Spare Time

Led by Croydon based group The Mighty Men of Valour (MMV), (a religious organisation set up to tackle stereotyping of black fathers) a conference of all faith groups was held. 

Its purpose according to Frederick Clarke, the group’s Executive Director, is to introduce and pilot several practical solutions where faith groups can help reduce crime in Croydon and the surrounding environs.

“One of the ideas we want to pilot is, the ‘Community Chaplaincy’ at Feltham young offenders’ institute.  We want to touch the young people whilst they’re in prison …. and when they are released, to integrate them into a family to stop them going back into crime”, explains Frederick

There to extol the virtue of the programme, was Lucia do Rosario the Project Director.  This project, [Community Chaplaincy] was the first one established solely to work with young offenders and has only been operating as a pilot for three years.

The Community Chaplaincy is just one of the initiatives which were put forward by the group.  Another initiative which is currently running at Downview Prison is the 'At the Gate Project'. 

The other is a spin off of the Street Pastors initiative expected to be launched shortly [April] – School Pastors.

Whilst these initiatives are all very laudable, have the faith communities left their involvement a little too late?  "No" argues Frederick.'

"I think it's been too little definitely but, one of the things I like about the projects mentioned tonight is that every single faith group could do it without competing with each other.  ... I think these initiatives are very important to seeing change and I am just asking the faith groups to get together to see change”, says Frederick

To hear the full interview with Frederick and Lucia, click onto the link below and above right.

What are your views?  Do you think this is too little too late? What more can faith groups do to tackle crime in the community?  Email me your views.  evadney.campbell@bbc.c.ouk