Faiths Act

The SolidariTEA campaign coincided with our Christmas event so it was a perfect opportunity for young people of Leicester to show the true spirit of Christmas.

 On the 7^th of December we had 55 young people; from Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu faiths and those from humanist and secularist beliefs also who stood side by side in solidariTEA.

 The Leicester Interfaith Youth Hub set up in January 2010 using a Faiths Act approach. This movement has enabled young people to lead a grassroots multi-faith social action movement; working towards a more united Leicester.

 Raheema Caratella, Youth Engagement Worker at the St. Philip’s Centre in Leicester says:

 ‘The need for continuation of this work is crucial to challenge stereotypes and break down the barriers between faith groups.’

 The Hubs main focus is to strengthen relationships between communities by bringing together young people of different faiths to volunteer their time in the various community events and projects on offer.

 On the 7^th of Dec Hub members wanted to take the time out to give something back to a local homelessness project in their area. They all brought with them items of dry food and toiletries to make up hampers. As the Hub members wanted to go the extra mile to make it a little more special they wrapped up and decorated the hampers in a festive style, four large hampers were hand delivered by Hub members to the Christian men’s project. Father David from the Community of Grace thanked us immensely and said ‘myself and the residents at the shelter are very grateful to all your effort, support and colorful hampers full of goodies’

 As well as supporting a local cause the Hub members were in full support of an Amnesty International Campaign. Hub members were able to write Christmas and New Year cards with inspirational messages to individuals across the world that have been imprisoned unjustly in an attempt to stand up for basic human rights.

 The Leicester Interfaith Youth Hub had the great privilege of being joined by two Faiths Act Fellow alumni, they shared with the hub their great sense of passion about the SolidariTEA campaign and highlighted the significance of what can be achieved when faiths work together to achieve a universal goal.As well as being Santa’s little helpers and shaping the movement, Hub members heard some heart warming poetry, had plenty of fun by dressing up, playing games using a giant jenga, pulling Christmas crackers, singing carols, playing ice breakers, picking prizes from the stocking, and last but not least drinking TEA and eating some well deserved pizza!

Raheema Caratella