Augustine’s New Avenham Centre in Preston.

Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, said: ‘Faith communities make a valuable contribution to the social and economic development of the region. Through their infrastructure and volunteer work, they play a key role in the drive to improve our local communities and create social cohesion.’

He continued: ‘Utilising the experience and resources of faith communities in delivering services will make a significant difference to the region’s quality of life and it is therefore vital that they are fully consulted on regional issues. The NWDA recognises faith communities as key stakeholders in the region’s future and I am delighted to support the Northwest Forum of Faiths, which will ensure that faith communities are effectively engaged in regional initiatives.’

Mgr John Devine, Churches Officer for the northwest, said: ‘According to the 2001 census eight out of ten people in the northwest identify themselves as being a member of a faith community.’