Category: London

Join us for four FREE in-person evenings of training designed to equip faith communities and local community groups with the skills and knowledge needed to build strength and resilience during times of crisis.

The training will:

• Empower faith communities with the tools and knowledge to build resilience.
• Foster collaboration among faith groups, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Enhance understanding of risk factors and effective response strategies.
• Provide practical training and resources for community resilience.

This training is completely free and is taught in four sessions across four weeks. Note that it is only available in selected boroughs. Click the buttons below for further information.

There are two courses on offer:

North Central London
Hackney, Camden, Islington
Thursday 12 November – 3 December (6 PM-9 PM)

South West London
Kingston, Richmond, Wandsworth
Tuesday 3 November – 24 November (6 PM-9 PM)

Please only sign up once – this covers all four sessions.

Thank you, we look forward to seeing you there!

Faith leaders from across London recently came together to discuss what the changing political landscape means for local democracy, community cohesion and the role of faith communities in public life. The meeting was between Borough Faith Forums and the London Resilience Faith & Belief Sector Panel Executive Team.

One question framed our conversation:

What helps our communities to thrive, and what threatens that flourishing?

Our keynote speaker, Yolande Burgess of London Councils, outlined the significant political changes following the recent local elections. She also spoke about the Government’s commitment to devolving more powers to local areas through its “Rewiring the State” agenda.

While political change has brought uncertainty in some areas, Yolande noted that local government remains focused on the everyday issues that shape people’s lives: housing, health, education and wellbeing. She offered a clear test for any reform:

“What’s the difference it’s going to make to somebody’s life?”

Participants reflected on the growing expectation that faith communities contribute to civic life, while recognising the pressures faith organisations face. Several speakers spoke about the challenge of maintaining a strong community voice while engaging with politicians and remaining non-partisan.

Hope was a strong theme throughout the discussion. Contributors highlighted how faith communities can promote dignity, respect and mutual responsibility, especially when public debate feels polarised.

Participants also shared concerns about how political developments affect community relations. In particular, Jewish organisations and residents expressed anxieties about whether they would be treated equally in boroughs controlled by the Green Party, following resolutions discussed at the party’s conference. Speakers stressed the importance of continued dialogue, inclusion and reassurance from local leaders.

Looking back, the meeting recalled the collaboration between faith groups, councils and public agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many felt that the shared purpose shown during that period offers valuable lessons for the challenges London faces today.

The discussion recognised that London’s communities face real pressures, alongside important opportunities. Political landscapes may change, but strong relationships, local engagement and a commitment to hope remain essential to building communities where people can thrive.

Key issues raised

Local government and devolution

• Political change: The May elections resulted in a more pluralistic London, with a reduced Labour majority and gains for the Green Party and Reform UK.
• Governance: London’s structure is distinctive. The Mayor’s office is not required by statute to work with the boroughs, although successful collaboration does take place.
• Devolution: The Government’s “Rewiring the State” agenda aims to make devolution the default, bringing resources and decision-making closer to communities.
• Resources: London boroughs face a projected £5 billion shortfall by 2030, with non-statutory funding among the areas under pressure.

Risks and community concerns

• Political polarisation: Faith leaders discussed the challenge of engaging with politicians while protecting their organisations’ non-partisan role.
• Jewish community concerns: Participants raised anxieties about Green Party conference resolutions and whether Jewish organisations would be treated equally in Green-controlled boroughs.
• Civic calendar: Participants were concerned that important dates, including Holocaust Memorial Day, could lose recognition because of political change or limited funding.
• Hostile environments: Participants described a threatening atmosphere affecting different communities in schools, universities and workplaces.

If you have questions or would like to follow up on any of the issues raised, please contact a member of the LBFN team:

• Steve Miller, Chief Executive: ceo@lbfn.org.uk
• Joelma Aguiar, Partnerships Coordinator: partnerships@lbfn.org.uk
• Henry Farman, Communications Coordinator: comms@lbfn.org.uk

We recently held our September 2026 quarterly meeting alongside the London Communities Emergencies Partnership. This time, we had members of the Met Police join us to talk about counter-terrorism and the valuable role of faith and community groups in combatting terrorism in London.

The meeting started with presentations from Counter Terrorism Policing, with Chief Superintendent Kris Wright providing a strategic overview of the current threat environment and Sam Milsom (presenting as part of the Counter Terrorism Protect team) translating that overview into practical guidance for organisations and communities.

Kris Wright: The Evolving Threat Landscape and the Importance of Community Partnerships

Kris Wright opened by emphasising that protecting London from terrorism and wider national security threats is fundamentally a partnership effort. While Counter Terrorism Policing has responsibility for preparedness, security, border controls and specialist response functions, he stressed that trusted community organisations are essential because they have relationships and credibility within communities that law enforcement alone cannot achieve.

Wright described the current environment as the most complex he had experienced in his counter-terrorism career. He explained that policing is managing hundreds of national counter-terrorism investigations alongside a growing number of national security cases involving hostile state activity, espionage and overseas actors operating within the UK.

A key message was the recent increase in the national threat level from “substantial” to “severe,” meaning that an attack is now considered “very likely” rather than merely “likely.” He explained that this decision was not triggered by any single event but reflected the cumulative effect of a broad and increasingly complex threat picture.

Wright highlighted several factors driving concern:

• International conflicts and geopolitical tensions increasingly have direct consequences for communities in London.
• Faith communities continue to face heightened risks, particularly through rising antisemitism and Islamophobia.
• Social cohesion is under pressure from polarisation and hateful online content.
• The distinction between hate crime, extremism and terrorism has become increasingly blurred.
• A growing number of individuals are motivated not by ideology but by money, status or influence, creating new forms of “crime-for-hire” that can support hostile actors and national security threats.

Throughout his presentation, Wright repeatedly returned to the theme of community resilience. He argued that information shared by communities provides an essential layer of intelligence and understanding that helps authorities assess risks and respond effectively while avoiding unintended harm to the communities they serve.

He urged participants to:

• Trust their instincts and report concerns early.
• Challenge hatred and divisive behaviour.
• Act as trusted voices within their communities.
• Strengthen preparedness and resilience planning.

Wright also spent significant time discussing organisational preparedness. He encouraged groups to think systematically about:

• Their likely threats and vulnerabilities.
• Measures that can reduce risk.
• Plans for maintaining critical functions during an incident.
• Clear role allocation during emergencies.
• Regular exercising and testing of plans.
• Dependencies on technology and communications systems.

Drawing on lessons from COVID-19, he noted that organisations should not rely exclusively on digital infrastructure and should consider simple, resilient alternatives if technology fails.

He concluded by warning that the threat picture remains serious and continues to evolve, encompassing terrorism, extremism, hostile state activity, online harms and technology-enabled criminality. Despite these challenges, he argued that London’s greatest strength remains the resilience of its communities and the partnerships built between public agencies, voluntary organisations and faith groups.

Sam Milsom: Practical Security Awareness and Protective Measures

Following Wright’s strategic overview, Sam Milsom provided a more operational and practical presentation aimed at helping organisations recognise risks and improve security awareness.

Milsom began by explaining the different sources of terrorist threat that inform national threat assessments, including Islamist terrorism, extreme right-wing terrorism, Northern Ireland-related terrorism and extreme left-wing or single-issue extremism.

He then outlined the broad range of attack methods that organisations should be aware of, including:

• Bladed weapons and marauding attackers.
• Vehicle attacks.
• Fire and incendiary devices.
• Improvised explosive devices.
• Chemical, biological or radiological threats.
• Cyber attacks.
• Emerging drone-related risks.

A major focus of his presentation was hostile reconnaissance, the process by which offenders gather information before conducting an attack. Milsom explained that most reconnaissance begins online, where publicly available information can reveal valuable details about a site’s operations, security arrangements, staffing levels and peak occupancy periods.

He demonstrated how attackers can exploit:

• Mapping and satellite imagery.
• Street View and virtual site inspections.
• Publicly available business information.
• Social media activity.
• Popularity and occupancy data available online.

Milsom also highlighted the risk posed by insider threats, whether through deliberate infiltration or through employees unintentionally disclosing sensitive information.

He encouraged organisations to pay close attention to seemingly minor security weaknesses, including:

• Poorly maintained CCTV systems.
• Tailgating through secure entrances.
• Visible security codes.
• Staff displaying identification cards in public.
• Casual sharing of operational details.

Throughout the presentation he emphasised vigilance, reminding participants that attackers often look for opportunities created by complacency rather than sophisticated technical weaknesses.

Milsom also provided practical reporting routes for suspicious activity, including:

• Emergency reporting through 999.
• SMS Relay UK registration for situations where speaking may not be safe.
• Non-emergency reporting through 101.
• Online reporting routes.
• The Anti-Terrorism Hotline.
• Resources available through ACT and ProtectUK.

His presentation concluded with a short demonstration highlighting the risks associated with oversharing personal information online and the ease with which individuals can piece together information from public sources.

Sign up to our newsletter below to find out about our next quarterly meeting.

Below you can find some words from a few of our partners on the devastating impact that the floods in Nepal and Tibet has had on local communities. In a diverse, multicultural city like London, the impacts of such things are closer than they may seem.

Charanjit Ajitsingh, Hounslow

May I share with you our concern for our local Nepalese community who have lost relatives, friends and their family properties in the devastation caused by floods in Nepal, a  Himayalan Tsunami . With the help of the former Mayor of Hounslow Cllr Bishnu Gurung, a retired Napalese soldier, a prayer service and  candle light vigil  was organised by the Nepalese community  at Luxmi Narayan Temple on 31^st August.

We heard from  many who are affected. One person talked about the total destruction of his village with the loss of nine of his relatives.  On Saturday 5th September at the Buddhist Vihara, under the leadership of Venerable Seelawimala, the head monk, Buddhist prayers from different Buddhist traditions and countries were said by their venerable leaders. The Nepalese and Tibetan losses were mentioned. One man talked about losing ten relatives  and many are unaccounted for. There were many British pilgrims trying to cross the border between Nepal and Tibet to pay their respects at Mount Kailash who may have succumbed to the Glacier burst as there is little information about them.     

People in the congregation observed a two minute silence , candles were lit and solidarity and deep condolences were shared  with the Nepalese Ambassador and by the Buddhist Venerables and faith leaders.

On 6^th September as a part of their 150^th anniversary service at St Stephen’s Church, the Mayor Cllr Ranjit Gill, Deputy Lieutenant Rosie Prescott, the local MP Ruth Cadbury, Nepalese community concerns were shared and funds raised.

Charanjit, on behalf of Hounslow Friends of faith, spoke at all the three events and wanted  us to  recognise and understand the enormous impact of the disaster here in our communities in London, too. She said, ‘Let us all be there for them.’

Penny Smith-Orr, Croydon

In Croydon we are very devastated by the flooding in Nepal. One of our Hindu Priests, Nabhi Nandan Das, a long-time friend, was leading a pilgrimage with 16 people and 4 guides up into Tibet. They were at the crossing into Tibet when the flooding hit and have not been heard from since. This has affected us all deeply. The families of the pilgrims have no news of their loved ones including young people whose parents have disappeared. 

Nabhi was a very wise and kind person. He was a member of Croydon SACRE and of Faiths Together in Croydon and worked tirelessly in schools in Croydon and other boroughs teaching about all aspects of the Hindu faith. He also invited many school groups to the Temple in Coulsdon in Croydon, which he was instrumental in opening. Not only the Hindu community but many, many people in Croydon will miss him greatly. 

News story

Thank you to our partners for sharing. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods.

We at the London Boroughs Faiths Network (LBFN) recently hosted a brilliant conversation with sixteen individuals from the faith and community sectors. This was our London-specific contribution to The National Conversation, a UK-wide listening initiative, inviting people right across the country to share what they value about community life, and the communities they want to build. 

Our conversation was broad, honest, and deeply insightful. Read on to find out some of the key points we talked about. We will be producing a fuller summary of the discussion soon so this is just to give you a flavour of the conversation. No doubt many of these topics are things you think about when considering how to create stronger communities.

Participants underscored an increasing trend toward “tribalism,” with individuals rejecting ‘others’ or retreating into familiar community bubbles out of fear or self-preservation. A representative from the Jewish community highlighted an awful reality: many individuals feel compelled to actively conceal their identity across schools, workplaces, and public spaces to avoid prejudice. 

This caution across communities is made worse by the rise in far-right populism and overt racism, which several attendees flagged as the most critical current threat to our communities. Additionally, participants stressed that systemic wealth inequality and poverty act as root drivers of division, causing struggling communities to “punch down” rather than address underlying structural strains.

Another central takeaway was the urgent need to rebuild physical and interpersonal “connective tissue.” Our attendees pointed out that the steady loss of free, accessible community spaces—such as libraries and green areas—severely restricts organic, cross-cultural interaction. Diverse, multicultural communities like London require spaces where agreement is not the goal. Communities will never agree on everything, but we can still work towards mutual understanding and respect in these vital community spaces. 

One participant put it beautifully: Like a tapestry, a community relies on every unique thread. When we fail to respect and value each individual, holes appear in the fabric.  

Overall, one central theme seems to stand out: We want to build a community where  we respect others, and celebrate our differences as well as our similarities. Instead of resorting to hatred or closing off from others, we should open our hearts to all.

We were very happy to host this conversation for our diverse community of attendees, and we remain committed to keeping this momentum alive across London even after the National Conversation comes to an end. We invite you to take the national survey, join the conversation, and help us strengthen the social fabric of our local communities together. 

Written by Joelma Aguiar, Partnerships Coordinator

I recently visited the Nova Exhibition in London, a moving memorial that honours the lives of those affected by the attack on the Nova Music Festival on 7 October 2023. I expected to learn about a tragic event. Instead, I left reflecting on a much bigger question:

How does hatred grow to the point where such violence becomes possible?

As I walked through the exhibition, surrounded by personal belongings, photographs and testimonies from survivors and families, I was reminded that every life lost represented someone’s child, parent, sibling or friend. Beyond the devastating human stories, one message remained with me: hatred never begins with violence. It begins much earlier, when we stop seeing one another’s humanity.

That reflection felt particularly relevant to the times we are living in here in the United Kingdom. Across our communities, we are seeing growing divisions and increasing reports of hate crime. While every conflict has its own history and context, one lesson remains universal: hatred grows when fear, prejudice and misunderstanding are left unchallenged.

The Nova Exhibition is not simply about remembering the past. It invites us to think about the future.

What kind of society do we want to build?

Community resilience is often associated with preparing for emergencies, but resilience begins long before a crisis occurs. It is built through trust, relationships and a shared commitment to looking after one another. Every conversation that builds understanding, every act of kindness across cultural or faith boundaries, and every effort to reject misinformation and prejudice strengthen the resilience of our communities.

One of the United Kingdom’s greatest strengths is its diversity. People from every nation, culture, language and faith have chosen to make this country home. Like the colours of a rainbow, each community contributes something unique, creating a society that is stronger because of its diversity.

Our shared values- democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and respect for people of different faiths and beliefs, provide the foundation for living together peacefully. These values become most important when they are tested.

The Nova Exhibition reminded me that hatred leaves no true victors. It leaves pain, trauma and loss that can last for generations. Yet it also reminded me that every one of us has a choice. We can choose understanding instead of suspicion, dialogue instead of division, and compassion instead of hatred.

As members of our communities, we all have a role to play. Whether through a simple conversation, supporting a neighbour, standing against hate, or building relationships across different communities, our everyday actions help shape the kind of society future generations will inherit.

I left the exhibition with hope.

Hope that we can learn from history rather than repeat it.

Hope that we can choose unity over division.

Hope that together we can build communities where every person is valued, every voice is respected, and our shared humanity is always stronger than the forces that seek to divide us.

Because together, we are stronger.

When we think about increasing security, it’s easy to picture high walls, heavy locks, and shutting the rest of the world out. But true safety doesn’t come from isolating ourselves. In fact, it’s the exact opposite.

Security is about opening up to our community and ensuring that everyone inside and out feels protected. It’s about keeping doors closed, but the community open.

When you work as a community by looking out for each other, everyone is safer.

Security is Everyone’s Responsibility

From the casual attendee walking through the front door to the dedicated security staff at the gates, everyone has a role to play.

For Attendees: It means staying aware, looking out for your peers, and speaking up if something feels off.

For Staff: It means providing a professional shield while maintaining a welcoming, accessible environment.

When we look at security as a shared responsibility rather than someone else’s job, we build a network of vigilance that no single security guard could achieve alone.

Strength in Numbers: Aiding Each Other

If communities actively work together, we can seamlessly aid each other with security. Sharing resources, communicating openly about potential risks, and establishing mutual trust is key to making your community more secure.

Threats and emergencies can be incredibly unpredictable. They can happen at any time, without warning. But when a community is united, you aren’t left to navigate a crisis in isolation. A connected community is a resilient one—ready to look out for one another and step up in times of need.

The Bottom Line

We don’t need to choose between being safe and being welcoming. By fostering deep connections within our communities, we actually build our strongest defense. Let’s keep our physical doors secure, but keep our hearts, communication, and community wide open.

Safe by CST

This was written after an incredible webinar we co-hosted with Safe by CST. They share security knowledge and Martyn’s Law information with groups that are vulnerable to violence, extremism or hate crime.

Some quotes from the webinar:

“Thank you, this is the best training on security & Martyn’s Law I have attended to date.” 

 “this was amazing, informative and really needed.”

Other security and Martyn’s Law information:

Martyn’s Law is UK legislation designed to improve protective security and preparedness at public venues and events – this also applies to places of worship.

In this online event with SAFE by CST you can find out more about Martyn’s Law, security, and how to keep your faith communities safe.

Date: 08/07/26

Time: 9:30am

Location: Zoom

Cybercriminals don’t discriminate – Why Charities and Community Groups must act now.

Author: DCI Richard Morrison-Butcher  

Read on to find out about our upcoming event with The Cyber Resilience Centre.

Cybercriminals aren’t known for their generosity. In fact, charities and community groups are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks. Many organisations assume they are “too small” or “not important enough” to be targeted. The reality is very different. Charities are high-value targets. They hold sensitive personal data, manage significant funds, and rely heavily on public trust. A successful attack doesn’t just impact systems; it can directly affect the people who rely on your services. Recent figures show that around 28% of UK charities experienced a cybersecurity breach or attack in the last 12 months, that’s an estimated 61,000 organisations impacted in a single year. At the same time, cybercrime, and fraud now account for almost half of all recorded crime in England and Wales. The threat is not going away, and charities are firmly in the firing line. 

Why Charities and Community Groups are being targeted 

As charities grow and adopt digital tools, their exposure to cyber risk increases. Unfortunately, this is not always matched with increased cyber resilience. Cybercriminals actively look for organisations that, rely heavily on email and remote working, work with volunteers and distributed teams, operate with limited budgets or specialist cyber expertise and depend on trusted relationships with donors, partners, and beneficiaries. These factors make charities particularly vulnerable to social engineering attacks, especially phishing, which remains the single biggest cyber threat. 

The real impact of a cyber attack 

A cyber incident is rarely “just a technical issue”. For charities, the consequences can be serious and wide-reaching: 

Financial loss through fraud or ransomware 

Data breaches, exposing sensitive personal information 

Reputational damage, leading to loss of trust from donors and beneficiaries 

Regulatory consequences, including potential fines or reporting obligations 

Disruption to critical services, affecting vulnerable communities 

There is also a very real human impact, placing emotional and mental strain on staff, volunteers, and the people your organisation supports. 

Your Charity and Community Group matters, and so does its security 

Charities and community groups are a vital part of the UK’s social fabric. Yet many lack the time, resources, or confidence to tackle cybersecurity effectively. Too often, organisations only realise how exposed they are after something has gone wrong, when the damage is already done. The good news? You don’t need to face this challenge alone. 

How the Cyber Resilience Centre for London can help 

The Cyber Resilience Centre for London (CRC) understands the pressures of running a charity or community group. The CRC is a police-led, government-backed initiative designed to help small organisations strengthen their cyber resilience and protect themselves against cybercrime. We focus on providing: Clear, practical advice, not technical jargon, actionable steps you can implement straight away, and support tailored to organisations with limited time and resources. 

What you can access for free 

By engaging with the CRC, your organisation can benefit from: 

Fully funded cybersecurity awareness training for your team 

A free 1-to-1 cybercrime prevention discussion tailored to your needs 

A range of fully funded technical services 

A monthly newsletter with practical advice and threat insights 

Invitations to webinars, events, and community networking opportunities 

Take simple steps today 

Improving your cyber resilience doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Small, proactive steps can make a significant difference in protecting your organisation. By joining the CRC community, charities, community groups, faith organisations, and social enterprises can: Reduce their exposure to cyber threats, build confidence in their digital operations, and protect the people and communities we all serve. Stronger cyber resilience equals stronger communities. Your organisation plays a vital role in supporting others. Protecting it from cyber threats is essential to continuing that mission. 

Join the London Boroughs Faiths Network alongside the Cyber Resilience Centre for London in this free webinar to learn more and take the first step towards a safer, more secure future:  

This event has now ended. Please click the button below for a full recording of the session.

Author: DCI Richard Morrison-Butcher