Multicultural Richmond held a forum to discuss mental wellbeing and faith on 26 November as part of Richmond’s wider celebration of Inter Faith Week.
The organisation, dedicated to promoting an inclusive multicultural community in Richmond upon Thames and surrounding boroughs, held the meeting at its centre in Whitton, Twickenham.
The forum, called HALO, explores the intersection of faith and mental wellbeing in hopes of building knowledge on how best to address mental health across different communities.
Darius Nikbin, 43, who is a HALO volunteer, said the gathering was an open space for people to express their opinions.
Nikbin said: “The meeting was peaceful and solemn to begin with.
“But it had a fair bit of momentum, it felt like we wanted to reach a conclusion.”
When asked why Inter Faith Week is important, Nikbin said: “It’s an opportunity to discuss your perspective on life.
“It’s a very nice occasion for wellbeing, especially for your spiritual growth.”
HALO first launched in September, but coincided its November meeting just after Inter Faith Week which ran from 9 to 16 November.
Faith leaders, followers, representatives from both the NHS, Citizens UK and Princess Alice Hospital participated in the roundtable discussion.
Multicultural Richmond’s Community Mental Health Officer Mariana Cano-Márquez, 33, said: “We recognise that faith leaders are front line helpers.
“Even though they do know a lot about why people are struggling, they are not aware of the knowledge and capacity they have.
“We thought that it would be good for them to have this platform for them to share their experiences.”
The awareness week’s 2025 slogan: ‘Community: Together We Serve‘ was created in response to the Manchester Synagogue attack and encourages those of all faiths, and none, to unite in celebration of diversity and commonality.
Nikbin said the meeting took this year’s slogan into account and added that one of the ways of reducing polarisation is through open dialogue.
He said: “The HALO roundtable format – it’s quite egalitarian.
“So it allows everyone participating to express themselves.”
Other Inter Faith Week events across Richmond were either organised by the council or other organisations.
LSE’s Faith Centre and the council partnered together for a Faith and Belief Climate dialogue at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham on 19 November.
Dr Chris Hewer ran a one day course on Islam at St. Mathias Church, Richmond on 10 November.
Photo credit: Multicultural Richmond
