December 2025 Report
Brent Multi-Faith Forum Newsletter – End-Year Update 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of meaningful engagement, collaboration, and community impact across Brent. This year, BMFF continued its work building unity, supporting safety, and nurturing action on key issues affecting our diverse communities.
We have strengthened partnerships with local authorities, institutions, and civic partners, bringing people together to address concerns from community safety and public protection to climate resilience and inter-faith cooperation. Our engagement with the MET Police fostered constructive dialogue on community safety priorities, helping to shape a shared understanding of crime prevention and protection plans. We also joined with the London Borough of Brent and academic partners to explore how faith can inspire sustained climate action and community resilience.
Throughout 2025, we celebrated cultural connections, deepened relationships, and amplified the voices of diverse faith groups across Brent. Thank you to our volunteers, partners, and supporters whose dedication continues to make this work possible. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2026 — advancing our mission of mutual respect, partnership, and collective well-being in every corner of our borough.
Magical Evening of Christmas Carols
Brent Multi-Faith Forum was delighted to join River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church for a joyful and heart-warming evening of Christmas carols at their church on Gifford Road.
The event brought together families and individuals from across Brent to celebrate the festive season through music, shared hospitality, and a strong sense of togetherness. The beautiful programme of Christmas carols created a reflective and uplifting atmosphere, offering everyone a moment to pause, reconnect, and enjoy the traditions that unite communities at this special time of year.
Guests were warmly welcomed into a family-friendly environment, with plenty of opportunity to meet others from different backgrounds and faiths. The evening was made even more special by the generous provision of delicious festive food, reflecting the kindness and hospitality that underpinned the gathering.
BMFF would like to thank River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church for hosting and partnering with us on this event, and everyone who attended for contributing to such a positive and inclusive celebration of the season.
Brazil Cultural Event - Brent Meets Brazil
On 4 December, the Brent Meets Brazil event brought together local leaders, organisations and entrepreneurs to build stronger links between Brent’s institutions and its growing Brazilian community, now numbering over 44,000 residents. The evening highlighted the work of SCHILD in supporting families to access information, services and opportunities, in collaboration with Brent Council, CVS Brent, the Brazilian Consulate and Metropolitan Police community safety partners. The event also celebrated Brazilian culture through music, dance and capoeira, showcasing the vital role culture plays in fostering inclusion, connection and a sense of belonging.
Faith and Climate Action Event – LBB, LSE & BMFF – October 2025
BMFF took part in a joint event with the London Borough of Brent and the London School of Economics exploring the role of faith in climate action. The event brought together speakers from different backgrounds to examine how faith communities can respond to the climate crisis, with discussions focusing on climate resilience, environmental justice, and the responsibility of faith groups to support sustainable practices and long-term collective action at both local and global levels.
MET Police Engage Event – Chalkhill Community Centre
BMFF attended a Metropolitan Police Engage event at Chalkhill Community Centre focused on community efforts to tackle crime. The session covered key areas including public protection, neighbourhood safety, and the Metropolitan Police summer plan, providing an opportunity for open dialogue between local residents, faith representatives, and police officers on shared approaches to keeping communities safe.
BMFF and MET Police event
In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and the Camden Interfaith Forum, the Brent Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) hosted a community event on 6th July, bringing together people of all backgrounds to explore how faith and community can work hand-in-hand to make Kilburn a safer and more welcoming place for all.
The discussions centred around three key themes: safety for young people, safety for women and girls, and building community cohesion through kindness and respect. Attendees shared valuable insights and ideas on how we can work together to reduce anti-social behaviour and strengthen local connections. The event was a wonderful example of partnership and unity in action.
Faith Links Activity at Neasden Temple
On 3rd July, members of the Faith Links group gathered at Neasden Temple for an inspiring interfaith activity. The visit offered an opportunity to strengthen relationships between faith communities through open dialogue, shared learning, and reflection. Participants were given a guided tour of the Temple, gaining insights into Hindu traditions and the values of peace and community service that underpin the faith. The event concluded with a thoughtful discussion on how we can continue to build understanding and respect across different faiths in Brent.
Anti-Knife Walk in Kilburn
On 17th May, Brent Multi-Faith Forum proudly took part in the Anti-Knife Walk in Kilburn, a powerful and peaceful demonstration against youth violence. The walk was a call for action, healing, and unity — standing in remembrance of those lost to knife crime and in support of safer futures for our young people.
The event was honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Brent and local councillors, whose attendance reinforced the shared commitment across civic, faith, and community leadership to tackle this crisis together. Joined by residents, youth groups, schools, and local organisations, the walk created a visible sense of solidarity and hope.
With banners, prayers, and heartfelt words shared along the route, the event served as both a memorial and a movement. BMFF remains dedicated to supporting young people through dialogue, education, and collaboration — ensuring every voice is heard and every life is valued.
Passing of the Pope – A Moment of Reflection
The recent passing of the Pope was felt deeply across global and local communities. BMFF extends its condolences to our Catholic brothers and sisters during this time of mourning. The Pope’s life and legacy were marked by messages of peace, interfaith dialogue, and social justice—values that resonate deeply with our mission.
We join millions around the world in honouring his memory and reflecting on the power of leadership rooted in humility, compassion, and inclusivity. May his legacy continue to inspire acts of unity and service.
Photo made by FDS in February, 2019.
Vaisakhi at Brent Sikh Centre
BMFF had the privilege of attending the vibrant Vaisakhi celebrations at Brent Sikh Centre in April. Vaisakhi, which marks the founding of the Khalsa, is a significant date in the Sikh calendar, and the celebration brought together Sikhs and well-wishers from across the borough.
The event was filled with music, colour, hospitality, and community spirit. Faith representatives were welcomed with warmth, and the sense of shared joy and devotion was truly moving. BMFF was honoured to stand alongside the Sikh community and celebrate this momentous day.
Iftar at Newman Catholic college
In March, BMFF members was delighted to attend an interfaith Iftar at Newman Catholic College. The evening brought together students, families, faith leaders, and local residents for a meal that celebrated Ramadan and the spirit of hospitality and reflection it fosters. Guests from different religious backgrounds shared prayers, reflections, and stories, reinforcing our shared values of compassion, service, and unity.
The Iftar served not just as a religious observance, but as a bridge between communities. The event highlighted the strength that lies in diversity, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces where dialogue and mutual respect can flourish.
Brent Chinese New Year 2025
Brent’s Chinese New Year celebrations in February were a colourful and joyous occasion, and BMFF was proud to take part in the festivities. The event featured traditional music, lion dances, cultural exhibitions, and delicious food, drawing in families and residents from across the borough.
BMFF’s presence underscored the importance of cultural and religious inclusion, and our team engaged with attendees to share the work we do and learn more about the vibrant Chinese community in Brent. It was a beautiful reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that defines our borough.
Brent Canal Trip
As part of our ongoing commitment to building connections beyond formal settings, BMFF members attended a tranquil and memorable canal trip through Brent. Faith and community members boarded the barge for an afternoon of conversation, laughter, and quiet reflection along the waterways.
The event offered a unique and relaxing environment to deepen relationships, share personal journeys of faith, and discuss environmental stewardship—an issue of shared concern across all traditions. It was a reminder of the peace that can be found in nature and in community.
Community Safety and Unity Event
In February, Brent Multi-Faith Forum co-hosted a powerful Community Safety and Unity Event at St Gabriel’s Church, Cricklewood, bringing together over 60 local residents, faith leaders, community workers, and influencers to tackle some of the most urgent social issues facing our neighbourhoods.
Held in collaboration with Camden Interfaith Forum and the Metropolitan Police, the event focused on four core themes: keeping young people safe, protecting women and girls, promoting kindness and reducing anti-social behaviour, and countering division, anger, and hatred. Participants engaged in structured group workshops and table discussions to explore these themes in depth and share lived experiences, insights, and ideas.
Facilitated sessions encouraged honest dialogue and generated a number of practical, community-led solutions — from mentoring schemes and awareness campaigns to intergenerational activities and support networks for women. The event ended with a renewed sense of unity and a shared commitment to building a borough rooted in safety, compassion, and inclusion.
Tribute to Georgina Long
Georgina was one of the first people involved in the Brent Multi-faith Forum, formed over twenty-years ago. Her supportive nature, practical wisdom, and wonderfully down-to-earth (slightly cheeky!) sense of humour blessed us all. There was great inner strength and a resulting calmness but I also sensed a certain feistiness that could be put to good purpose, if necessary. Georgina set a very positive example for us all in the BMFF.
Georgina’s presence will be greatly missed by her sisters and brothers in the Brahma Kumaris. May the precious, loving and humorous memories of Georgina always be as blessings to her family, friends and colleagues.
May Georgina rest in peace.
(Rabbi Dr Frank Dabba Smith, Co-Chair, BMFF)
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