Faith and political leaders in addition to community representatives gathered at the launch of the borough’s first Trafford Faith Action Network.

The event, held at Sale Town Hall on Thursday, was initiated by Labour Cllr Eve Parker, Community Cohesion Lead for Trafford, with the purpose of creating a space for the voices of faith communities to speak on critical community issues that relate directly back to the council’s new Corporate Plan.

Trafford Council’s priorities include:

• The best start for children and young people
• Healthy and independent lives for everyone
• A thriving economy and homes for all
• Addressing the climate crisis
• Culture, sport, and heritage for everyone

During the meeting, attendees had the opportunity to hear from the borough’s faith leaders representing Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Hindu communities.

They spoke on the importance of community cohesion, interfaith relations, education, poverty, support for the most marginalised communities, and how they can work together to address ongoing needs across the borough.

Cllr Parker, who represents Sale Central ward, said: “The violence and disorder of the recent riots highlighted deep-seated division within the country, but it also sparked really important conversations about unity, resilience, and the need for collective action to heal and rebuild communities.

“The hope is Trafford Faith Action Network will provide a space for people to come together and work with the council and other key partners, and to think strategically about what mechanisms we can put in place, or already have, to help address local issues and needs.

“Religious Groups play a critical role in our communities and therefore it is really important that we come together to have a discussion on how we can address the ongoing needs within Trafford, so that we can learn from each other about the experiences members of our communities have been going through, and the ways in which we can better support each other.”

For further information about Trafford Faith Action Network, email: eve.parker@trafford.gov.uk