Standing together against hate and division
On 2 October, at 9:30 AM, a deadly terrorist attack on a synagogue in Manchester during the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur shook the city, leaving lives lost and communities devastated. The next day, a hate act targeting the Peacehaven Mosque further deepened the sense of fear and division across the country.
Hate is loud — and when people lose their lives, it is devastating. These incidents have left families, children and congregations in fear, grief, disbelief and also anger, and have reminded us how fragile solidarity and safety can be when intolerance goes unchecked.
In moments like these, our collective response must be stronger than hate — grounded in compassion, unity, and action. Hatred destroys communities; resilience begins when we stand together.
We are not powerless
1. We strengthen, encourage and amplify acts of solidarity and mutual support. Across London, local and Borough Faith Forums and LBFN partners have shared messages of solidarity and care, reaffirming our shared commitment to peace, mutual respect, and the right of every person — regardless of faith, background, or migration status — to feel safe and valued. Emotional services in Jewish congregations were attended by other faith leaders, as well as civic leaders – MPs, Councillors, and public sector colleagues.
2. We support the police to enhance protective security, not just to buildings but communities and neighbourhoods. At the same time as giving the police our support we also feed back community concerns about what they need to do to continue to restore trust and build better relationships. Our pan-London monthly meeting of Borough Faith Forums discussed both good and critical examples of policing practice for us to feed back to Met Police leadership.
3. Resources and tools for community and personal support. Following last summer’s racist riots our partners the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership commissioned a report – Riots to Resilience; Five ways to turn lessons into action.
In the last few days we have had conversations with colleagues about the impact that news and stories of violence and hatred have on our children and young people. We will bring together experts and resources at a training workshop for anyone working with children and young people to be held very soon. Please look out for details and register your interest by emailing stevemiller@fbrn.org.uk.
4. We can move from powerlessness to empowerment by becoming a Voice for Change. Individuals may feel powerless. When meeting others in their community they can get support by sharing ideas. Community groups coming together can capture and build ideas into a strategy. And when we bring these groups together across the whole of London we can build a voice for change which is unassailable. Launching this work we have two questions which we will be asking across the whole of London.
What do we do well? Let us continue to amplify and celebrate the amazing work done by individuals and community groups.
What needs to change? This is everyone’s responsibility, not just victims, not just faith communities but all of the institutions in our networks and our city.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have shared statements, offered prayers, and stood publicly in solidarity during these painful days. Your words and compassion have brought comfort and hope — reminding us that London’s strength lies in its unity and in the courage of communities who refuse to be divided.
LBFN events and collaborations:
Faith & Health Action Forum next meeting (in-person, central London)
We are pleased to confirm the next Faith & Health Action Forum on Tuesday 21 October.
Our focus will be on the London – and particularly at community level – implications of the NHS Ten Year Strategy and the Mayor of London’s Health Inequalities Strategy Implementation Plan (2025–2028).
Also included:
Partner updates and examples of good practice from local faith groups
Collaborative action planning for faith-based health initiatives
Please contact Malak at partnerships@lbfn.org.uk if you would like to join this working group. Your input will help shape the next phase of the Forum’s work.
London Resilient Communities Programme – Faith Sector Info Session
The London Community Resilience Toolkit remains a key resource for faith and community groups preparing for and responding to emergencies. LBFN and Community Prepared are jointly delivering a practical session to announce the launch of an exciting and ambitious new grant.
Date: Tuesday 28 October 2025
Time: 10:00–11:00 (online)
If your forum or local authority would like to host or participate in a toolkit session, please get in touch. Together, we can strengthen London’s collective preparedness and ensure every community is equipped to respond effectively in times of crisis.
Inter Faith Week: 9 - 16 November
Inter Faith Week is approaching — a national celebration of understanding, unity, and cooperation.
Inter Faith Week is a critical time to demonstrate community solidarity in practice.
We are coordinating the London Inter Faith Week Calendar, highlighting events across boroughs. Please share your plans — open houses, community dialogues, or joint service projects— so we can amplify and connect them across the city.
Contact Malak at partnerships@lbfn.org.uk to tell us about your events.
Winter Preparedness
Webinar on Tuesday 11 November 10.30am.
Join us and our partners at London Communities Emergencies Partnership for the Winter Preparedness Webinar on Tuesday 11 November, 10:30–12:00 (online).
We’ve nearly finalised an exciting line-up of speakers from:
Met Office (seasonal weather outlook)
UK Health Security Agency (winter health priorities)
London Fire Brigade (cold weather fire safety)
London Resilience Unit (citywide coordination)
Volunteer Centres Hackney & Greenwich (community response roles)
The webinar will explore ways to keep Londoners safe and connected this winter — especially the most vulnerable.
Community Resilience Training
Our final Community Resilience Training cohort of 2025 will take place in Brent, Barnet & Harrow from 20 November–11 December, hosted at the Brent Cross shopping centre - the Community Hub conference room.
This training series brings together faith leaders and volunteers to strengthen emergency preparedness, with sessions led by:
British Red Cross
Victim Support
GLA Climate Team
Community Security Trust (CST)
Topics include Martyn’s Law, emergency first aid, and local crisis coordination.
Partner Highlights
Martyn’s Law – Practical Walkthrough (SAFE by CST)
Delivered by the Community Security Trust (CST)under the SAFE programme, this session will help faith and community organisations understand the requirements and practical steps for implementing Martyn’s Law.
Date: Thursday 23 October 2025
Time: 14:00–15:30 (online)
World Mental Health Day
Friday 10 October is World Mental Health Day, so we’d like to share a reminder that help is always available. Follow the links below for some faith-specific mental health resources. Be sure to share mental health resources to your networks throughout this important day.
Faith and Belief Communities - Good Thinking