Community Activities
For young people across different faiths there are some common threads:
- A shared set of principles about how to live your life, reinforced by adults who are able to offer role models, as well as advice and mentoring along the way.
- A sense of being loved and valued as you are, which builds confidence and promotes self esteem and feelings of security.
- Belonging to a faith community is preparation for being part of being a member of wider society in adulthood.
Volunteers from faith based youth groups support the local community in a variety of ways. This can range from fund-raising activities to more specific tasks eg car washing, coffee for commuters, visiting the elderly or simulation activities to gain an understanding of how other young people live their lives.
The following organisations can provide inspiration and support for the development of community work:
Jewish organisations:
Chai Cancer Care: Charity and volunteering focused youth projects.
Head office Tel: 0208 202 2211. E-mail: info@chaicancercare.org.
Website: www.chaicancercare.org
Jewish Care: Charity and volunteering focused youth projects. Amelie House, Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Campus, 221 Golders Green Road, London, NW11 9DQ Tel: 0208 922 2000. E-mail: info@jcare.org Website: www.jewishcare.org
Norwood : Broadway House, 80-82 The Broadway, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4HB. Tel:
020 8809 8809
E-mail: info@norwood.org.uk Website: www.norwood.org.uk
Tzedek: An organisation which educates and sends young people to volunteer in the third world. Tel:
020 7443 5121.
e-mail: info@tzedek.org.uk
Website: www.tzedek.org.uk
UJIA: Invests in young people and education both in Israel and the UK. Contact: Etty Gafan - 020 7424 6400, e-mail: central@ujia.org, website: www.ujia.org
WJR (World Jewish Relief): responds to the needs of Jewish communities globally that are at risk or in crises, providing aid and other support. Contact: World Jewish Relief, Oscar Joseph House, 54 Crewys Road, London NW2 2AD Tel: 020 8736 1250; E-Mail: info@wjr.org.uk Website: www.wjr.org.uk
Mitzvah Day - A Jewish led day of social action. On Mitzvah Day, around the world, thousands of people take part in hands on projects, without fundraising, to support charities and to build stronger communities. Contact: 020 7443 5160, e-mail: info@mitzvahday.org.uk, website: www.mitzvahday.org.uk
Muslim youth work in the community
There are various volunteering roles that come up within Barnet for projects being run by different Muslim organisations. These could be, mentoring, tutoring, administrative, supporting disabled children, or generally helping with the many projects that happen! If you are interested in volunteering please register your details at www.barnetmuslimforum.co.uk . E-mail: info@barnetmuslimforum.co.uk
Christian organisations
Go Festival - www.gofestival.org
Go is about churches working together with their local communities to transform the lives of young people.
Go Festival is a 4 day event including great music, speakers and loads of fun activities.
For more information e-mail info@gofestival.org or call 020 8886 7859.
Soul Action – Soul Survivor and Tearfund have established Soul Action – www.soulaction.org Check the website to find out about projects that young people and youth groups can undertake to raise awareness and money to alleviate poverty in other parts of the world. Downloadable resources available for schools – and also to run Slum Survivor – a simulation experience for young people to understand the living conditions for people in some developing countries. For more information
e-mail info@soulaction.org
Besom - The Besom helps people make a difference. It provides a bridge between those who want to give time, money, things or skills and those who are in need. It ensures what is given is used effectively. The service it provides is free.www.besom.com Call 07531 645 576 or e-mail besominbarnet@yahoo.co.uk
Tearfund - Inspire, support and resource youth groups; whether that’s chatting through ideas, coming and speaking about Tearfund, or equipping with resources. Here are a few of the places they love to be invited to - Youth groups, Schools, Christian Unions, SU groups or any kind of Christian event or gathering (big or small). Website: www.tearfund.org, e-mail activist@tearfund.org or call 020 8943 7859.
Street Pastors - An inter-denominational Church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care, listen and dialogue. Barnet Street Pastors Coordinator – Paul Lewis: 07766 006202, e-mail: barnet@streetpastors.org.uk, website: www.streetpastors.co.uk
XLP – XLP aims to serve urban communities by supporting young people in ethical, spiritual and relational areas so they can make wise lifestyle choices and be encouraged. XLP is a faith-based charity and whilst having a Christian ethos it is inclusive of all people and embraces diversity. www.xlp.org.uk
e-mail info@xlp.org.uk or call 020 8297 8284
Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams are really useful to talk to about the local area and the needs of the young people living there. In Edgware, Hale, High Barnet and Whetstone there have been some great partnerships between faith based youth groups and their local Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Try the website www.met.police.uk/ barnet to find out about your local SNT.
