Waltham Forest is a diverse borough with the third largest Muslim population in London as well as having affluent Hindu, Jewish, Sikh and Christian communities living, working and worshipping side by side. There are also many other beliefs held by individuals and groups who live in Waltham Forest but worship within their homes or outside the borough. The Faith Communities Forum is an umbrella network linking all of these faith groups together, building relationships and forming lasting partnerships between different faith groups.
Amy Willshire is employed by the Faith Communities Forum as the Faith Communities Ambassador. Working in partnership with Waltham Forest Council and based within the Equality and Diversity Team in Walthamstow Town Hall. Her job is to be the link between different faith groups and between all faith groups and the Council.
Faith groups continue to play an important role within the voluntary and community sector often working with those most at need. As part of her role Amy supports any faith group based in Waltham Forest with establishing and maintaining community projects.
In 2004, Waltham Forest Faith Communities Forum created the Health Preacher course which was praised by the Inter Faith network for the UK and included as a successful case study in "Face-to-Face and Side-by-Side: A framework for partnership in our multi faith society” in 2008. Part of Amy’s role is to co-ordinate other interfaith projects, starting with an eco project planned for April 2009.
Amy has lived in Waltham Forest for five years and is proactively involved in the community outreach of her church, Leytonstone United Free Church, particularly in establishing an inter-faith youth café in Leytonstone. With a youth work background Amy is particularly interested in developing links between the schools and youth groups in Waltham Forest, promoting the positives of Waltham Forest’s diverse faith communities and increasing community cohesion.
For further information contact Amy Willshire, Faith Communities Ambassador on 0208 496 3000, or email her at amy.willshire@walthamforest.gov.uk
