“Peace, in the sense of the absence of war, is of little value to someone who is dying of hunger or cold. Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free.”
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama
Annual Report 1 2024-2025
Acknowledgement of Thanks
GRASSROOTS is blessed to have the support of many funders, partners and volunteers. We thank them for enabling our work to continue and grow:
Funders & Partners
Church of England Diocese of St. Albans
Methodist District of Beds, Essex and Herts
Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton
United Reformed Church Thames North Synod
Church Urban Fund – Near Neighbours Programme
Luton Council of Faiths
And also:
Churches and different Faith Communities in Luton
Luton Council & Bedfordshire Police
2
GRASSROOTS Annual Report 2024-2025
3
Contents
| Message from the Chair – Revd Canon David Lawson |
Page 5 |
|---|---|
| A Tribute to Pope Francis | Page 6 |
| C of E Bishop of St Albans Rt. Revd Dr Alan Smith Retired | Page 7 |
| The Princess of Wales 'Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service held in Luton | Page 8 |
| The far-right in Resurgence | Page 9 |
| National Inquiry into British Grooming Gangs & 30 Years of Bosnian Genocide | Page 10 |
| IMPACT Report on Summer Riots 2024 – LUTON CASE STUDY | Page 11-12 |
| Police Raid on the Westminster Quaker Meeting House | Page 13 |
| India-Pakistan war tensions mitigated in Luton | Page 14 |
| KEY HIGHLIGHTS, EVENTS & ACTIVITIES OF THE YEAR | Page 15-27 |
| NEAR NEIGHBOURS (NN) PROGRAMME | Page 28- 29 |
| OTHER EVENTS & ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY GRASSROOTS | Page 30-31 |
| Poems by Sheila Marsden | Page 32 |
| Financial Summary | Page 33 |
4
Message from the Revd Canon David Lawson (Chair)
In the Foreword to last year’s Annual report I said that the world was in a dangerous and fragile state, and sadly as I write my last Foreword, the world is perhaps now in a more perilous state. The war in Ukraine continues, famine faces the peoples of Gaza and Sudan, full scale war between Israel and Iran has been averted, as has serious conflict between India and Pakistan, and the number of refugees and displaced peoples continues to rise. It is against this global background that Grassroots and its partners in Luton work together to offer hope and light in a turbulent and unstable world.
A feature of our world today is how these global issues deeply impact upon local communities in the UK and Luton is no exception. It is a testimony to Luton’s community leaders that they stand united in recognising that they have no control over international events but they are ‘committed to rejecting all forms of extremism and working together to build a society in harmony and hope.’
As you read this year’s Annual Report, you will see the range of Grassroots involvement in the life of Luton and beyond, too numerous to mention here, but here is a flavour. The Annual Faith Walk, uniting the faith communities, a powerful demonstration of their commitment to deepening understanding and friendship across communities. The opposition of the faith communities to the Assisted Dying Bill, further evidence of how inter faith co-operation can speak to issues of deep concern felt by the wider community. Grassroots is a regular contributor to the weekly Faith Matters column in Luton News, and Grassroots once again facilitated the Diocesan inter-faith week event at St Albans Cathedral, which is proving to be popular and well supported. This year’s event is entitled ‘Serving our local community’, exploring how various faith communities are making a difference in their local areas. It is not only in Luton that Grassroots influence has been felt. Over the years churches, community groups and individuals across Europe, have learned about and experienced the groundbreaking work of Grassroots, inspiring others to work to make a difference in their particular contexts.
I have been a trustee of Grassroots for 19 years and more recently the Chair, and it has been an enormous privilege to have been part of the dynamic life of the charity. Two other trustees have also served as long as I have and they are Sheila Marsden and Ruth Tetlow. Both of them are standing down and in Ruth’s case it is due to ill health. Sheila’s contribution over the years has been extremely significant as she knows Luton inside out having lived in Luton all her life (see her poem on p…). As a committed Lutonian, her insight and knowledge of the town has meant she has been integral to the work of Grassroots. Ruth’s contribution has come from her commitment to inter faith and community work in Birmingham, which has always meant she has been able to offer a fresh perspective to what is happening in Luton. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to both Sheila and Ruth and indeed our other trustees, who each in their own way contribute to furthering the work of Grassroots.
A final word of thanks from me goes to Johny, whose extraordinary and profound commitment has made real the vision of Grassroots in so many ways. I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside him, accompanying him to many events at which I have heard again and again how hugely respected Johny is and how so many know of the impact Grassroots has made in Luton and beyond. My journey in interfaith and community work began when I was a newly ordained curate in Glasgow nearly 50 years ago. I can think of no better place from which to actively retire than Grassroots and Luton. It is a well-known quotation attributed to a former Secretary General of the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjold, but it expresses in a few words how I feel as I say farewell: ‘For all that has been, thanks! To all that shall be, yes!’
The Revd Canon David Lawson Grassroots Chair
5
A Tribute to Pope Francis
Tributes have been paid around the world to Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, who died on Easter Monday, aged 88. Thousands of people and many Heads of State attended his funeral ceremony held over the weekend.
The Right Reverend David Oakley, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton, said, “As we grieve his passing, we also give thanks for his prophetic witness. May we continue his legacy by building a Church that listens, loves, and walks with all God’s people. His life reminded us that the Church is not a fortress but a home where all are welcomed, listened to, and valued. His vision of the Church was one of encounter and accompaniment, where God’s mercy reaches every heart longing for hope.”
Pope Francis is described by many as a radical agent of change. He modernised the Church’s governance and introduced several reforms. He developed relational bonds between religious traditions. He called people from different faiths as “our siblings”. His funeral reminded the world leaders to build bridges, and not walls. Grassroots Chair, The Revd Canon David Lawson said, “Three things come to mind on the legacy of Pope Francis – his palpable humanity and humility, his passion for the poor and marginalized, and his care for the environment.” In his 2015 encyclical, the late Pope remarked, ‘Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the past 200 years’. The Luton Council of Faiths Chair, Prof Zafar Khan said, “Pope Francis was a strong advocate for peace and justice. He was a friend of the weak and the marginalised nations and the peoples across the globe. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and the followers of Christianity in the UK and across the world.”
Pope Francis will be remembered for his leadership and as a Pope who washed the feet of prisoners, embraced the sick, and tirelessly sought to build bridges in a divided world. His legacy will endure in the hearts of millions inspired by his call to live the Christian Gospel values of love, mercy, and humility.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
6
C of E Bishop of St Albans Rt. Revd Dr Alan Smith Retired
It was a privilege to attend at St Albans Cathedral, the farewell service for the Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, who retired after 44 years of ordained ministry and 16 years of generous, faithful and inspiring leadership as the Church of England Bishop of St Albans.
At the end of the service, Bishop Alan laid down his crozier bringing to a close more than 16 years of service as Bishop of St Albans.
Luton’s different faith and community leaders thanked him for his visits to Luton, especially after the far-right extremist groups provoked unrest in Luton and once even firebombed a Luton Mosque in 2009-10. Prof Zafar Khan, the Chair of Luton Council of Faiths, said, “Bishop Alan’s consistent voice in parliament on interfaith issues has been much appreciated. We want to wish him our very best as he retires.”
The Chair of Grassroots Luton, Revd Canon David Lawson, said, “Luton went through some extremely challenging times. We remain grateful to Bishop Alan for extending his support so graciously over the years.”
Bishop Alan responded to GRASSROTS, “It has been a great joy and privilege to have served as Bishop of St Albans for the past sixteen years. I have particularly enjoyed my involvement with Luton, which is one of the most lively and dynamic communities in the entire diocese. Although we are all aware of some of the challenges and difficulties, I am always grateful for the wonderful fraternal relations between the different faiths and our common desire to serve the communities which make up Luton. I'm glad to have been able to play a small part in helping it to become a place where all people can flourish and thrive. In a world disfigured by war and violence, poverty and disease, please be assured of my prayers for all your future work.”
7
The Princess of Wales 'Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service held in Luton
The Bedfordshire 'Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service, supported by The Royal Foundation, and hosted by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, brought together 400 attendees at St Mary’s Luton. Guests included staff & members of Bedfordshire’s Emergency Services, care workers and young carers, local mental health support groups, and various faith groups. It was part of a national initiative inspired by The Princess of Wales' 'Together at Christmas' service at Westminster Abbey, celebrating love, empathy and community spirit this festive season.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada hosted Bedfordshire’s 'Together at Christmas’ Community Carol Service inspired by The Princess of Wales initiative to celebrate love, empathy and community spirit during festive season.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada called it an honour that Bedfordshire was chosen to hold one of the 15 community carol services held across the country. She said, “It is wonderful to come together to thank and recognise people from across the county who help others and pull together in times of need, and who have shown selfless love, kindness and empathy in striving to make the lives of others better.” She added, “I am proud of how in this county despite facing many challenges, communities live together in harmony and celebrate the glorious mix of diverse cultures and heritages.”
Combined with traditional and modern elements, the Bedfordshire service was the best way of shining a light on the hard work and selflessness of voluntary and charity organisations across Bedfordshire. An attendee said, “It was a meaningful and inclusive celebration for people of all faiths and none.”
8
Annual Report Overview Sep 2024 – Aug 2025
This year has been filled with unexpected, shocking, and deeply upsetting events, globally as well nationally. At one time at GRASSROOTS, we found ourselves asking a question that many others in our local communities were also asking: amidst so much pain and need, where do we even put our focus?
The far-right is in resurgence. The State of HATE 2025 Report by an advocacy group ‘Hope Not Hate’ points out that attitudes towards community cohesion and multiculturalism have worsened since farright actors capitalised on the horrific killing of three children in Southport, Merseyside last year, and hijacked the tragedy from a grieving community for their own hateful, racist, anti-immigrant, Xenophobic and Islamophobic agenda, and the violent riots broke out in the streets of the UK. One year on, the threat hasn’t gone away.
Highlighting Reform UK’s rise in the polls, the report also examines how the far right is gaining ground at the ballot box, in the streets, and online – and what this means for the future of our democracy.
Earlier this year, at one of the Luton Council of Faiths meetings, Luton’s faith leaders also shared concerns about how, the power-mongering majoritarian politics is benefiting by hyping fear and anxiety in society. Once identical with drunken hooliganism, the far-right extremism is now professionally and politically selling hate, and racialising & communalising it. Earlier, we were threatened by the potential damages caused by only limited sections of the media and its sympathisers, but now these threats have grown manifold – thanks to social media. In fact, social media is the most dangerous weapon in our world today, where radicalisation and polarisation seem uncontrollable, and young impressionable minds are groomed in harmful ways.
Against such a demanding and challenging backdrop, we celebrate the fact that Luton has strong community relations, but we can’t be complacent. While stopping the weaponisation of online misinformation, we must continue to build resilience, strengthen & nurture strong and peaceful communities in Luton, and beyond, by standing together against division and intolerance, and
win people by our love, kindness and compassion. Also, in response to the UK Prime Minister’s ‘island of strangers’ immigration speech that is said to have echoed the sentiments of Enoch Powell’s ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech, Luton faith leaders reverberated the statement – We are an Island of Solidarity, not Strangers. They said immigrants play a vital role in NHS, social care, and farmlands – they deserve recognition, not scapegoating.
9
Additionally, the national inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation has raised several genuine questions and concerns over British “grooming gangs”, but the far-right groups, media and a few politicians have yet again hijacked the issue to demonise Muslims and immigrants.
Locally in Luton, driven by faith, to make our community safe and fair, a Christian-Muslim initiative called Faiths Against Child Sexual Exploitation (FACES) stated, “Together, we stand united in our commitment to safeguarding all children from harm.” FACES welcomed robust scrutiny of all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation, but rejected any narrative—especially those laced with racism & Islamophobia —that diverts attention from the young people at the heart of this crisis.
In a statement FACES said it is a national crisis, but only one story is being told. ‘Scapegoating’ is not ‘Safeguarding’. The real causes are power, misogyny, and systemic failure. It also called to examine the data collection, which is not neutral and is influenced and driven by political agendas, and racist narratives. The statement calls for prioritising facts over fear, and justice over political point-scoring. It says, “Every child deserves to be safe. Every survivor deserves to be heard. FACES will continue to speak out — until safeguarding in this country is fair, effective, and free of prejudice.” Since it’s launch in 2016, FACES has developed multiple training and awareness courses in broad safeguarding areas from Identity and Inclusion, to working with refugees and Relationships & Sex Education. One of its latest projects has been funded by Near Neighbours and supported by GRASSROOTS Programme.
This year also marked 30 years since 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were massacred at Srebrenica. Every year, ‘Remembering Srebrenica’ selects a theme. This year the theme was ‘Remember Yesterday, Act Today’. It reminded us that our reflective remembrance must lead to proactive action to safeguard our present and future, especially at a time when the threat of ethnic prejudice and extreme nationalism is again rearing its head, and the threat of genocide continues to kill thousands of innocent people in other parts of the world.
Events in Gaza, the brutal suffering being inflicted on the innocent people, the complicity of governments, and the failure thus far of the international community to put a stop to such crimes against humanity are deeply distressing and extremely disturbing. By learning the lessons from Srebrenica, we must take, however small or big, but steady steps for peace, justice, equity and unity across diversity in our world. Our heartfelt prayers are with all those who are killed, bereaved and still suffering, and we pray for an end to all conflicts in the world.
At the 30th Anniversary of Srebrenica Memorial event at the Council Chambers of Luton Town Hall, (L to R) Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner, C of E Bishop of Bedford, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Camilla King all signed the Memorial Book. Speaking at this event, Paul Salver, Vice Chair of Remembering Srebrenica East of England Board, said, “Having seen the human capacity for darkness, and having listened to survivors, it was my responsibility not to walk away and do nothing, so I have been educating, and inspiring young people to speak out and challenge racism and intolerance in all its forms.”
10
IMPACT Report on Summer Riots 2024 – LUTON CASE STUDY
The riots of 2024 came out of the blue for many of us. Near Neighbours (NN) Programme held a national plenary and collated contributions from all NN local hubs from across the country, including GRASSROOTS Luton. NN then shared its learning with the MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government) policy-makers. NN made them aware of issues and opportunities, as well as inspirational best practice to prevent such occurrences in future. In its submission to MHCLG, NN published two of Luton’s comments as following;
"Communities know their own challenges better than anyone. They have the ideas, the relationships, and the determination to make a difference. What’s missing is the right support—without excessive bureaucracy—so they can lead change from the ground up." (Ryad Khodabocus of Luton Council of Faiths)
"After 15 years of far-right agitation in Luton, our faith groups, police, and wider community have learned how to work together to counter hate. Thankfully, this meant we saw no major incidents, but we can never be complacent. Building trust and strengthening relationships must be ongoing work." (Peter Adams of St Mary’s Centre for Peace & Reconciliation)
Near Neighbours Luton Event – Sharing Stories of Hope and Experience
On 24[th] Feb’25 in Luton, Bishop Richard Atkinson chaired a conversation, with members and leaders of the different faith communities, about the events following the Southport stabbings in July 2024, and the subsequent riots, and why Luton was one of five forces that were spared these riots.
The discussions are best summarised as following;
Rumours, media and social media
People in Luton were concerned, distressed, anxious, because there were a lot of rumours on social media, not just about the perpetrator and the motive for the attacks, but later also about riots coming to Luton. There was a fear of riots guided by unreal and fake truths and rumours. Foreign media coverage didn’t help – and our government didn’t necessarily respond adequately to dispel the myth. If you leave an information gap, someone will fill it. In this case the far-right filled the gap, leading to a lot of speculation, which in turn fuelled the riots.
The first riot in Southport was unorganised and fairly organic – it was a local reaction to what had happened. Subsequent riots however were engineered and organised. In Luton there was a swift and non-complacent response following this incident. Police, faith and community leaders, Luton Borough Council stepped in quickly - firstly in identifying, secondly in dismissing rumours and then working together to discourage communities to listen to rumours, and to take the cue from Beds Police. Despite disagreements and mistrust, communities put their trust in the authorities, and complied with the advice of the police.
11
Communication
Communication was a key part in all this – the police and authorities communicated effectively with faith and community leaders, and leaders communicated efficiently with the members of their communities. It is perhaps not insignificant, certainly in terms of communication, that Luton has such a high (78%) percentage of religiously affiliated population. Swift communication was possible largely because of communication infrastructure that was already existent in different faith communities, or could easily be revived.
Positive Action
In Luton, we called on people to make short videos with someone of a different background, sharing stories of friendships and living well together, and upload it on #weareluton. In one such video, a local native English beekeeper Colin Hall (Quaker) and his neighbour Abu Nasir (British Muslim) shared how they have lived together and looked after each other as neighbours for over 20 years. “We got each other’s house keys too”, said Abu. “This is what Luton is really all about”, stated Abu & Colin. “It is about connections, relationships and caring for each other.
A Quaker & a Muslim sharing their story of living well together as neighbours in Luton
Strength of Community Relations in Luton
In Luton, organisations like Grassroots & Luton Council of Faiths have been working hard to strengthen community relations for over 30 years. This proactive, often unseen, unsung and under resourced work, is the bedrock of community relations. As a result of this work, faith and community leaders know each other. In networking and working together they disseminate and share information with one another quickly, effectively and efficiently, with a sense of mutual trust in one another, which helps calm people’s anxieties, restrain misinformation and not let it spread any further.
----- Start of picture text -----
A Sikh & a Catholic sharing their story of living well
together as neighbours in Luton
----- End of picture text -----
Moving Forward
Southport exposed racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia, scapegoating, and intolerance of the ‘other’. Although Luton was not affected this time, we recognise the need to strengthen relationships and keep communication channels up-to-date. There’s concern that community relations have weakened in recent years due to Brexit, austerity, Covid, the cost-of-living crisis, national elections, and international issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. Authorities must strategically invest in partnerships with local faith leaders and support them in sharing positive stories on social media to inspire all generations.
12
Police Raid on the Westminster Quaker Meeting House
It was shocking and unprecedented that the police raided on Westminster Quaker Meeting House on March 27, 2025. It was a massively disproportionate response, when a force of 20 police officers broke open the door without warning, arresting six young people who had hired a room to discuss legitimate social justice concerns.
Quakers issued a statement saying it undermines democracy. People must have the right to assemble and to speak out, even when their views challenge those in power. Every citizen deserves to be heard, not just those with influence or media access. In a diverse society, we need to be able to hear dissenting voices with respect. Forcibly preventing these from being heard, through law or police action, is in no way democratic. People talking and peacefully demonstrating is not a threat to society, but stopping them is.
After this incident, Quakers in Britain were overwhelmed by messages of support, from different faiths, from the public and people around the world, but in Luton, people from different faiths gathered to support the Luton Quakers, at an excellent Sufi Storytelling Event, by Khayaal Theatre.
The wisdom tales, magically performed by Eleanor Martin, covered the themes of social and environmental justice by Muslim sages Rumi, Saadi, and Mulla Nasruddin. Eleanor has worked extensively as a storyteller, performing everywhere from schools to living rooms to a circus top and at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Artistic Director, Luqman Ali stated it was good to get together in deep and inspiring silence, contemplation and in some meaningful conversations. The far-ranging conversations and reflections covered the themes of imagination, language, ethics, symbology, spirituality, community and the contemporary relevance and resonances of the stories with capitalism, poverty, inequality, injustice, indebtedness, debt forgiveness, rapacity, children, elderly, water, waste, nature, ecology were powerful, illuminating and edifying for all.
Luqman of Khayal Theatre extended a huge thanks to the Luton Quaker community and everyone else, for their heartfelt, warm and generous reception and hospitality. He said, “Easily it was one of the most high-voltage spiritual storytelling circles we've co-convened this year.”
Stories are powerful indeed, but the art of storytelling cannot be undermined, especially as it awakens the childlike imagination, curiosity and innocence in everyone.
13
India-Pakistan war tensions mitigated in Luton
Amid heightened tensions of war between India and Pakistan, Luton’s faith leaders of Indian, Pakistani, Kashmiri & Bangladeshi origins gathered together to prepare and share a video message, stating, “As Muslims, as Hindus, as Sikhs, despite our differences, we have always lived side by side, promoting peace and mutual support in our local community. Many incidents have tested our patience and resilience. We have not much control over what is happening internationally, but we can continue the good work locally. We call upon everyone to rise above the social media manipulation and hate, and live by the code and ethics of our faith. Every human has the right to peace, justice, freedom & liberty. United we stand, divided we fall – We are Luton!”
The terrorist attack killing 28 innocent and unarmed people in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on 22nd April 2025 had left people worldwide deeply shocked and grieved. It caused tensions between the Indian & Pakistani governments.
A Luton Council of Faiths statement said, “As people of different faiths and cultures, working together tirelessly for peace and harmony in Luton, and beyond, we have always strongly condemned such senseless violence, particularly when carried out in the name of religion. The attackers targeted innocent civilians, mostly tourists, and left survivors and victims' families traumatised and shattered.”
“This heinous act has deeply wounded the collective conscience of our society, cutting across all religions, castes, and communities. We must remember that no religion condones violence. On the contrary, all faiths uphold values of compassion, love, peace, and justice.”
“Our condolences and prayers are with the victims and those who have faced death, injury and suffered in any other ways. Like in other world conflicts, we have always advocated that all parties must seek to end the conflict based on mutual respect, sanctity of life, and interdependence on each other.”
“We call upon all communities, locally & globally, to come together in empathy, dialogue, and unity. Only through mutual respect, understanding, and the reaffirmation of our shared humanity can we heal the wounds inflicted by hatred and violence. Let us remain committed to rejecting all forms of extremism and working together to build a society rooted in harmony and hope, and let us call out for peace between India & Pakistan.”
14
KEY HIGHLIGHTS, EVENTS & ACTIVITIES OF THE YEAR
Covid-19 Memorial Service
5 years on…Newland (Wigmore) Church on Crawley Green Road in Luton invited members of the public and different faith communities to remember all those who died of Covid-19 in Luton. During the service, Revd Jenny Spouge introduced people to the Luton Covid Memorial frame, on which a flower each for every person who died of Covid-19 in Luton was knitted and crocheted. It was first erected in November 2020. These flowers were washed and re-attached to the trellis, and the renewed memorial was dedicated during the event.
Thanks to Gail Bennett and Jenny Spouge – the crafters and instigators of the Luton Covid Memorial for conceiving this idea of remembering the deceased in this beautiful way. At the Covid Memorial Service, friends from different faiths said, “In our coming together we have stated today that they are not forgotten.”
Gail Bennett (L) and Jenny Spouge (R) the crafters and instigators of the Luton Covid Memorial were pleased to re-dedicate it at a special event held recently. In it, there is a flower for every person who died of Covid-19.
Quoting from the Sikh eternal Guru Granth Sahib Ji, a young Sikh girl Avneet Kaur reflected, “Whoever has come shall depart. Life is temporary. Every soul that comes into this world must one day return to its true home. Though this truth is difficult to accept, the Guru teaches us that death is not an end—it is a transition. The body perishes, but the soul merges back into the Divine, into the eternal love of God.”
She encouraged all by saying that even after the darkest night, the sun must rise. Even after the harshest winter, spring must blossom. Let us move forward with the love of God in our hearts, with kindness in our actions, and with hope in our souls. May God bless everyone with strength, peace, and eternal hope!
15
C of E St Albans Diocesan Inter Faith Week Event
At the Inter Faith Week Event held at St Albans Cathedral, about 125 people from different and no religious backgrounds from Beds, Herts & the London borough of Barnet, saw 20 different stalls displaying a wide range of different projects and activities, showcasing powerfully how people of diverse faiths serve their communities. These projects led by different faith communities support children, youth & women, refugees & homeless with winter kits, food banks, eco projects, peace gardens, multi-faith art activities, inter-cultural cooking classes, initiatives tackling health inequalities, and supporting those with dementia, etc.
The idea behind this year’s C of E St Albans Diocesan Inter Faith Week event was to inspire one another by sharing our stories and experiences, stated Revd Cath Rindl and Mrs Ulrike Hunt, who masterminded the event.
The Reverend Canon David Kesterton, Luton-based Diocesan Inter Faith Adviser said, “The event was a powerful reminder of how our common humanity allows us to live respectfully with our differences.”
The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral, welcomed all and highlighted that the foundation story of St Albans Cathedral is inter-faith work. Alban, Britain’s first known Christian saint and martyr, was a Pagan and he gave safe refuge to an asylum seeker – a Christian priest facing persecution. Alban stood up with courage for justice and sacrificed his life to protect his friend, and his faith – so this is the place of welcome for people of all faiths and beliefs. Jo said, “With all the wars going on in our world today, we must reignite our friendships and our mutual care and support for one another.”
St Albans Cathedral welcomed people from different and no religious backgrounds, at the Inter Faith Week Event
Bishop Richard Atkinson OBE said, “As we live in a challenging world, let us remain committed to explore what more can we do together to make a positive impact in our world.” Many participants said it was a great experience to be in this elegant place, where a thousand years of history of singing, praying, contemplating and service added so much potency and symbolism.
16
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
In a world marked by conflict, environmental degradation, organised crime, violent extremism, injustices, and widening inequalities, it is important that nations, communities and institutions work together to reconcile human relationships, restore human dignity, and foster equality and empowerment of all. In emphasising these sentiments, Kinga Kosterska & Elliot Vanstone from the Mission Directorate of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales visited the GRASSROOTS Programme and Luton’s different faith communities. They toured different places of worship places and learnt about their community outreach work.
At Luton Hindu Temple, the Priest Shri Ketan Mehta (L) welcoming and greeting Kinga Kosterska (R) & Elliot Vanstone from the Mission Directorate of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Kinga said, “It was great to see how Luton’s multi-faith communities can not only live together but thrive and respect each other. The various faith communities we visited were incredibly welcoming and generous in sharing with us the educational and interfaith work they carry out. It was great to see how much they valued the importance of interreligious dialogue and cooperation.”
Elliot Vanstone said, “It was truly inspiring to see the great work happening in Luton. Walking through the streets of Luton and experiencing its rich multicultural vibrancy was both encouraging and eye-opening. I was particularly moved by the work and legacy of Grassroots in Luton—it’s clear that, in the realm of dialogue, simply being present for people in both their struggles and their joys is invaluable. Grassroots exemplifies that commitment in everything it does.”
He added, "This year, the Catholic Church marks the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the landmark document that encouraged deeper relationships between faiths, and it is heartening to see these values lived out in Luton. At a time when tensions can so easily divide, Luton stands as a testament to the strength of unity—something particularly significant given that the town remained peaceful while much of the country was affected by riots following the horrific deaths in Southport last summer. This visit was a hopeful sign that, by coming together, we can build a more harmonious and compassionate society for all."
17
Bishops of Catholic Dioceses of Northampton & Nottingham
The Rt. Revs David Oakley & Patrick McKinney Bishops of the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Northampton & Nottingham visited GRASSROOTS Programme, and Luton’s different faith communities. It was a great blessing, according to The Revd Canon David Lawson, Chair of GRASSROOTS Luton.
Referring to the Second Vatican Council, which was the twenty-first ecumenical council of the Catholic Church, Bishop David reminded that it had produced resources to direct the life of the Church in the twentieth century and beyond. The purpose of the Council was the “modernization of the Church after 20 centuries of life.” He reinforced the Council’s call for the Church’s renewal in almost every aspect: from the Church’s language and theology to the Church’s role in the world, especially its relationship with other religions.
The Rt. Revs David Oakley & Patrick McKinney Bishops of the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Northampton & Nottingham, welcomed in Luton by GRASSROOTS Trustee Mrs. Deborah Purfield (L) & The Revd. Canon David Lawson (R)
Bishop David concurred that interfaith cooperation is not about trying to blend all religions and cultures into one, as if we are all the same and our differences don't really matter. It is not about negotiating away our differences. It is about realising that we have more in common than what divides us, and that must motivate us to cooperate for the common good and the flourishing of all people. He offered to continue blessing and assisting the work of GRASSROOTS to advance the causes of justice, peace, and reconciliation in a hurting world. He said, “Our meeting together with different faiths testifies that our religions invite us to remain rooted in the values of peace; to defend the values of mutual understanding, human fraternity, and harmonious coexistence.”
Bishop Patrick gave GRASSROOTS credit for its efforts to bring communities together. “It's wonderful to see that Luton’s inter faith work involves action as well as dialogue”, he said. “The actions of Luton's faith communities speak louder than words and it is great to see their actions are inspired by their respective beliefs. Long may such partnership and networking continue, which is so clearly not about competing against one another, but complimenting one another.” He said, as people of faith, we are called to open ourselves to one another, knowing and recognising each other as brothers and sisters. In this way, we can tear down walls raised out of fear and ignorance and seek together to build bridges of friendship that are fundamental for the good of all humanity.”
18
Council for World Mission (CWM) visited Luton
The Council for World Mission (CWM) is a worldwide community and partnership of 32 Christian (mainly Protestant) denominations. It was established in 1977 by amalgamating the London Missionary Society (LMS, founded 1795). The organisation is committed to the global vision of building ‘Life-flourishing Communities, and living out God’s promise of a New Heaven and a New Earth’, where human dignity is protected, poverty eradicated, climate catastrophe abated, ideologies of supremacy demolished and peace reigns.
25 global church leaders from the six CWM global regions – Africa, Caribbean, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Pacific visited Luton
The CWM’s Europe Region, joined by the CTBI (Churches Together in Britain & Ireland), hosted in the UK, a group of over 25 global church leaders from the six CWM global regions – Africa, Caribbean, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Pacific. The purpose of their gathering was to explore how to initiate effective and meaningful interfaith conversations for building peace and reconciliation in our pluralistic multi-faith and multicultural world. The programme included an exposure visit to GRASSROOTS Programme in Luton.
The international group experienced Luton’s hospitality at its best, when they were welcomed by the Luton Borough Council at the Town Hall, hosted Lunch at the Guru Nanak Gurudwara & afternoon tea at the Madinah Mosque. The inspiring presentations and exposure in Luton reflected and acknowledged excellent teamwork and multi-agency partnership work between the local government and the faith sector.
The Church leaders acknowledged that there is more common between us than what divides us, but our differences are equally important. They shared that our work is not about undermining or comprising our differences. On the contrary, it is about asserting and affirming our differences in a way so that it does not breed conflict and confrontation. It rather enriches our learning and understanding.
Rev. Dr Peter Colwell, CTBI Deputy General Secretary, described the overall programme as a milestone towards deepening and strengthening essential interfaith conversations. Long live the CWM’s vision of building lifeflourishing communities across the world.
19
Assisted Dying Bill
Assisted Dying Bill is to allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life. The bill was introduced by Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP for Spen Valley in the House of Commons.
Luton’s different faith communities and all disability rights groups have been united in opposing the Bill. They say to legalise assisted suicide is against every religion’s core belief of preserving the sanctity of life, and that every person is made by God and has intrinsic value.
Luton’s Faith Leaders in discussion over writing a letter of concern to both Luton MPs regarding the Assisted Dying Bill.
While some are calling it a compassionate reform so that people at the end of their lives can die with dignity at a time of their choosing, Luton’s faith leaders, before the 3rd reading of the Bill, wrote a letter to both the Luton MPs highlighting that a ‘right to die’ could ‘all too easily’ end in vulnerable people feeling they have a ‘duty to die.’ They raised concerns about the proposed safeguards saying ‘these will suffer the curse of loopholes and eventually erode’. This poses significant risks to vulnerable patient groups, many of whom already face inequities in healthcare, including limited access to quality end-of-life care.
The letter highlighted the presence and the strength of faith communities in Luton, who are all fundamentally opposed to the intentional ending of life. ‘Death should not be a treatment option’, the letter stated. People shouldn’t choose to end their lives, because they feel they are a burden, or they can’t get the required assistance because the NHS waiting lists are too long. Investing in good quality, consistently available palliative care and actions taken to remove the inequalities in our health care system are the best ways forward for improving quality of life and reducing suffering for people with painful terminal illnesses.
Luton faith leaders are also sceptical that their concerns can be adequately addressed within the constraints of the process of a private member bill. They strongly urged that an independent commission, comprising of the rich diversity of our nation, be set up to look at this subject in a less pressurised and more considered way.
Parliamentarians, and indeed all of society, now have a collective responsibility to find a way forward that seeks to prioritise life above death.
20
Peace Walk showed Lutonians loving & respecting one other
In its 28th year, Luton’s Annual Peace Walk, held on 21st Sep 2024, remained the most popular multi-faith event in the town.
Over 150 people of all ages visited Zakariya Mosque on Beadlow Rd, St Martin de Porres Catholic Church & St Hugh’s C of E Church on Leagrave High St. People were given a fantastic welcome, wonderful hospitality and delicious food, at each place of worship. The event also marked the UN’s International Day of Peace.
Many dignitaries included the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, Mayor of Luton Cllr Tahmina Saleem, C of E Bishop of Bedford Rt. Revd. Richard Atkinson and the Chair of UNA Luton Branch and Deputy Lieutenant Dr Nazia Khanum.
Welcoming all, the Mayor of Luton Cllr Tahmina Saleem said “Luton is known for its diversity and inclusivity and Peace Walk is a shining example of how events like these can bring us all closer together. It helps us to reflect on the values of humanity, unity, friendship and mutual respect that are foundations of our diverse communities, here in Luton.”
“Not too long ago, we have seen our nation suffering from the ugliest riots, but that Luton stayed peaceful. This could only be possible because Lutonians are committed to love and respect one other, and to work together for the betterment of humankind, and of our future generations.”
A message sent by Luton MPs Sarah Owen & Rachel Hopkins also stated, “We have so much to be proud of in Luton – whether through faith communities, local organisations or charities, we all work together to make our town the best possible place to live. Luton is a town where our hyper-diverse communities can all thrive.”
Stef Muzz – in his most attractive and innovative Banana Suit and Banana Car, both decorated with love and peace symbols on it (as seen in the pic), joined the Peace Walk, and shared a message of love, peace and hope for all. He said, “At Luton Peace Walk it was humbling and inspiring to see such a wonderful spirit of community solidarity. It was good to interact with so many people of different, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and bring smiles to their faces. May the peace and reconciliation in this town, and relationships between Luton’s diverse communities remain strong as ever.”
In his vote of thanks, the C of E Bishop Richard Atkinson said, “we have come together to show our solidarity and share hope for a better world and this is never more relevant than this year – when we have seen the riots erupt across the UK this summer. Let’s continue to stand together for peace, and celebrate Luton.”
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada said, “Thank you so much for bringing us all together each year. It plays such an important part in the continued harmony within the Luton community”.
All dignitaries thanked the Luton Council of Faiths, Grassroots & Near Neighbours Programme for their steadfast commitment, to building peace and reconciliation in this town, and for strengthening relationships between Luton’s diverse communities over many years.
21
Celebrating 30 years of the Fairtrade movement in the UK
In 2024, we celebrated 30 years of the Fairtrade movement in the UK, which is a campaign to make trade fair.
One of the many ways of promoting the sale and awareness of fairly traded goods is a two-week campaign called the Fairtrade Fortnight. It highlights the importance of fair wages, ethical sourcing, sustainable farming practices, and encourages consumers to make ethical choices when shopping. It's an annual event organised by the UK’s Fairtrade Foundation to support farmers in low-income countries.
30 years of Fairtrade sales have meant over £1.7 billion in Fairtrade Premium. This has empowered many farmers in the developing countries, driving real change in their communities. In 2024, through sales of Fairtrade products in the UK, producers earned over £28 million in Fairtrade Premium, an extra sum of money that farmers and workers invest in areas such as farming improvements and community initiatives of their choice.
Held in September for the first time, Fairtrade Fortnight 2024 was our most successful in years, stated the Fairtrade Foundation UK in its annual report 2024. It said our Fairtrade movement came out in force, organising over 615 grassroots community activities across the UK. We asked MPs to pledge to ‘Be the Change’ and support a fairer trade system that addresses the links between trade, development and environmental sustainability. Over 4,000 campaigners wrote to their MPs and more than 130 MPs signed ‘Be the Change’ pledge. We look forward to working with them over the coming years to promote fairer trade. The Fairtrade Foundation said If we could convince politicians to change the trade rules, ensuring all trade was fair, there could be millions more positive stories of farmers, labourers, craftsmen pulled out of poverty and misery. It also published 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade at any time of the year.
In Luton, St Christopher’s Church in the Round Green area, held the 5th Annual Fairtrade Cake Baking Competition. The bakers were invited to present their cakes with recipes and the packaging as evidence of the three fair-trade ingredients. People were then asked to taste the cakes and choose the three best cakes – the best-looking cake, the best-tasting fruit cake, and the best-tasting sponge cake. The top three winners were given Fairtrade prizes, sponsored by Near Neighbours.
This is just another way of capturing people’s imagination and engaging with and involving people from different faiths and cultures in strengthening the Luton Fairtrade campaign going strong for the last 18 years.
Expressing gratitude to all those who took part in the competition, the event organiser Revd Anne Crosby, Vicar of St Anne with St Christopher Parish said, “Fairtrade Fortnight is a great time to make or renew our commitment to Fairtrade. By choosing Fairtrade, we support over 2 million farmers and workers across 70 countries.”
Fairtrade isn’t Charity – It is Justice. To give people what they deserve, please support Fairtrade.
22
Remembrance Day held outside Luton Town Hall
In the year that marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Luton Borough Council held two Remembrance Events held on Sunday 10 and Monday 11 November outside the Town Hall. The Remembrance Sunday parade was followed by a short service led by Pastor Lloyd Denny. In this service, Prof Zafar Khan, Chair of Luton Council of Faiths (as seen in the pic below), remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice for what was deemed righteous wars to defend freedom, democracy, justice and peace for all.
He pointed out these were lives of not only countless soldiers from the British Isles, but across the world including from Africa, the Caribbean islands, the Middle East and the South Asian sub-continent of what is today, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. He said, “Today we remember the fallen from many national, ethnic and religious backgrounds including the Sikh, Muslim and Hindu soldiers. Therefore, we must call out the kind of extremism and hatred we witnessed in the summer of this year. It is incumbent upon all of us to build on the legacy of those who sacrificed their precious lives for a society that
cherishes and actively protects equality, freedom and justice at home and abroad. To achieve and maintain this, we must be ready to offer our sacrifices for peace, justice, compassion and prosperity for each and every one in our towns and cities across our country. There is much to remember and reflect today and to pay our tribute and eternal gratitude to the fallen. Their bravery, their suffering and the abiding grief of losing millions of soldiers must remain a reminder that their ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. As we remember them on this solemn day, we should consider it our duty to become active peace makers, for their sake.”
Inter Faith Week with Luton Faith Leaders
During this year’s inter faith week, Luton’s faith leaders shared together the importance and the significance of different religious festivities observed during the winter months, such as the Hindu festivals of Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali – celebrating the return of Lord Rama after conquering the demon king Ravana, the Jewish Festivals of Rosh Hoshana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukkah – celebrating Jewish victory over the occupying foreign forces, Sikhs celebrating the birth of its founder Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and Bandi Chhor Divas (meaning Day of Liberation), celebrating the
release of the sixth Guru Hargobind Ji from the political imprisonment, Baháʼís celebrating the birth of the Baháʼu'lláh, Jains celebrating Lord Mahavira’s Nirvana (a place of perfect peace and happiness, like heaven), and Buddhists celebrating the Bodhi Day when Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, and Christians celebrating Christmas following a month-long season of Advent (time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ), and the list could go on. It is great that in Luton we have diverse cultures, faiths and traditions.
Some of the common themes that emerged from the sharing of these winter festivals included – unity, light in the darkness, victory of good over evil, importance of community, prayer and generosity, closer relationship with God and with one another, universal brotherhood & sisterhood, faithfulness, sacrificial giving, humility, hope, peace, happiness and harmony. After sharing such enriching thoughts, the event concluded all together proclaiming – there’s no place for hate in our town.
23
Peace Light Service
We supported and facilitated inter-faith attendance and participation at the Annual Peace Light service, held at Luton’s All Saints Church on Shaftesbury Road. The service brought together local scouts, civic guests and friends from different Churches and different faith communities to welcome the Peace Light flame brought from Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Revd Canon David Kesterton, Vicar, Parish of All Saints with St Peter and Church of England Area Dean of Luton said, “This light from Bethlehem has travelled far, reminding us of the light which came to a dark and fearful world when Jesus who is the light of the world, was born. We pray this light, and all those lit from it will be a sign of hope and joy in our land. May we receive this light gladly as a sign of our willingness to be channels of peace by word, and by action; and we pray that peace and joy may dwell in our hearts and homes filling us with God’s love, now and for always. Amen.” In his address, Archdeacon of Bedford Revd Dave Middlebrook quoted (John 14: 27) from the Bible – Peace I leave
with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. The Deputy Mayor of Luton Councillor Babatunde Ajisola said, “On behalf of the town of Luton and all those who live here, I am delighted to welcome the Peace Light. May this light be a sign of the peace and understanding that we all long for, in our town and beyond.”
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The annual observance of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan 18-25, involves Christian communities worldwide. In Luton, Deans and Heads of different Christian denominations invited a Catholic Nun Sr. Gemma Simmonds IBVM to speak at an event for Christian Unity. Sr Gemma quoted Pope Francis, “Our world is being torn apart by war and violence, and wounded by a widespread individualism which divides human beings, setting them against one another as they pursue their own well-being. […] I especially ask Christians in communities throughout the world to offer a radiant and attractive witness of fraternal communion. Let everyone admire how you care for one another, and encourage and accompany one another.”
Sr Gemma shared that we must never do anything alone, because we are stronger together than we are ever alone. She called to examine and strengthen our hearts for reconciliation, and build resilience as ecumenical and interfaith leaders, especially in times when we see people’s cultural and religious differences are being weaponized. She concluded with a prayer from a Catholic Encyclical Fratella Tutti; “Lord, Father of our human family, you created all human beings equal in dignity: pour forth into our hearts a fraternal spirit and inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter, dialogue, justice, and peace. Move us to create
healthier societies and a more dignified world – a world without hunger, poverty, violence, and war. May our hearts be open to all the peoples and nations of the Earth. May we recognise the goodness and beauty that you have sown in each of us, and thus forge bonds of unity, common projects, and shared dreams, Amen.”
24
Chanukah Celebrations
At the Chanukah celebrations held at the Luton United Synagogue, all hoped and prayed that the lighting of the Chanukah Menorah would bring renewed light and peace into the world in the New Year. Chanukah is the Jewish festival of lights. Its origins go back around 2600 years when the Second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. A seven-branched golden Menorah was always kept alight in the Temple. This was melted down by the invaders, and the light went out.
Over time, a Jewish group, the Maccabees, defied the invaders and eventually liberated Jerusalem. When they found many of the artefacts and religious symbols were destroyed and gone, including the all-important Menorah, they set about creating a new Menorah, but most of the olive oil had also been destroyed except one small bottle which was enough to light the Menorah for one day only. The Maccabees lit the Menorah whilst they collected more olives to purify into oil, a process taking 8 days. In the meantime, it is believed that God looked down upon their dedication and through the single bottle of oil kept the Menorah alight for 8 days, until the pure
oil was ready. This became the celebration of Chanukah – a celebration of lighting an additional candle each day over 8 days, which this year began at nightfall on December 25 and ran until January 2, meaning it coincided with Christmas and with the New Year Celebrations too. May the Chanukah lights end all the darkness in the world.
Iftar Gatherings & Eid
March 2025 brought us much-awaited sunshine, brighter and warmer days, but this month was also special for 4 different religious observances coinciding together. Firstly, Purim – a joyous Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews who, in the 5th century BCE, were marked for death by their Persian rulers; secondly Lent – a Christian season of fasting ahead of Easter; thirdly, Bahai’s 19 days of fasting before Nawruz (New Year) celebrations, and lastly Ramadan – Muslim month of fasting (from dawn to sunset), culminating in Eid al-Fitr – one of the two major festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims share food at Iftar (breaking of the fast) events with friends, neighbours, and guests. E.g. Big Iftar event led by Inspire FM brought over 400 people together; UK Islamic Mission (UKIM) Luton branches also invited many guests and friends from different or no faith backgrounds to Unity Iftar gatherings held at the Luton Town Football Club and Bushmead Community Hub. During Ramadan, Muslims also distribute free meals, donate to charities, and contribute to the community’s well-being. Ramadan adds £1.3 billion to the UK economy, stated Equi (an
independent nonpartisan organisation) in its newly launched report “Ramadan: Its Value to British Society and the Economy”. The report highlighted that Muslims provide 33.8 million free Iftar meals, supporting local supply chains, mobilise £359 million in charitable giving and volunteering and £642 million in retail spending.
25
Diwali & Hindu New Year Celebrations
Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights, but Jains celebrate it too, for the Lord Mahavira had attained eternal bliss, and Sikhs celebrate the sixth Guru Hargobind Singh Ji’s release from prison in 1619. Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. At Luton’s both Hindu Temples, a day after Diwali, another festival “Annakut” (meaning mountain of food) displaying 150 varieties of foods was celebrated. It marks Hindu New Year, and symbolises abundance and prosperity. The priest said, “Everything we take from nature is a gift of God; so today is a way for us to show our gratitude. It is an occasion to acknowledge and appreciate all our loved ones, who take care of us, protect us and provide for us – our parents, guardians, spouses, colleagues, neighbours, friends, family and community.”
“It is also a day of charity. Being grateful for what we have we must not forget those who may be less fortunate than us. New Year means new beginnings. It is a day to forgive all the past misdeeds (of self and of others), and pledge to improve upon ourselves.” The priests prayed may our celebrations bring peace into our hearts, into our homes, into our families, into our communities, into our country and in the whole world.
Bahai Nawruz – New Year Celebrations
At Nawruz celebrations, the Luton Baha’i community provided guests with a delightful array of traditional Persian cuisine alongside numerous entertaining musical and dance performances. The Guest Speaker Sheida Tanhai shared that Nawruz coincides with the Spring Equinox and the Persian New Year whilst occurring after a period of 19 days of fasting that provides Baha’is with a chance for reflection, and to increase one’s spirituality and love for God. Nawruz is therefore seen as a “spiritual springtime” at the end of this period of fasting and a chance for eating, socialising and celebration. Sheila said, Bahai faith originated in Iran, in the 19th century, but today it has a global community of over 8 million members in every country.
It inspires individuals and communities to improve both their own lives and the lives of those around them. This vision can only be achieved once mankind is united and understands the oneness of God, the unity of all religions and the fundamental equality of humanity. She explained that Baha’i beliefs also address the themes of gender equality, the harmony of science and religion, the inherent nobility of human beings and the importance of education. The Bahá’í community is committed to fostering unity, eradicating prejudice, and contributing to a just and peaceful world. Many of the spiritual teachings of Bahá’u’lláh (Founder of the Baha'i
faith), mirror those of the divine guidance from the prophets of the world's other major religions.
26
LOUDfence – Hope for Survivors – A Journey Towards Healing
In support of the National Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse, we supported the Catholic Diocese of Northampton, to organise a LOUDfence event in Luton. It was about “Hope for Survivors – A Journey Towards Healing Where There Has Been Pain”. It offered an opportunity for communities to come together in solidarity and compassion for all those affected by abuse, recognising the lasting impact and the need for healing. People tied colourful ribbons and written messages to a fence, symbolising
solidarity and hope for survivors of abuse. In Luton, the event created a safe, sacred space for survivors to share their stories and find spiritual and emotional support from the lay and clergy volunteers. The Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator Danielle Dixon said, “This event stands as a public sign of the Church’s commitment to acknowledging past wounds and walking together with survivors toward a hopeful future.” The event included the Pilgrimage of Hope – people walked between the two Churches and also Crafting Workshops, where participants created ribbons, messages, and crafts to place on the mini LOUDfence displayed in the pic. The event concluded with a prayerful Service of Hope led by Catholic & Church of England faith leaders.
Holy Ghost Catholic Church Diamond Jubilee Anniversary
Several dignitaries attended the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary celebrations of the Holy Ghost Catholic Parish Church on Westbourne Road in Luton. In addition to the clergy procession with liturgical artefacts, the celebrations included parishioners carrying flags of many countries represented in the parish, and presenting the thanksgiving gifts at the altar with African drumming, singing & dancing. Monsignor Kevin McGinnell, who has been the parish priest for two decades and is currently also the Catholic Area Dean, said, “We give thanks to God for all that has been in the parish over the last sixty years. We thank all who since the beginning and now gave so much especially for the Jubilee celebrations. With great hope, we look forward to the future with complete confidence in the Holy Spirit.” Fr Kevin explained that the Holy Ghost Catholic Parish began in 1965. It was built by people of four nations – England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales at that time, with a great deal of help from the immigrant communities from Italy and the West Indies. Over the years, our community has grown and developed, and now we are enriched by many people from Africa (Kenya), the Caribbean, India (Kerala), Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Eastern Europe (Poland). Week after week, we celebrate who we are and try to serve God and people in our local area, irrespective of their religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This is because the area and the demography around the church have changed significantly over the years.
27
NEAR NEIGHBOURS (NN) PROGRAMME
Funded by the MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government), and administered by the Church Urban Fund, the Near Neighbours (NN) Programme has enabled and empowered communities through several activities for over a decade. One such stream is Near Neigbours (NN) Small Grants Fund Scheme. Over £149,000 was awarded in 2024 alone to 49 exceptional projects across England. 12 of these projects were funded in Luton. These grants of £500-£4,000 were announced open again in 2025. for the social action and social interaction projects. Seven applications were successful from Luton, as listed below;
Desi Fest Luton – Battle of Bands
Started only 2 years ago, as a celebration of south Asian culture, bringing large numbers from Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities, Desi Fest Luton this year, is also focusing on drawing in musicians and people from other underrepresented community groups, to collaborate, share their cultural influences, and develop relationships of trust. This project Battle of the Bands is a new initiative added to the overall festival. It was worth NN supporting it because it also exposed NN to thousands of people and certainly to those young talented people who otherwise may not be participating and engaging in NN activities.
FACES (Faiths Against Child Sexual Exploitation) – Family Conversations
A row over the sexual grooming was triggered after GB News reported that the government had refused inquiry into historical child sexual exploitation cases. BBC reported that Elon Musk, the tech billionaire, also made incendiary interventions on the subject including accusing Sir Keir Starmer of being "complicit in the rape of Britain". In the light of these issues, it was important that the NN supported Luton’s pioneering interfaith project (FACES) Faiths Against Child Sex Exploitation to work with disadvantaged families, offering insights into identifying and preventing exploitation, and explaining it in a child-friendly and culturally appropriate language.
Hope Church Luton – Refugee Support Project
This year’s Refugee Week (16-22 June) theme was Community as a Superpower. It’s great that NN supported HOPE Church Luton to deliver the Refugee Services Day, which brought together numerous services & organisations to connect, share resources, and demonstrate our collective commitment to making Luton a place of sanctuary and welcome for all. NN also supported Global Café (Refugee Drop-in), to develop friendships, provide pastoral care and support to refugees. Showing the artwork of Refugees’ handprints, Filipe Almeida, Refugee Services Coordinator at HOPE Church Luton, said, it’s not ‘us’ & ‘them’. It is only ‘us’. We do not do things for them. We do things with them, together.”
28
LCOF (Luton Council of Faiths) – Peace Artwork Competition
With NN can support, this project positively impacted over 1000 people directly, and hundreds of others through media & social media. This project was important because media thrives on conflict and drama, so peace is not considered newsworthy or exciting enough to capture audience attention, but the Peace Artwork, captured people’s imagination and attention, and children’s artwork attracted their families too. At the 29[th] Annual Peace Walk, children were given prizes by dignitaries. The project certainly fostered creativity, imagination, and compassionate resilience to the hostility around us, and it inspired people in a creative way, about the peace and community cohesion ideas.
Community Interest Luton – Luton in Bloom
‘Luton in Bloom’ is a community-driven initiative aimed at uplifting Luton’s spirits through the power and shared interest of gardening. It is also aiming to improve the overall look and feel of the town. There are some powerful and moving stories of how some very lonely and isolated people benefitted from this project and felt part of a community in a useful and meaningful way. It is also about creating a sense of pride and ownership in the town, while also connecting people from diverse backgrounds around a shared goal. It was worth NN supporting this project.
Somali Voices Enabled (SVE) CIC – Empower Her
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) impacts individuals, families, community and society. NN supported this beneficiary-led SVE group to highlight the plight of FGM victims and survivors and to lobby for more action and support from the Police, NHS and the local authority. SVE also garnered support from Luton’s diverse voluntary, faith and public sector organisations. As a result, some of the young people also came forward to get trained and confident to address this issue.
St Andrew’s Church Luton – Biscot Peace and Wellbeing Hub
Although St Andrew’s C of E is over 150 years old church, it wasn’t particularly engaged with the wider and diverse community around it. However, since last 2 years, things have transformed for good. Thanks to the Near Neighbours Funding, the Church is able to set up a peace and wellbeing hub for people of all faiths in the area. The Blenheim Medical Centre located next door is working in close partnership with this project. People from different backgrounds have also together planted a community orchard in the church grounds. Last year, it held ‘Spring Community Festival’, wellbeing drop-ins, including a long-term version of our successful ‘dads and lads’ boxing fitness club pilot, women’s weekly stretch classes and health club, and developed a drop-in for isolated older people in the community.
29
OTHER EVENTS & ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY GRASSROOTS
1[st] ever Sri Lankan Christmas celebration by th Luton Sri Lankans Welfare Association (LSLWA)
OM Group Celebrates 25 Years of Unitin Luton's Diverse Community at Holi Festival
Edible High Town celebrated its 5 years Anniversary in People’s Park Orchards
80[th] Anniversary of VE Day held outside Luton Town Hall attended by hundreds
Shri Guru Ravidass Sangat Luton, received the Kings Award for Voluntary Services
Bangladeshi Culinary Heritage Event highlighting the Curry contributions to UK’s economy
30
OTHER EVENTS & ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY GRASSROOTS
The Rt. Revd. Dr. Rosemarie Mallett, the C of E Bishop in Croydon joined special Windrush event at C of E All Saints Church Luton.
Luton’s different faith representatives Joined Diwali & Hindu New Year celebrations at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Temple Luton.
Strathmore Avenue Methodist Church Community Breakfast Club (CBC) in a special Christmas event was acknowledged as a sign of hope
Christians from diverse backgrounds joined the Good Friday Walk of Witness organised by the Bury Park Beech Hill Council of Churches.
World Religion Day event, hosted by the Luton Baháʼí community aspired for a harmonious inclusive society
Luton & Bedfordshire Windrush Awards Ceremony celebrated many Windrush pioneers
31
Poems by Sheila Marsden
My Town
STOP – oh STOP!
It's the place I know best; the place of my birth and rites of passage, where I grew up loved and wanted. We raised our family here, and gathered friends, young and not so young. This town gave me my livelihood, and the many children I still remember through the passing of years.
STOP – oh STOP! The crying, screaming, terror, clamour – NOISE Stop dividing, splitting, tearing, becoming so TRIBAL. Giving little children words of hate to say, Giving young people weapons of war, Creating images of fear and desperation.
As I reflect on my town - seeing it changing, as it will always do - I will defend it from those who seek to scoff, deride and divide.
It’s easy to talk, Less easy to act. A feeling of hopelessness, wanting to do more we cry STOP – oh STOP!
I see people around me working to make this town a harmonious place in which to live; people who speak up and speak out, together, as peacemakers and reconcilers.
I hope their example will rub off on me. I pray so, because I feel blessed to be a Lutonian. And so in my daily living I will choose to be a maker of peace.
START – oh START! The quiet, slowing, resting, being – SOLACE Start listening, laughing, loving, becoming more HUMAN. Enjoying each other’s company, understanding how each one ticks, Creating images of harmony and restoration. It’s the best way to live, Each one a blessing.
A feeling of joyfulness, on a journey together We cry START – let’s START!
Sheila Marsden, May 2016 (GRASSROOTS Trustee since 2006)
Sheila Marsden, April 2018 (GRASSROOTS Trustee since 2006)
32
Financial Summary
September 2024 – August 2025
| Income | £ |
|---|---|
| Grants received | 98,986 |
| Donations | 2,640 |
| Interest and other income | 2,961 |
| Promotion & Sale of Fairtrade goods | 4,189 |
| 108,776 | |
| Expenditure – Charitable activities | |
| Advancement of Interfaith Relations & Community Development Work | 74,897 |
| Near Neighbours | 18,536 |
| Multi-faith Storytelling and Other Events | 6,125 |
| Admin, Governance & Fundraising | 0 |
| Total | 99,558 |
| Net Expenditure for the year | |
| Total | 9,218 |
| Reserves at 31 August 2025 | |
| Unrestricted (Designated) | 71,421 |
| Restricted | 750 |
33
Visit Our Website:
www.grassrootsluton.org.uk
Email Us:
admingrassroots@btconnect.com
Call Us:
01582 416946
Write To Us:
GRASSROOTS Programme 47 High Town Road Luton Bedfordshire LU2 0BW
Like / Follow Us Online:
www.facebook.com/grassrootsluton
www.twitter.com/grassrootsluton
Charity Registration Number: 1163427
34
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBEIL. 1163427 YEkR ENDED 31 AIJGUST 21125 Miller & Co Chartued Atttsts 5 Jmperial Court Lutort Bedfordsbi LU4 8FE
GRASSROOTS PROGRAMME coKrENtS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMElYfS for the Yer Ended 31 August 2025 Page Trustees, Attttuai Rep)rt todependent E1¢T, Report Statement of FknDelai Artivities Bal#Dee Sb¢¢t ii Notes to the ststts 12
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT ror Ibe Yar EDdeJl 31 August 2025 The ThTStecs present th¢tr ryort and the ffflallci sts1¢m for the yr ended 31 AU8st 2025. The ttU5t¢e5 have adopted th¢ provisions of th¢ Ststement of Recommend Practice (SORP)"Accounting atsd Rwting by Charities" in preparing the awiual report alld fjDancAal ststements of the thity. The financial statrments have been prepared ill xcordance with the accounting p)]icies set out on page hvelve and ¢ompty with the CbaTity's the Charities Art 2011 and Accouutitig and Reportuig ty Charitie5.' Statement of R¢coJnmend¢d Practice applicable to charities prqjaring their &counts in aCdanCe with th¢ Financial KeportiDg Standard appbcable the UK and Republic of Ireknd publisbed ill Odober 2019. This Chlty. Grassroots Programme CIO took ovcr the a55d5 of tbe forn]er uDitteorporatwJ charity Gr&55roots Progrdmme (tharity nu]nb¢r 1057468) on I septrbcr 2016. PtiOT yea. relatitig to charity tLUtub¢r 1057468 may be obtain¢d from the offt¢ * the principal ad(tress. STATUS: Foundioll Collstitirtion. Rewsred Coui and a clty on 04 Set*embtr 2015. 1163427 PRtNCIPAL ADDRESS: 47 Higb Town R1 Lun LU2 OBW TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS: Those VA swved as In of the charity durit]8 the year were follows.. (Chair) Mrs J Bird Rev P Horner Mt5 R T¢tlow Mts S Marsden Ms D Purfield MrBRI (Rtsiglled 05 Jun¢ 2025) (Sttretary) (rE¢&sutet) CHARifY DIRECTOR: Mr D JoDathan BANKERS: The Co-q>a8tive Bank Otympic House 6 Otympic C4)urt M8 2QP INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS: Miller & Co Statstory Auditi)rs 5 Impuial CourL Laporte Way Luton LU4 8FE ORGAIATIoNAL STRUCTURE Grassroots Progt7n]n]e is aD indeIdt charity. A board of trSteeS adDJiUiSters the tharity. The trsteeS rwnsibEe for the overall CODtrol and n)anagement of the thity alld meet OD a regu]ar l)&si5. Pag¢ E
TRUSfEES' ANNUAL REPORT for the Ye4r EDded 31 Aug&rf 2025 PUBLIC BENEFIT The lThstees confirni that they have crAnplied with their thty. set ID the 2011 Charity A¢K to have due regard to Charity Conuni&8ion guid8n¢¢ on publi¢ bm¢fiL RECRurrMENf AND APPOINfMENt OF TRUStEES Trustees are 4IEX)i]rted for a temi of five yS by a rEsoILrtion of th¢ at a SE181 meetillg for wbich not le55 thau 21 days, lloti has beell giv. Under the tetms of the consti0 newty appointyj Inle ate not entitledto a¢t as t until they have sigrn&l ID the minute FKJok of the a declaration of a•ce and willingw to act ill the tS of the Cbarity. All the trustees are familiar with the wo& of the charity and an induction is pthed for any new OBJECTIVES ATr4D ACTivrriES llke obj¢ets of the charity &q set out in Constitirti(o are as follows: (l) To advance ¢¢knl0 for the public bEFJ¢fit globfrl i$5U¢S io enable greater awareness of fxtors that will contribute to the relief of needy victims of breacbes of bUEn rights in such ways that 8r¢ ¢b4ritabl¢ in law. 12) To advance religion and promote undetstsnding among Christians and those of other faiths. (3) To provÈde Oprnes for the advan(xment of educati(M all ages. Ixrt p8AiculaTly in such ways that Ure cl]aritable itt law. (4) To provide relief of tbe age4 iDfirAn p)or. ACHIEVEMENfs AND PERFORMANCE Order to achieve its objective4 the charity nll a number of pM8ranes &rMI tiVities. Dillg the ye8r it rall thc followitig specific prngtaes and xtivities: HAIR'S ME&SAGE In last year's report I said that the world was in a dgerouS and fragile state, and sadly as I write ]ast Forew¢xd to thxs year's annual repo¢ the world is perhaps Dow in a TDOT¢ EKrilous state. The war in Ukraine coDtitiues, famine faces the people8 of GazA arnd su scale wats Ethe*D Isrd¢l and IT Jndia and Pakistan have been avert and the nutllber of refugees attd displaced peoples Continues to rise. It is agaiDSt this global background that GT&55roots and its partti¢TS in Lutoa work together to offer hope arnd light in a turbulent 8ttd uDstable worl¢1 whtch deepty impacts uptsn Luton commuDiti¢s wbo bav¢ from diffttott p•ts of the world tt is a teslimony to Luton's conynullity aderS that they stslld united in recognising that they have no Control over international events but Ibey ¢ 'committed to r¢jecting all fornis of extrem] and working together to build a SIety ID batmony aud bope.. As you read tl)i5 year's Allnual Ror4 you will see the range of GTr55r(KFts involvement in the life of LutOD and beyott too numerous to mention here. but here is a fiavour. The Annual Faith WaK tb¢ faith CODunuoities. a powerfid deo&tiOn of thetr commitinent to deepening understatiding and friendsbip acr055 communities. Th¢ OPP05ition of the faith comrnuniti¢s to the A&8isted Dying BilL furttw evidence of how inter faith co-operation £8 speak to issues of deep conc¢tn felt by the wider community. Gr&ssr(x)ts is a regular contnTr)utor to the weckly Faith Matters column in Luton News, and Jokny re[#£d &t the 2024 Annual Meeting held in Nov'24 that Grn55roots had contrkbuted 54 colun]ns! Grdssr(xJts once again hosted and facilttsted the Diocesan ititcr faith we¢k ellt at St Alb8DS Cath¢draL which is proving to be popular and well supporte& Thts yr.5 ¢V¢Dt is entitled 'Serving community.. exploring how various faith ar¢ u]4kiug a difffffflce in their local ar. It is llot onty in Luton that Grnssroots infiuence Ills felL Over the years Churche con]muDty group5 and individua]s acros5 Europe, bav¢ learned about and exwfftenced the groundbreaknng work of GrrOOts. itLTiting othus to wrt to w&k¢ a I hav¢ a trustee of Gr&woots for 19 years and more recently the . and it has been an enormous privilege to bave been part of the dynamic life of the CharY. Two othtr t have a]so served a8 lon8 as I have and they are Sheila Mat&kn and Ruth Tetlow. Both of th¢ 8r¢ 5tslldiDg down aud Ruth's case it is due to ill health. Sheila's ¢ontrl)ution over the years h&8 been extremety Sigulfirt &5 5b¢ knows Luton inside having lived iti Luton all her Page 2
GRA&SROOTS PROGRAMME TRUSTEES? ANNUAL REPORT for tbe Year EDded 31 August 2025 life. As a committed LU¢0Di her insight and knOwle of the town bas meant she h&% been iDt¢grth to the WO of GrsroOts. Ruth'5 nInThUtiOn h&$ come from h¢T c1mllent to faith and COmTnuDity wort in Binningbam, wbi¢h dways meant she bas be¢D able to offer a perspective to wbat is haEillg iTh Luton. W¢ owe a huge debt of gtatibJd¢ to Sheila and Ruth aDd illdeed our oth¢r tn]5tr&S. who e&h in their own way contribute to fjJrtberiDg tbe wo& of Grrlts. A final word of fromme goe5 to Johny. whc6e extiaordw and prOf0d (¥)wJi1mellt h&8 ma(k Teal the visic of Gra55roots in so nTraiiy ways. I have thorougbly enjoy1 w0]ng aloDg5ide accijmpanyillg bim to u)auy events at which L have h¢yrd agdin and again how hgety rwted Joblly is and how so many know of the impact Gra55Too¢8 has Nade ill Luton and ttyorLd. My joumey in itrterfaith and COD]muoity WO tgan when I was & llewly ordained curate in G]&sgow nearty 50 &T3 ago. I can think of no better place from which to xtively I]re thall Grassroots and Luton. It is awell-known quolation atbuted Éo a follu¢r GeneTrI of thc Urited Nations, Dag Hallun8rskjo but it expT¢sses in a few words how l frel I say farewell: 'For all thatbas bw thaoks! To all that sha]1 be. ye8!Y Pope Franri5 died on Easter Monday, aged 88. We thiDk of bim a8 a of change. He developed strong relattonal bonds between religious traditiQDS. He called wpk from diffemt faiths &s "our siblings". His fi]neEal also reminded the world leadeTS to build Fffidg¢5. not waU5. GT&gStoots Cbair, The R¢vd Canoll David Lawson sai "Three things come to ZDitid on tbe legacy of Pope Francis- hi5 pa)able humanity and bu111ty. his passion for the p(y)r pnd matEiDaltze41 alldbis e for the environm. That 15 50 Iw¢, &5 we read bis reTnaTks the 2015 encycIicaL 'Nev¢r bav¢ we so burt and mistr¢8d commoD home we have ill the p&si 200 yeaT5'. The Luton Councit of Faiths Chair, Prof Zafar Kban sail "PotK Franci5 W&5 a strong advocat¢ fv peace and justice. H¢ was a frkend of the weak alld the Jtharginalised nations and the p&iples across the globe. We ext¢nd 0 heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church aud th¢ followers of ChrÈstiallty the UK arld the world." A5 the world mourn5 hi5 passitig, Pope Francis will be reffj¢wbtred for his leadersbip attd a po who ed the feet of prisollers, embrwxd the sick, and tirelessty sought to build bridges in a dividal world His legacy will clldure in the hearts of lljillions inspired by his call to live th¢ Christian Go41 value5 of love. mercy. aDdbwoility. May he Test peace and rise in glory. HIGHLIGHTS for World hfjs5ioD {CWM) VLthed Luton There was all illt¢matiot)al visit of christi 1th leth CooTdill by the CouD¢iI f( World Mission (CWM) & the crBI (Chutches Together in Britain & IrelaDd), jointly. The group expErienced L.5 h05Pitality at its best wh¢n Ihey were welcomed by the Luton Borough Council at the Town Hall and &150 by Lutou's different faith ¢owrnunities at diff¢rellt places of WOTsbip. FTOM pre5eDlatioLs, they leaTnt about the practiL71 exaTnples of faith com]nunities working tog¢tbtr and also W0ing in pthiership with public seztor ag¢D¢ies. The cfBI [kpty General Secretary described the Luton visit as a mileston¢ towards (ell1g alld stteDgth¢niDg ¢8sential interkith conversations. Witidrush Event A special Wmdntth event and S¢rvice held B]ack History Month at Luton's Cburcb of England (C of E) All Saints Church. The Rt. R¢vd. Dr Rosemarie Mallett (the C of E Bisbop in CD)yd¢)D) w&% the keyDole 5pEakq at this event. IntrothEcing the th¢e "Reclaitning NaTrativ&s" she said it arkS a signifi(t shift toward8 recogDising and cotTecting th¢ narratives of Black bistory and cultur4 presenting the UDty]d success storie5 the fjJll complexity of Black heritage. Whdbw slavery or Willdrus e built aDd Tcbuilt this county aft¢T thc war. and pwle must know about iw, she sai¢1 It was also moviug to heaT fir5¢-J)and ftom a victim of the Windrusb scda] and from tbe Hom¢ Office represtst1ye4 how they ar¢ lryitig to itDF(ove the c(AnixnsatiOD w]J¢m¢ to ttrLose who des¢rv¢ IL" Hindu Festfval-"Auv4kut" Hindu festiV-"Ann&kUr, (mealliug mountain of fo di4>]aying 150 VaTi¢ties of foo(L8, syrnbolising abundance and prosperity. The Anuthrt frstival e&sentiaity cuhninates Diwali celebrations and a150 llwks the f]rst day of the New Year for Htndw. The visittDg priest at BAPS Shri Swami NaTJyan Mattth w&$ a¢tual]y th¢ Fntemational Inter Faith Representative. IÉ w3s remthable that be could meet with LutOJL'S faith lewlers from diverse religious backgroullds. It wa5 au iut¢resting aThd uplitliltg ¢Xlenc£ for all to c(mverse together, tt certainly hel]xd to Advance this Hinthj temple's rel10sh1p witb L4rton's dIfft faith ¢LKDmuDitses. Remembrance Servlce At tbis year's Remejnbrance Servi, we spoke about the ultijnate sacrifice of the cotsntless soldÈer5, who w¢re not just from the British Isles" th<y were SW MU5]1 and Hindu 501dier5 from Afric4 Middle East alld South Asian sub-continer&t of what IS t(xtsy. [j14 PakistsD aud Bangladesh. They follt for Britain glld defended freedom, democracy, justice and peace for all. , we asked pe(yle to call out the kind of extrem1 and hatr we witnessed in the sutnmer of knst year. It is incumbent ull all of us to ljuld on the legacy of thos¢ who 5&crificed their PT¢CiOUS lives
TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT tor the Year EJMJVAI 31 ADgagt 2025 for & society that and a¢tively prot¢¢ts w4yo]ity. and JtiCe atljome gnd aFro&l Intsr-fatth Week Evettts We held two inter-fatth week ev¢Tts- wilb the tatton Councll of Fai (LCOF), al w]Ji¢h faith kaders were invited to share diff¢r¢ut r¢ligious festivities observed during the Wxtitrr months. It is great that ID Luton we have commuDitieé with so many wonderfvl cuhures, faiths aud traditiOD& LU1.5 faith leaders reflected oll sow¢ of the eomrnoD themes that emerged frojn the sharing of wtnr f¢stiva13. These iD¢luded- unity. ligbt in th¢ datkness, victory of good over evil, importallce of cOmmulty, prayer and geDer05ty, closer relatioDthip with God a1 witb on¢ aDoth¢T. UDiveThal brothethood & sisterh¢y)I fattbfith¢85, sacrificial giviD& bumility, ho peace. happine and barmony. In our dividal and wotsllded worl¢1 these values ar¢ n¢¢ded more than ¢v¢rbefore. The second thter Faith Week Event Was held at St Altons Caththl at which about 125 people from differ¢rt and Do religious backgrounds from B$, Herts & the tAm¢kn borough of BarneL saw 20 different $18lly disp]wg a wide rdnge of diff¢r¢ot PTojects attd activities, sbowc&sing powerflllly how people of diverse faith5 5eTYe their cotnmunities. Thes¢ PTojttts led by different faitb coTrJDuuitt¢5 childrry youth & womeffj refugees & homeless with wtnter kits, food battks, eco projects. peace gardens, mu]ti-faith art athiviti&%. illter-culturat cooking classes, inÉtiatives tackling health inequalities. aud supporting those with &menti4 etc. A psrticiwit "For us it was a great expttience to be in this ¢legatr p]a¢¢, whekr a thousand yeats of bi5tory of singing. pzayin& ConteMpillg and service a¢hJed so UCh tellcy and symboli5rn. May G(NJ bles5 all the MMunitieS and the organisers of this event." Luton CommuDsty Carol see supported by Tbe RO FouDdtloL In Luton, the Bedfoth Together at ChristDW' Community c01 Strvic¢. wpported by The Royal Foundation brought togetber 4CM) attelldee& It part of a n8tioDal illrtwttve inspired by The Ptince5s of Waks, Together at CbristEll&S' service at W¢stminst¢r Aby. celebratitig k>vq empathy aDd COllJmllDity spirit this festive seasoa. BedfoTdsbire was chosen to hold one of the 15 ClVty wol rvicu held xm5s the country. It was a meaningful and in¢lusive celebration for people of ail faiths uoD¢. Srl Lankan (Siohjlese) Cbrlstmas eekbratioll It As also worttrl sbarlljg all inttrestiug story about the first ever Sri IaDkan (SiJha1¢5e) ChTistinag ¢¢lebE4tiOD by the Luton Sri Lankans W¢lfaTe Association (LSLWA). The Sri Lank&ll childr¢ry's UEtivity plfjy ¢baTacters of Joseph and Mary w¢re played by Mus]im and Catholi¢ thildr whrnas other thardcters of shephetd% angels and wise men w played by children from Hxnthi and Buddhist backwund5. It so ttuty reflected the spirit of Luton ill Ham]y. Holocaust MeJJJfjrl81 Day-'For a Better Fuknre, 27 January 2025 a[ked the 80th atitiivew of the libention of AuschWitr-Birk2 the 18rg¢st Nazi death ¢ap. It was also tbe 30th aUUiY¢Esary of the genocide in Bosni4 the largest lticidte of ma%s-murder in Europe sin¢¢ World War Two. The theme for HMD 2025 w&$ 'For a Bettrr Future, alld it W&5 PTOmQted a5 a Chall to come together ally, to learn from the past and to de¢ide (n actions we can tske to ¢llsure a better fittur¢ for all. fjspiritual Spriugtirne, for Baha'4 Cbristian4 Jews Buddhi8ty Slkhs. Hllldu4 & Jalng Luton Baha'i Cottlu1ty Nawntt (New Year) celebrations co1cIde with the Spring Equinox and the Persiati New Year whilst occurring after a per1j of 19 days of f&sting that pmvid&s Baha'is wtth a chance for Tefle¢tion, and to incre Oll¢'S Spirituality and love for Go¢1 NaWn is therefore 5eeD as a"spiribJal yingtime", but this year it was a"spiritU41 springtime" for ChrAstiaDs & MlIMS too, the Lent aNI overlappd Besides G(K)d Friday, E&tr, several Iftar & Eid events. were bel(t We also supported the Jewish Pwim & Pewh festiva Jrith St Patri¢k's FestivaL Sri t4Dkau New Year, VaisaklEi (SffthA Vesakb (Buddbistx Holi IHillthJ), Mabavir Jayanti (JaiD) festivals. Other Festivities We supported nUIneU5 a¢ttvities at brt'l Wixnen's Day, St George's Dty, Mothering Sunday. Bis¢ot Spriug Fe5t and Llrton Carnival. There was sF¢ciaI VE Ihy 80th atmivew celebration outsid¢ the Town Ha]L Luton is blessed with su¢h diverstty and it is a priviIege that GRASSROOTS Iw8 been supportÈllg alld prornotiDg most of these activities. It 15 therefore apt that Kinwd Kosterska & Elliot VaD5toue fro the Mi10 Directorate of the Ctholfie Btsbops. Conference of FJg]aud and Wales when they visited the GRASSROOTS ProgTanutte and Luton's different faith con]mtmItie they sai4 -It was m to stt how Luton's multi-faith conjmunities call not only live together but tbrive and respect each other. The various faith communities we visited were incrthl)ty welcowiug and generous in sharing with us the educati81 and ittrrfth work they ouL It was great to see how much they valued the iportan of Alltffteligious dialogue alld coopetatioL- Elltot V8nstone sai(L-It wa5 ttuly itw)iring to see the g1 WLxk hapillg Luton. Wakng Ibrough the 5tre&5 of Page 4
GRA&SROOTS PROGRAMME TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for tbe Ytar Endwj 31 Aug1 2025 Luton alld exF¢ri¢u¢i08 its rich multiculuu41 vknllcy both encouTrging and ¢Y¢elling. I wa5 partiCU]arty moved by tbe w¢)d( and lega of Grnssroots in LutoA's clear thal tn the realtll of dialogue, silnply being prellt for ps)ple in both their struggles and their joys is IvalUable. Gr&sroots exemplifies that comlllltment in everything it does. At a tim¢ when ts1onS can so ¢&5ity diwid4 Luton stand8 as a t¢s[at11t to the strength of UDity-something p8rticu]arty sigDificaot given that the town remain p¢acefu] while much of the country wa5 affected by riots followiryg the hotrifi¢ deaths in Southport 1&st suttutter. This vistt was a b0fi sign thaL by coming togeth, we can build a EllOTe h#rmonious and compu8iona society for au." Fostering We linked Luton's faith leaders and communiti¢s with the Luton CouDcil's Fostering Team. We highlited thue are ovcr 350 thildren lookiDg for safe homes cutrentty in Luw alld (lY 75 fostering bowebolds are on the list. These children are of mixed baCkd8. but children of gloiwI ]JJajority huilage (B]ack8 and Asians) are over represent¢¢L All faiths have inherent and inbuijt value5 of love for alL so it 15 witb Luton'5 78% r¢ligiously affiliated population we can over¢ome the shortsge of f05W and safe home5. Guru Ilavid83s SAnga( LutoJ4 tteefved the Kings Award for Vol•ntary Serviees (KAVS) It was a joy to 5¢¢ GU Pavida55 Sallga4 Luton. receiving tb¢ Kings Award for Volunw Services (KAVS) for their voluntary servi¢¢g to the ILKal comltieS. "Commilment lo setve our ncigbbour nujs througb all the faith commuDities in our 18Dd, and Guru Ravid&53 SJUgaL Luron has been a sbining ¢xaTnple of thaf,, stated Rt Revd RidJaTd Atkin50D. Bisbop of B¢dfoT H]d hith OM Group Celebrated 25 Years Hindu faith OM GTOUP celebrated 25 yeaTS of its remthable s¢rvi¢&5 and WO edllcati0 b¢ahl and povety relief. It grew from a small youth initsatiye itrto a thriving cbartiy offering a wide allay of social, 5POrttug. educational, and cultural evellts. OveT th¢ p&st quarter.centiuy, tt b&s remained steadfast in its conitent to f05tering utjity and ommunity coheslon. Covid Memori41 Servlce In this 5th anniversw year since tb¢ start of the Covid-19 pand¢mi4 Newland (Wigmore) Churth on Crnwley G Road invitsd mernb¢rs of the public alld diff¢r¢th faith communiti¢5 to a Memorial SeThice to [¢ember all those who di¢d of Covid-19 in Luton. Durlllg the service, Revd Jenny Sp)uge (fornJeT GSroots Staff) introduced people to th¢ LutoD Covid MeTtkoriAI ftwne, OD wbi¢h a flower exh for every person who di41 of CovNJ-19 Luton was knitted and Crocheted Dtff¢rellt faith leaders spoke alld prayed for God's P¢, eternal bope upon everyone. Other activities we gupportal inelode. First Published Beugali s( a8 atnl)ute to Que¢n Elizabeth 11- DVD presen*d to the Lord Li¢u¢gJaot AkbaDd Bh2jan 12-hour Dl)n-stop multi-faith devotional sillwng for World Pexe Sh GurnNanak Dev Ji's 554th Birth Am)iversary Cel¢brations Muslim Scouts group meeting with the S grow) ExploriDg tA)licxng issues and ¢hallenges ffin meettngs wilh the PCC (P(Flice & Crime cOtMi10ner) Cathoti¢ Bishops & Priests visitrug Lutork's different plac¢5 of W0bIp Éng the Se¢ds of Change: A CouuDuDity Dialogue in Isknphobia Aware]kess Mcoth Iv¢ Mthsic Hate kni5". A cross-cuitutal youth Tnusic eventto thallenge raci5 Carols by CalldlelkgbL the festiv¢ relebrdtory community eyentby th¢ Utii Chaplaiu Multi-faith Pce Light Eveat welcomiog Peace Light fmm Bethlebem Jewith Chanukth Cclebrtions Overview of G1obakNath)n#PlAal 1ssie5 ImpaetiDg Llfe ID Luton As$1sted Dying Blll Navigating through fierce aud p&8sionats debates of Lon comtllUDities we wrote & letter to Luton MPS bl118btiti that a 'rigbt to di¢, could 'all t sity, end in vu]nerabl¢ p¢ople fee]illg th¢y have a 'duty th die., This tM)ses stgDificaDt risks to vuknerable patient gro¥& allY of whom alTeady face inwuittes in health¢ar¢, including limited aecess to quality end-of-life care. 'Deatb should not be a tttatmerÈt optiOD', the letter 51ated. Investing ill good qu4]ity, consistelltly availabl¢ palliative care and adioDs taken to remov¢ thc inequalities xti our health caTe system are the best ways forword for imtroying qua]ity of lif¢ andreducing suffexiDg for with tenninal il]nesses. Online Hats Onli¢ l)ate expre in response to Luton social media posts atK)ut Iiul Jewtsb commuDitie5 ¢el¢brating Chanukab raised alert5 given tbe inced tensions In UK co[llty relationships Tesulting from tbe confiict in the Middle E&sL Pag¢ 5
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the Year EDded 31 A$t 21ll5 We intervened with the much.needed mediati(ffL and rOlved i&sues atnithly al &8 swiftty po&sll)le. GrootDillg G8llgs An open letter by Faiths Agait]st Cbild Sexual F10itatiOn (FACESI to ljtton MPS challeJgiug the harn]s of the 'Muslim groo]ninE gangs, Darrajive". This issue ljas been aDd corÈtinu&s to be w15ed against Muslims. I¢ does Knife CTiIII¢ Ikaths caused by knife critnes in Luton iD recent yea3 have brougbt Luton's dtv¢r5¢ faith communities and pub]i¢ Sector ag¢llcies to togethtr in tackling the issu4 and to recentty laullth & l(Kal (x)mmunity-led initiativ¢ ¢8ll¢d 'Street Fathers-LutoD'. It is to create a proadiv¢, PD5itiv¢ pres¢u¢e on the streets to diw violence through street mentorin& signwsting young F¢ople pnd empow¢riug Paren aud to provide earty iThtetvention 8nd supwrt to y(X]Dg people at risk of 8aD8 reffliitment IVS aEMyut preventing yth violence at its roots. WestlDster Qu8ker Meeting Houye rthed by Polkn It W&5 thocking aud UllPTeced¢llt£d that 20 plice officers raided on Westmin51¢r Qer Meeting House in May 2025. In Luton. people from different faitbs gath¢T¢d to supp(x the Luton Quaker5, in a Sufi Storytelling event Th¢ Kbayaal Theatre magically rforni¢d wisdom taIes of siKial alld VIronmetal justice, covering themes of. IgUllge, SpirialIty. community and the contempordry relevance and resonances of the gtOri¢s with capitalism, povety, inequa]ity. injustic¢. indebt¢du¢s4 d¢bt foTgivenLs4 aod ecolo. It w&$ poWel illuminating and edifying for alL ItnmigrntioD Jmmigration h&s been a hot topic latety in the politics. Lub)D'S fasth leadffs retle(thl on this issue and said immigraDts play a vital mle in our society - from the NHS to s(Kial e, and to W0]ng in the faTlInd9. Tbey deserve reeogllition, Iiot scygoattllg. Luton City of Sanctw issued a slatement saying- We &¢ Islaud of Solithity, not Straug¢rs. The dreath of'making En8]attd Great Again" cannot be successful without irnrnigrants. NEAR NEIGHBOt7RS GRASSROOTS bas athDiDiSteTed the Near Neigbbour5 INN) Prograujme and its Small Grants Fund schem¢ Lulon for I l years. Ia5t year, in LutOD we g¢D¢r¢d g(KxI qua]ity 14 appIltions, the bigbest numlxr from any NN hub in the ¢ouutry. Due to limited fimds. onty 7 gppli(ioLs coutd be which are listed b¢low' De81 Fe5t Luton- Battle of Bands Started Onty 2 yeaTS ago, a5 a celebratitin of south Asian cu bringtng larg¢ numbers fro]n Hinth4 Muslim. and Sffth communities, Desi Fest Luton this year, f5¢d OD thawiug ID musi¢ian5 people from other underr¢ptr5ented community groiips. to collaborat4 share their uJtlU¢U aod develop re]ationships of tsiLsL FACES (Faltbs AgaIt Child Seiual Expknitation) Ai the of the year 2025, a mw over the grmIng and sexual abuse of gtrls and child triggeTe(L Some powerfijl overseas interfering iudividuals ade xll¢eDdi interventions OD the subject including accusing Sir K¢ir Starn)er of beiDg"complicit in the rdP¢ of Bri]". In the ]igbt of the5¢ issues, FACES offered insigbts to djsadvalltagl families into how exploitation can haM)en, and explainul it ID a cbild-friendly and culturally apprtspri&t¢ la[We. Hope Church Luton- R¢fugee Support ProjeeÉ Hope Church ¢xud¢s a stroug s¢Dse of coEDl1ty. It h&8 an exttllent repth*1( out to those who ar¢ disadvantage margittalized and feel abaDdoD¢(L It th¢ top plac¢ in Lut in helping and supporting rthg¢e5. They t¢¢lp R¢fuge¢$ to engage with the wider community. They ate at the heartof Lut City of Sanrtupry LCOF (Luton Council of Faiths)- Peace ArtWOTk Competido The project IM)sitivety impacted hwKlreth througb dIff¢ut sthoot5, faith communities and Iixal R&lio shows. as the artwo was shared 8odts]ked about at different Ial events, locations, even after the project was over in JY this year. This project WS iTllFK)rtant because medi¥4 thrives m cotifiict attd dratDffj so peace is not considered newswoTthy or exciting enough to captwe audience attenti but U5iDg the Peace ArtworL we tried to captse OPle'S attentiou CommuDity llltsre5t Luton- Lutoth ID BIrn 'Luton in BIooTll' is a CQFllLllunity.driven initiative aimed at uplifttng IutOn'5 Spirits througb the power and SIed interest of gardening. It aims to improve the oveTHII lry)k aDd feel of the town. There are p)werfitl and moving stories of how som¢ very lonely and isolated people benefftted from tbis project and feh part of a ¢omylluDity itj a usefid and eIngl way. It is also alxiut creattllg a sense of pride and ownuthip in the tow
TRUSTEES, ANIYUAL REPORT ror tbe Year EDd 31 August 2D25 Sotn¥li Vokes Knabled CIC- Empower Her Fetnale Genitsi Muti]ation (FGM) huge negative imp&ts on iDJiYi¢knls, families, ¢on]munity and Society. This beneficiary-led uP lobbied for more actiffl and supp)rt froFYJ the Poli NHS and tbe local authority, while also SUPPOrting FGM victins and survivor5. It trnined young p¢(yle to th this issue. St Alldrew'$ Church Luton- Biyrot Peace Wdllbelng Hub Althougb St Andrew'5 C of E is OV 150 Yea old thurcty it wasn't partioularty engaged with the wÉder and dive¢ community atound it. How¢vcr, Ihkngs have transfornied now foE 8(MyA. The Church has set up a peace and well11ng hub for all in tFLe ar¢4 which people say has bQme a bEIng for the c0MUnIty. Whe peijple of all faiths and noDe are welcome4 carejj for, given h¢ipfvl infi)llnati( and signpostedto rel¢irnJt agaicies CONCLUSION Th¢ 2024 summer riots 13m¢ out of th¢ blue. Near Neighbours (NN) PrOut held ll n&iollal plw to collate contributions froEn all NN local hub4 including GRASSROOTS Lllto aDd mad¢ MHCLG (Ministy of Housing, Communities & Local Oovernment) pnd policy-makers aware of i5sue5 aDd oprtunIti as well as shared with them inspiring b¢5t practÈce lo prevent Slth OCCUTTen£¢s tIe. In its national reporL NN published two of LutOn'5 as followin& which sum up the life and work of GRASSRWTS for over three decades in Luto "CooJJnunities know their cballeDg¢5 better than a0Jj¢. They have tbe ide&s, the relationth4]s, and the detern]inatioll to make Y4 difference. What's mi55iDg is the right support-without excessive bureaucracy-so they co lead ¢haDg¢ from the ground w>.. (Rywj Khoda) 'Aft¢r 15 years of far.nght agitatio our faith groups, wlice, aDd wider communty have learn¢d how to work together to counter hate. ThaDkfu]ty, this Mea we saw Do major incidellt4 we can nev¢T be complacent Bui]thg trus¢ and strengthen1g relatiollship5 must b¢ ongoing Wo." (PeterAdams) Th¢ Tn]stees have &55essed the major risks to which the is exFK>se4 itl particular tbose relatsl to the fitTrnces of th¢ charity alld are satisfied that systems aT¢ ill p]ace to reth¢ ¢xwsure to the major risks. RESERVES POLICY The TTUStces have & l1¢Y of aiming to retain Tesetves equiva]eDt to six months aVe expeDditi]re. Tbis is due to the uncertain nats]re of fundiDg receiYe(L The free r¢s¢rvGs at the year-eDd wer¢ £7l.421. PLANS FOR FtrruRE PERIODS The TruSS remaiu coJ]llnitted to the grDwth of the Programme aDd the possilI1ties of expanding the presence of Grassrts Pro&tme to othtt parts of the ¢(Mmty. However. this is dwdent w the charity securiug addition&1 fi]nd5. The charity had tota] income of £108,776 (2024 £134,880). Th¢ llEain sources of income wer¢ grants of £98,986 (2024 £110.564). The chty had totsl exp¢Dditure of £99,558 (2024 £143.152). Expenditur¢ on cbaritable activities totall¢d £99,558 (2024 £126,792) whi¢h included governance costs of £3.867 {2024 £3,584). There w&8 net on the unrestrlcted of £13,526 and net ¢xidIti]rC of £4JO8 on the re5trithd fimd aft¢r tr8nsfers bEtween fid5. Total fiwds at the end of the year w¢r¢ £71171. The tsustees would Ike to r¢¢tyd their tbanks to all indivi¢knls and clatIOuS who 5UPPOrted the cbarity during the year. All details of the income alld expenditur¢ of the charity ar¢ 5¢t (Mrt in the Statement of Finaticial ArtivttÉ¢s and the notes to th¢ accounts. Ill the opiniorL of the trustxs th¢ chartty was in a s&tisf&ctory position at the year en Page 7
TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT ror th¢ Year Ended 31 Ayt 2025 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILrnLs The InteeS are resFOll5ible for preparing the TDJStees' Report alld th¢ financial ststemeats in accordaDc¢ with app]ic8ble ]aw and United Ktngdom Accounting Stslldard5 (United Kitigd(Ko GeneRIty AcceptedAccoutLting PraL*ice). The law applicable to cFJaritt£8 in England & Wyl¢s requir the In to pware financial ststements for each fJnoo¢ial yur wbi¢b giv¢ a trne aud fair view of the state of affair5 of the charity of th¢ incomiug resources aDd applicattoll of resources of the charity for that peTio& In prep8ru]g these financtal 5tatementy the tn]stees are required to.. selt 5uilable aw)uutiDg ]11¢5 aDd then appty them CODSiSt¢nty. observe the eth(ls and pr1p1& iti the Cbwilies SORP 2019 (FRS 102)" ake judgements and estimates that are rewjnable and pkll¢ stste whether applicable accounting ststthd% have I¢ followe4 wbiert to aDy departur&4 disclosed Elld exp]aiDed the fittallcial 51atauts,. prepare the fillaucial 5tat¢TD¢uts on the going concern basis unless it is iIkappmpriate to westsnle that the charity will continue in oFation. The trustees are Te5ps1 for keqjing proper onting tec0$ that di10$¢ with reasothle ac£utacy at ary lirne the financial position of the tharity and enable them to ensure that th¢ financial state]nts comply with the Clwities Ath 2011. th¢ CbaTity (Accounts alld Rqrts) RegUl10S 2008 and the provisioDS of the constitirtion. They at? also Tespottsible for safeguarding the w¢ts of the dwity ar¥J hence for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregukn¢5. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: R¢v D Law51)0 Chtir BR( 6 November2025 Page 8
to the Trustets ofGr4s5rn0ts ProgramtDe I rqjort to the thlty trustrcs on tny eJwn1Datt( of tkn accounL8 of the clty foT the year ¢llded 31 AUgt 2025 whi¢b are Set out OD pa8es 10 to 21. RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT As th¢ charity's trustees you are resp)711e for the pwardtiQD ofth¢ xc(Amts in arcordance with the r¢quirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the A.). I repth in tesp¢ct of examination of the charÉty's accounts carried uDder section 145 of the ALt and in out my ¢xaminatiOTJ I have followed all the applicabl¢ DirectiODS giv¢n by the CharÉty Con)missiotJ undeT section 145(5)(b) of the ACL INDEPENDEN[ EXAhttNERS' SrATEIKr Your attention is drawn to the fact the thwity ha8 pfwyrEd the PCOUDts in acconlonce with Accounting #nd Reporting by Chyrtsties: Statement of Reeommelmkl Practice applicable to cbarities PTep#rADg thety Accowits iu accordance with the Fit)ancial Reporting Stalldard JD the UK and Republit of Ireland (FRS 102) in PT¢fereDce to the Accounting aud Rep)rtiDg by Ch8rities'. Stat¢ettt of Reended practi issued on l April 2[5 which is referred to ill the extant r¢glllatiOD5 but h&8 since withdrnw We undugtand that this ha5 done ill (rder fthe attounts to provide atrue aDd fair view in accordattce with tb¢ Generally Acwted Acwmting Prnctice effedive forretwting riOdS begiDDing OT after l JaDuary 2015. I bave compl¢Éed my examination. thatno ma1pAi tte[S have tt) rtiy aliEntion in COtmecti¢)n with the exaDJiJhatton giving me LXU5¢ to believe that in ally material respect l. acmting records wer¢ not r¢spei of the tIlty as rwutred by serts¢m 130 of th¢ Act" or 2. the accouuts do not accordwith those Te¢0$. or 3. the accounts do not compty with the applicabl¢requitemwJts concerning the form content of accounts Set out in tbe Cb&ities (Accounts aDd RepLKts) Regu]atioDS 2008 other than auy requirewent that tbe accounts give &'true aDd fair view, wbich is uot atter wnsidered as pth of an iDd¢Ftndent eXalatiOn. I bave no concen]s and hav¢ c(me actOS8 no Oth nthtters ID C(wtion with th¢ examinOll to wknch attentioD sbould be drawn ill thi5 r¢p(rt in or(krto eDabl¢ a prn under*andiDg of the accounts to be RACOXFC Mi]ler & Co Chartered Accoulllallts 5 Imperia] Coltrt Laporte Way> Lutoll Bedfordsl)ire LU4 8FE 7 November 2025 Page 9
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfIviTIES for tbe Year Ended 31 August 2025 Note 2025 Total 2024 Funds COME FROM 80,IMI 2,640 1.823 4.189 18,986 110.564 4,692 2.254 10.936 DoDatioDs Investment income Sale of Fairttade Other in¢om¢ 4,189 TOTAL INCOME io 776 EXPENDITURE ON Rat5ing funds Cbaritabje activities 16.360 143 152 Net l (expejjditure) 14.893 (5,675) 9J18 (8,272) TraDsfer5 between funds 67 Net movement Ill fiEnds ftrth¢ year 13.526 (4J08) 9318 (8,272) Reeonelllatlon offuttds Funds brougbt forward * I S¢ptembeT 2024 Funds carried forward at 31 August 2025 £71421 £750 £72,171 The ststement of fmallcial &rtivities IDClud all gain5 Ioss¢5 in the year. All iucoming r&40urces resource5 expended derive from c(wtillUiDg acttvities. Page 10
BALANCE SUEET 31 Augwt 2025 2025 2024 FIXED ASSETS: T8Dgible as5¢ts CUIiRENT ASSETS: Debtors cotF Funds C&sb at baDk io 115 3&761 3&6Y2 115 44.938 20.504 7&568 65.557 Creditors: amounts falling due withill one y li 3J97 NET CURRENT ASSETS ET ASSETS £71171 Unrestricted geDeral fjjnd Restrict¢d fimd5 13 13 71,421 750 57,895 TOTAL VUNDS £62 953 The financial ststem¢nts on ws 10 to 21 w¢ approv bythelM)ard of tnL*es on 6 November 2025. SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEKS: Rev D Lawson Mr B lioe 6 November2025 Pagell
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 3A August 2025 I. ACCOiINfiNG POLICIES General Intormatlon and b&¥ts OrptIon Gr&woots Progrdtnme is a Charitable InCorTated organion. The thgrity constilutes a public ben¢fit e]ktity a5 def]ned by FRS 102. The finallcial 5tatemeDts have beell ptepared ill a¢o)rthce with Accounting and R¢porting by Chprities.. Staternent of RecotDrn¢Dded Practice applithle to Cbaritie5 prepaTing their accounts iu awordallce with the Ftnancial Reportillg Standard app]xcable in the UK and Republic of Jre]alld isw¢d ill OctoFKr 2019, the Fijwicial Rey)rting Standard applicable ill the UK aDd Kq>ublic of Irelth (FRS 102), the Charity's ¢onstitutio the Chariti¢s Act 2011 and UK Gen Accepted AC£ti P11¢¢. The fjnallcial slatements have been preparnl to giv¢ a 'lrn¢ aDd fair. view and bave &parted the Charities {AccouDts and Reports) Regulations 2(KJ8 only to the extent requited to wvide a 'tr¢ and fair view,. This depptture h&s Involv following the AccounttDg arnd Rep(rting by Cbarities: Slatement of RecomJnend¢d Practice app]icable to ChI¢l¢S prepariDg their accounts iti accord with th¢ Fiuallcial RertIng Standard applicable i the UK aDd Republic of Ireland issued ID (ktob¢r 2019 rather than the Acci)unting alld Rep)rtig by Charitie5.' Statement of Recommended Eartice efftctive from l April 2005 which has since been wxth(1rnwu. The fitl¢la1 ststements e prepllr¢d oll a going concem basi5 under the historieal wst wnveDtion. The ffftancial Slat¢ents are presented in poullds St¢rliDg and rounded to the neat Ex)un& The a(Uress of the PTillcip81 office is given ID the charity lf(u)4tioll on page l of th&8e fi[tl Stsments. GoiDg eollcern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the tte$ believ¢ that no material uncertainties exist. The ttU5tee5 have CODsideru] the level of fimds held attd the expected level of ineow¢ and expeDdih]r¢ for 12 mouths froTr authorising these fitll¢la1 XtstaDts. The budgeted income and exp¢nditure is sufficient with th¢ kvel of reserves for the charity ty be abt0 LVntillu¢ as agoing concenL UDrestricted and restricted funds Unrestricted funds are grdnts and other itiwm¢ Teceiv for the objects of the dllty without fiuther CIfied purpose alld are available as general fullds. Desigtiated fimd8 comprise unrestrACted fuods have been set &side by the tsuste¢s for particular purpo5¢5. The ai]n aDd u% of each d]g fund is set out in the notes to the finaticial ststqEJ¢nts. Restr&Led fimds are those fimds which are to be for pp¢S a5 laid down by the donor orthe trSte¢s. Expendit¢ wbith meets these criteria is identificd to the fuu(is, log¢ther with allocation of athllinistratiott and supFfftt costs. The aim and use of each r¢5trickd fuDd is s& out in the n(ts to the fitthttcial statcm¢nts. Income Tecognitio Donations and otber income are rwised when ttceived GTauLs ar¢ Ty)glS¢d when e]Ved or wbffa the cbarity h&8 legal entitlement to then the aou Ca reliably measured and there is sufficient certaillty of Teceipt them. EIpEllditure reeognition Staff c¢)sts and ovcrh¢ad ¢Se3 alloL*ed to xtivities oll the b&515 of time spent on thos¢ activiti¢s. Support costs co]nprise those costs Incurr dir¢LtIy iu SIrt of expenditwe on the objCrtiv of the charity. Governance costs relate to tn]ste&s' exp¢Ds¢s. legal cbaTge5. independent examiner5 f¢¢5 and attributable expenses of governiDg the charity. The tnte¢S give au their time free of cbry. Expenditure is recognised when aMoUt be reliably me&wte4 there is a legal obligation to make it and it. probable that s¢ttl¢w¢Dt w]11 be requirryl Pag¢ 12
NOTLS TO THE FINANCIAL sTATEIENTs for the Ytar Ended 31 August 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES CODtillued Leaslng cotllrnitments Rentsls paid under operdting leS are chsed to income iDcurr¢d PenSiODS The charity OFwates a defined contnThthi¢JD scbane for certain ¢mploye£s. COTrtnb1OjjS in r¢spect of pensions are chwd to income in the year ID wbi¢b th¢y pai Debt0 and creditors receivable/pay*bk Jvithin ODe ye¥T . other debton and creditOT5 re¢eivable orpayable within one yw are recorded at trausaction pric£. The cbarity Iw a p)licy of c4)itA]ising fixed a&t expcadit¥Jre ovtr £l.(XJO. TanyThk fixed &8sets are slated & cost1$ attumulBted thlati(. DepTeciation is pwvided on all tangil)le fjxed asse at (zlculated to MTit¢ off the co& less estiLU residual Value, of each asset on M systematic FASIS over its useful life as follows: IT and offte eqwtnt - 33% ou co# 2. INCOME FROM GRANfS 2W24 Total Total Grants for genernl purpthqes Methodist Chch B]5. F4sex & Herts DAstrict URC- MtG (Thame5 NoTth Syn( Diocese of St. Albans Luton Council of Faitbs North&mpton RC Diocese 15,(MM) 15.0(Kl 23,0(KJ 15,IM)O IS)0 23,750 iioo isoo 15,01)0 2,000 io,(x)o 12.000 15,000 750 15,OlJ) Church Urb¥n Fllnd (Near Neighiwjurs) Near Nei8bbours Fund Projc¢ts 18.236 1&236 29239 Events National Lottery- Community Fund We5thill EDdowment 9,9(M) 7,425 986 110 564 tncome from grdnts in 2024 totall £l10.564 of wbith £46.564 was attnbutable to restrict1 fullds and £64.000 w&8 attNlltab1e to uDrestricted fjJnd& Page 13
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs for tht Year EDd¢d 31 August 2025 3. INCOIKE FROM DOF4AT]ONS & LEGACIES Unrutrthd ReStrIct 2025 Totsl 2024 Totsl DonatloDS General Ev¢rLts 1640 4,492 200 640 Income from donatiow 8nd legacies ill 2024 totalloj £4,692 of pknith £2(M) w&g attnThutable to restricted fund5 aud £4.4 w&8 attributable to UnT¥5trsrted funds. Pag¢ 14
NOTFS TO THE FTNANCIAL STATEMENrs for the Ytar Ended 31 August 21125 4. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE AcfivTrtES Activilies UDdert8ken Dtrtclly 2025 Charitable A¢Éivttiu 21125 Support Costs Total 2025 2025 Events Near Neigbbours Advancement of Interfaith Re]atiorLS & Community Develi)pment Work 6,125 13.923 6,125 1&536 4,613 4.565 70.332 74897 Activities Idertake direttty 2024 Cbarltable A¢tivitsts 2024 Support Costs 2024 Total 2024 23,845 17 J72 3.450 11.867 27295 29239 Near Neighbours AdvaDc¢ment of Interfaith RelatsoDs & Cotyjmuoity Development Work 9.593 60,665 70,258 50,810 126,792 £24.661 (2024 £56,534) of th¢ alx)ve costs were attrll)utsble to T¢stricbJ fu15 aDd£74.897 {2024 £70,258) were atttibulable to wrestricted fimds. Page 15
NOTLS TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TOT the Year Ended 31 August 2025 4& ALlATION OF SUPPORT cosrs Adn¢tellt of Int¢rf4ith Relations & Comtllunlty Development Work 2025 Basis or Allocation Near Neigbbours 21125 Support Cost 21n5 Events 202S Totsl 2025 Governance- note 5 tnfonnatio tecbnology Staff iy)sts Office ¢05ts 3,867 367 486 42,412 23567 4.613 47,1125 23,S67 70 32 945 Advan¢eJmeDt of Interfaith Relations & Basis of AlloeatioD Near NeigblJour5 Support Cost 2024 Development Work 21)24 Events 2024 Totsi 2024 GOVe1¢£- Thjte 5 IDforatl( tecbDolo&Y Staff Office costs Usag¢ 3,584 3,584 U5ag¢ Usage Usage 1.158 32,735 23,188 71 10,840 956 1,229 47.025 24,144 3.450 Page 16
NOTES TO THE FINANC STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 5. GOVKRNANCE COSTS 2025 2024 Trustee expenses luikp¢nd¢nt exarnin fee Supwrt Costs 96 1.398 1090 2347 3067 3,584 6. ST AFF COSTS AND NUMBERS Stsff costs w¢re &8 follows.. 2025 2024 45.000 Employers National IDsurau¢¢. payable 5J90 4.955 Less EmploYll allowance (5WO) (4.955) 45,OIKI 45.(M)O Pension (x)nknbutioD8 2,71MI 1700 D¢fined eontnl)utii)n peDSiOD ex$¢ is allocatoj to p1VItieS blqed on the tin apportkontD¢nt of the relevant employee. No employ earned more than £60.iJYI durmg the year(2024 same). The average number of elljpknyxs duringthe year was a% follows: Administration Charitabl¢ wtiYitt&8 Page 17
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sTATEmE[s for the Year Ended 31 A%t 2025 7. TRANSACTIONS wrrH TRUSTEES No trustees re¢Ved ally remulleratlrn the year. TTr1 costs amounting to £187 (2024 £96) were reimbursed to one Q024 two) InL$t8. No ttILStee bad any personal intenst ill aDy ¢(traCt or trao•¢tiou eDtereA into by the charity duting the yew (2024 saTue). 8. TAXATION As a charity, Gra&s[ts Prograllllne 15 on income aDd gaiDS hlling within sections 521 to 536 of the tncom¢ Tax Act 2(X)7 or section 256 of the T&xation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to tbe extwt d)at these ate applied to its chaTttable objeLts. No tsx charges bave arisen in the cbarity. 9. TANGIBLE FIXED A&SETS rrand Totsl Cost: As at I Septernber 2024 Additions Diswsa]5 2.4 2.490 As at 31 August 2025 2.49) rectstlon: As &t I Septen)ber 2024 Charge for tbe yeaT Disposals 2.4 1490 A8 at 31 August 2025 Net Book Value: As at 3E August 2025 As at 31 AUgLt 2W24 Pag¢ 18
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Y¢&r Ended 31 AgUSt 2025 10.DEBTORS 2025 2W24 Prepayinents A¢mied iDcomc lis 115 115 115 I I. CREDITORS: Amounts falling within one ye 2025 2024 Accruals TatIOn and s111 se¢urity Other creditors 1834 1513 4511 1,398 756 450 12. ANALYSIS OF NET A&SETS BETWEEN FUNDS Restricted Fllndy Totsl 2025 Funds Net cutr¢Dt assets 71.421 750 72.171 Total net a55ets 750 171 Totsl 21124 Funds Funds Net CUTreDt assets 57.895 5.058 62.953 Total net assets 57.895 Page 19
CRA&SR(X)TS PROGRAMME NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATKMEiYrs for the Year Ended 31 2025 13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Ba]aDce at 31 Augwt 2025 I Septemkr 21124 Income E4)endfitllre Tr4llsfe Restrkted Funds Near Neigbbours Ev¢rLts 18.236 (18,536) (6,125) 300 I.(7 5.058 750 7511 750 Unrewtricted Fund5 General fid5 57,895 89.7 {74,897) (1.367) 71,421 Totsl Funda 99,55 171 Blnte at I September 21n3 Balance at 31 Augwt 2024 Income Expenditure TrnDsfers Restricted Funds Near Neighbours Events 29239 17.525 (29239) (27295) 14.828 5.058 Uttrestricted Fun General filllds Dcsignated funds.. Spirituality of Justice 35223 88.116 (80.618) 21,174 57.895 21,174 (21.174) Tot FuDd5 71 143.152 P88e 20
NOTKS TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs ror the Year Ended 31 Augost 2025 MOVEMENf FUNDS eontinlled Last year the trustees det¢ntitned that the Spitittsality of justi dest fuDd wls no longer Twuired hence the traDsfer to g¢ner&l fimd5 in 224. The balances on the restricted fjjnds will used to continue the wotk of the ryojects iti aOrdanCe with the terffjs of the fiwders. Detalls of tbe fid8 are as fouows: Ne8rNeighbours- Brillgg lleigbb(Mlls together for'50cial adion. atyl'KKial iDt¢ra¢tion'. Ev¢nts - includes Westhill EDdowment Fund and NationaI Lottery - Community Fund for th¢ mulLi-f&ith storytelling workshops. - king molli¢s received from St Alboos Di¢Se for a laptop whith will t pwrb&qed early in the next 14. RELATED PARTIES AND CONTROLLING PARTY There wue no relat&1 tiansactioDS requi disclowre. (2024 £niI). The cbarity 15 Lntrolled by the Trustses. Page 21
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBEIL. 1163427 YEkR ENDED 31 AIJGUST 21125 Miller & Co Chartued Atttsts 5 Jmperial Court Lutort Bedfordsbi LU4 8FE
GRASSROOTS PROGRAMME coKrENtS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMElYfS for the Yer Ended 31 August 2025 Page Trustees, Attttuai Rep)rt todependent E1¢T, Report Statement of FknDelai Artivities Bal#Dee Sb¢¢t ii Notes to the ststts 12
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT ror Ibe Yar EDdeJl 31 August 2025 The ThTStecs present th¢tr ryort and the ffflallci sts1¢m for the yr ended 31 AU8st 2025. The ttU5t¢e5 have adopted th¢ provisions of th¢ Ststement of Recommend Practice (SORP)"Accounting atsd Rwting by Charities" in preparing the awiual report alld fjDancAal ststements of the thity. The financial statrments have been prepared ill xcordance with the accounting p)]icies set out on page hvelve and ¢ompty with the CbaTity's the Charities Art 2011 and Accouutitig and Reportuig ty Charitie5.' Statement of R¢coJnmend¢d Practice applicable to charities prqjaring their &counts in aCdanCe with th¢ Financial KeportiDg Standard appbcable the UK and Republic of Ireknd publisbed ill Odober 2019. This Chlty. Grassroots Programme CIO took ovcr the a55d5 of tbe forn]er uDitteorporatwJ charity Gr&55roots Progrdmme (tharity nu]nb¢r 1057468) on I septrbcr 2016. PtiOT yea. relatitig to charity tLUtub¢r 1057468 may be obtain¢d from the offt¢ * the principal ad(tress. STATUS: Foundioll Collstitirtion. Rewsred Coui and a clty on 04 Set*embtr 2015. 1163427 PRtNCIPAL ADDRESS: 47 Higb Town R1 Lun LU2 OBW TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS: Those VA swved as In of the charity durit]8 the year were follows.. (Chair) Mrs J Bird Rev P Horner Mt5 R T¢tlow Mts S Marsden Ms D Purfield MrBRI (Rtsiglled 05 Jun¢ 2025) (Sttretary) (rE¢&sutet) CHARifY DIRECTOR: Mr D JoDathan BANKERS: The Co-q>a8tive Bank Otympic House 6 Otympic C4)urt M8 2QP INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS: Miller & Co Statstory Auditi)rs 5 Impuial CourL Laporte Way Luton LU4 8FE ORGAIATIoNAL STRUCTURE Grassroots Progt7n]n]e is aD indeIdt charity. A board of trSteeS adDJiUiSters the tharity. The trsteeS rwnsibEe for the overall CODtrol and n)anagement of the thity alld meet OD a regu]ar l)&si5. Pag¢ E
TRUSfEES' ANNUAL REPORT for the Ye4r EDded 31 Aug&rf 2025 PUBLIC BENEFIT The lThstees confirni that they have crAnplied with their thty. set ID the 2011 Charity A¢K to have due regard to Charity Conuni&8ion guid8n¢¢ on publi¢ bm¢fiL RECRurrMENf AND APPOINfMENt OF TRUStEES Trustees are 4IEX)i]rted for a temi of five yS by a rEsoILrtion of th¢ at a SE181 meetillg for wbich not le55 thau 21 days, lloti has beell giv. Under the tetms of the consti0 newty appointyj Inle ate not entitledto a¢t as t until they have sigrn&l ID the minute FKJok of the a declaration of a•ce and willingw to act ill the tS of the Cbarity. All the trustees are familiar with the wo& of the charity and an induction is pthed for any new OBJECTIVES ATr4D ACTivrriES llke obj¢ets of the charity &q set out in Constitirti(o are as follows: (l) To advance ¢¢knl0 for the public bEFJ¢fit globfrl i$5U¢S io enable greater awareness of fxtors that will contribute to the relief of needy victims of breacbes of bUEn rights in such ways that 8r¢ ¢b4ritabl¢ in law. 12) To advance religion and promote undetstsnding among Christians and those of other faiths. (3) To provÈde Oprnes for the advan(xment of educati(M all ages. Ixrt p8AiculaTly in such ways that Ure cl]aritable itt law. (4) To provide relief of tbe age4 iDfirAn p)or. ACHIEVEMENfs AND PERFORMANCE Order to achieve its objective4 the charity nll a number of pM8ranes &rMI tiVities. Dillg the ye8r it rall thc followitig specific prngtaes and xtivities: HAIR'S ME&SAGE In last year's report I said that the world was in a dgerouS and fragile state, and sadly as I write ]ast Forew¢xd to thxs year's annual repo¢ the world is perhaps Dow in a TDOT¢ EKrilous state. The war in Ukraine coDtitiues, famine faces the people8 of GazA arnd su scale wats Ethe*D Isrd¢l and IT Jndia and Pakistan have been avert and the nutllber of refugees attd displaced peoples Continues to rise. It is agaiDSt this global background that GT&55roots and its partti¢TS in Lutoa work together to offer hope arnd light in a turbulent 8ttd uDstable worl¢1 whtch deepty impacts uptsn Luton commuDiti¢s wbo bav¢ from diffttott p•ts of the world tt is a teslimony to Luton's conynullity aderS that they stslld united in recognising that they have no Control over international events but Ibey ¢ 'committed to r¢jecting all fornis of extrem] and working together to build a SIety ID batmony aud bope.. As you read tl)i5 year's Allnual Ror4 you will see the range of GTr55r(KFts involvement in the life of LutOD and beyott too numerous to mention here. but here is a fiavour. The Annual Faith WaK tb¢ faith CODunuoities. a powerfid deo&tiOn of thetr commitinent to deepening understatiding and friendsbip acr055 communities. Th¢ OPP05ition of the faith comrnuniti¢s to the A&8isted Dying BilL furttw evidence of how inter faith co-operation £8 speak to issues of deep conc¢tn felt by the wider community. Gr&ssr(x)ts is a regular contnTr)utor to the weckly Faith Matters column in Luton News, and Jokny re[#£d &t the 2024 Annual Meeting held in Nov'24 that Grn55roots had contrkbuted 54 colun]ns! Grdssr(xJts once again hosted and facilttsted the Diocesan ititcr faith we¢k ellt at St Alb8DS Cath¢draL which is proving to be popular and well supporte& Thts yr.5 ¢V¢Dt is entitled 'Serving community.. exploring how various faith ar¢ u]4kiug a difffffflce in their local ar. It is llot onty in Luton that Grnssroots infiuence Ills felL Over the years Churche con]muDty group5 and individua]s acros5 Europe, bav¢ learned about and exwfftenced the groundbreaknng work of GrrOOts. itLTiting othus to wrt to w&k¢ a I hav¢ a trustee of Gr&woots for 19 years and more recently the . and it has been an enormous privilege to bave been part of the dynamic life of the CharY. Two othtr t have a]so served a8 lon8 as I have and they are Sheila Mat&kn and Ruth Tetlow. Both of th¢ 8r¢ 5tslldiDg down aud Ruth's case it is due to ill health. Sheila's ¢ontrl)ution over the years h&8 been extremety Sigulfirt &5 5b¢ knows Luton inside having lived iti Luton all her Page 2
GRA&SROOTS PROGRAMME TRUSTEES? ANNUAL REPORT for tbe Year EDded 31 August 2025 life. As a committed LU¢0Di her insight and knOwle of the town bas meant she h&% been iDt¢grth to the WO of GrsroOts. Ruth'5 nInThUtiOn h&$ come from h¢T c1mllent to faith and COmTnuDity wort in Binningbam, wbi¢h dways meant she bas be¢D able to offer a perspective to wbat is haEillg iTh Luton. W¢ owe a huge debt of gtatibJd¢ to Sheila and Ruth aDd illdeed our oth¢r tn]5tr&S. who e&h in their own way contribute to fjJrtberiDg tbe wo& of Grrlts. A final word of fromme goe5 to Johny. whc6e extiaordw and prOf0d (¥)wJi1mellt h&8 ma(k Teal the visic of Gra55roots in so nTraiiy ways. I have thorougbly enjoy1 w0]ng aloDg5ide accijmpanyillg bim to u)auy events at which L have h¢yrd agdin and again how hgety rwted Joblly is and how so many know of the impact Gra55Too¢8 has Nade ill Luton and ttyorLd. My joumey in itrterfaith and COD]muoity WO tgan when I was & llewly ordained curate in G]&sgow nearty 50 &T3 ago. I can think of no better place from which to xtively I]re thall Grassroots and Luton. It is awell-known quolation atbuted Éo a follu¢r GeneTrI of thc Urited Nations, Dag Hallun8rskjo but it expT¢sses in a few words how l frel I say farewell: 'For all thatbas bw thaoks! To all that sha]1 be. ye8!Y Pope Franri5 died on Easter Monday, aged 88. We thiDk of bim a8 a of change. He developed strong relattonal bonds between religious traditiQDS. He called wpk from diffemt faiths &s "our siblings". His fi]neEal also reminded the world leadeTS to build Fffidg¢5. not waU5. GT&gStoots Cbair, The R¢vd Canoll David Lawson sai "Three things come to ZDitid on tbe legacy of Pope Francis- hi5 pa)able humanity and bu111ty. his passion for the p(y)r pnd matEiDaltze41 alldbis e for the environm. That 15 50 Iw¢, &5 we read bis reTnaTks the 2015 encycIicaL 'Nev¢r bav¢ we so burt and mistr¢8d commoD home we have ill the p&si 200 yeaT5'. The Luton Councit of Faiths Chair, Prof Zafar Kban sail "PotK Franci5 W&5 a strong advocat¢ fv peace and justice. H¢ was a frkend of the weak alld the Jtharginalised nations and the p&iples across the globe. We ext¢nd 0 heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church aud th¢ followers of ChrÈstiallty the UK arld the world." A5 the world mourn5 hi5 passitig, Pope Francis will be reffj¢wbtred for his leadersbip attd a po who ed the feet of prisollers, embrwxd the sick, and tirelessty sought to build bridges in a dividal world His legacy will clldure in the hearts of lljillions inspired by his call to live th¢ Christian Go41 value5 of love. mercy. aDdbwoility. May he Test peace and rise in glory. HIGHLIGHTS for World hfjs5ioD {CWM) VLthed Luton There was all illt¢matiot)al visit of christi 1th leth CooTdill by the CouD¢iI f( World Mission (CWM) & the crBI (Chutches Together in Britain & IrelaDd), jointly. The group expErienced L.5 h05Pitality at its best wh¢n Ihey were welcomed by the Luton Borough Council at the Town Hall and &150 by Lutou's different faith ¢owrnunities at diff¢rellt places of WOTsbip. FTOM pre5eDlatioLs, they leaTnt about the practiL71 exaTnples of faith com]nunities working tog¢tbtr and also W0ing in pthiership with public seztor ag¢D¢ies. The cfBI [kpty General Secretary described the Luton visit as a mileston¢ towards (ell1g alld stteDgth¢niDg ¢8sential interkith conversations. Witidrush Event A special Wmdntth event and S¢rvice held B]ack History Month at Luton's Cburcb of England (C of E) All Saints Church. The Rt. R¢vd. Dr Rosemarie Mallett (the C of E Bisbop in CD)yd¢)D) w&% the keyDole 5pEakq at this event. IntrothEcing the th¢e "Reclaitning NaTrativ&s" she said it arkS a signifi(t shift toward8 recogDising and cotTecting th¢ narratives of Black bistory and cultur4 presenting the UDty]d success storie5 the fjJll complexity of Black heritage. Whdbw slavery or Willdrus e built aDd Tcbuilt this county aft¢T thc war. and pwle must know about iw, she sai¢1 It was also moviug to heaT fir5¢-J)and ftom a victim of the Windrusb scda] and from tbe Hom¢ Office represtst1ye4 how they ar¢ lryitig to itDF(ove the c(AnixnsatiOD w]J¢m¢ to ttrLose who des¢rv¢ IL" Hindu Festfval-"Auv4kut" Hindu festiV-"Ann&kUr, (mealliug mountain of fo di4>]aying 150 VaTi¢ties of foo(L8, syrnbolising abundance and prosperity. The Anuthrt frstival e&sentiaity cuhninates Diwali celebrations and a150 llwks the f]rst day of the New Year for Htndw. The visittDg priest at BAPS Shri Swami NaTJyan Mattth w&$ a¢tual]y th¢ Fntemational Inter Faith Representative. IÉ w3s remthable that be could meet with LutOJL'S faith lewlers from diverse religious backgroullds. It wa5 au iut¢resting aThd uplitliltg ¢Xlenc£ for all to c(mverse together, tt certainly hel]xd to Advance this Hinthj temple's rel10sh1p witb L4rton's dIfft faith ¢LKDmuDitses. Remembrance Servlce At tbis year's Remejnbrance Servi, we spoke about the ultijnate sacrifice of the cotsntless soldÈer5, who w¢re not just from the British Isles" th<y were SW MU5]1 and Hindu 501dier5 from Afric4 Middle East alld South Asian sub-continer&t of what IS t(xtsy. [j14 PakistsD aud Bangladesh. They follt for Britain glld defended freedom, democracy, justice and peace for all. , we asked pe(yle to call out the kind of extrem1 and hatr we witnessed in the sutnmer of knst year. It is incumbent ull all of us to ljuld on the legacy of thos¢ who 5&crificed their PT¢CiOUS lives
TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT tor the Year EJMJVAI 31 ADgagt 2025 for & society that and a¢tively prot¢¢ts w4yo]ity. and JtiCe atljome gnd aFro&l Intsr-fatth Week Evettts We held two inter-fatth week ev¢Tts- wilb the tatton Councll of Fai (LCOF), al w]Ji¢h faith kaders were invited to share diff¢r¢ut r¢ligious festivities observed during the Wxtitrr months. It is great that ID Luton we have commuDitieé with so many wonderfvl cuhures, faiths aud traditiOD& LU1.5 faith leaders reflected oll sow¢ of the eomrnoD themes that emerged frojn the sharing of wtnr f¢stiva13. These iD¢luded- unity. ligbt in th¢ datkness, victory of good over evil, importallce of cOmmulty, prayer and geDer05ty, closer relatioDthip with God a1 witb on¢ aDoth¢T. UDiveThal brothethood & sisterh¢y)I fattbfith¢85, sacrificial giviD& bumility, ho peace. happine and barmony. In our dividal and wotsllded worl¢1 these values ar¢ n¢¢ded more than ¢v¢rbefore. The second thter Faith Week Event Was held at St Altons Caththl at which about 125 people from differ¢rt and Do religious backgrounds from B$, Herts & the tAm¢kn borough of BarneL saw 20 different $18lly disp]wg a wide rdnge of diff¢r¢ot PTojects attd activities, sbowc&sing powerflllly how people of diverse faith5 5eTYe their cotnmunities. Thes¢ PTojttts led by different faitb coTrJDuuitt¢5 childrry youth & womeffj refugees & homeless with wtnter kits, food battks, eco projects. peace gardens, mu]ti-faith art athiviti&%. illter-culturat cooking classes, inÉtiatives tackling health inequalities. aud supporting those with &menti4 etc. A psrticiwit "For us it was a great expttience to be in this ¢legatr p]a¢¢, whekr a thousand yeats of bi5tory of singing. pzayin& ConteMpillg and service a¢hJed so UCh tellcy and symboli5rn. May G(NJ bles5 all the MMunitieS and the organisers of this event." Luton CommuDsty Carol see supported by Tbe RO FouDdtloL In Luton, the Bedfoth Together at ChristDW' Community c01 Strvic¢. wpported by The Royal Foundation brought togetber 4CM) attelldee& It part of a n8tioDal illrtwttve inspired by The Ptince5s of Waks, Together at CbristEll&S' service at W¢stminst¢r Aby. celebratitig k>vq empathy aDd COllJmllDity spirit this festive seasoa. BedfoTdsbire was chosen to hold one of the 15 ClVty wol rvicu held xm5s the country. It was a meaningful and in¢lusive celebration for people of ail faiths uoD¢. Srl Lankan (Siohjlese) Cbrlstmas eekbratioll It As also worttrl sbarlljg all inttrestiug story about the first ever Sri IaDkan (SiJha1¢5e) ChTistinag ¢¢lebE4tiOD by the Luton Sri Lankans W¢lfaTe Association (LSLWA). The Sri Lank&ll childr¢ry's UEtivity plfjy ¢baTacters of Joseph and Mary w¢re played by Mus]im and Catholi¢ thildr whrnas other thardcters of shephetd% angels and wise men w played by children from Hxnthi and Buddhist backwund5. It so ttuty reflected the spirit of Luton ill Ham]y. Holocaust MeJJJfjrl81 Day-'For a Better Fuknre, 27 January 2025 a[ked the 80th atitiivew of the libention of AuschWitr-Birk2 the 18rg¢st Nazi death ¢ap. It was also tbe 30th aUUiY¢Esary of the genocide in Bosni4 the largest lticidte of ma%s-murder in Europe sin¢¢ World War Two. The theme for HMD 2025 w&$ 'For a Bettrr Future, alld it W&5 PTOmQted a5 a Chall to come together ally, to learn from the past and to de¢ide (n actions we can tske to ¢llsure a better fittur¢ for all. fjspiritual Spriugtirne, for Baha'4 Cbristian4 Jews Buddhi8ty Slkhs. Hllldu4 & Jalng Luton Baha'i Cottlu1ty Nawntt (New Year) celebrations co1cIde with the Spring Equinox and the Persiati New Year whilst occurring after a per1j of 19 days of f&sting that pmvid&s Baha'is wtth a chance for Tefle¢tion, and to incre Oll¢'S Spirituality and love for Go¢1 NaWn is therefore 5eeD as a"spiribJal yingtime", but this year it was a"spiritU41 springtime" for ChrAstiaDs & MlIMS too, the Lent aNI overlappd Besides G(K)d Friday, E&tr, several Iftar & Eid events. were bel(t We also supported the Jewish Pwim & Pewh festiva Jrith St Patri¢k's FestivaL Sri t4Dkau New Year, VaisaklEi (SffthA Vesakb (Buddbistx Holi IHillthJ), Mabavir Jayanti (JaiD) festivals. Other Festivities We supported nUIneU5 a¢ttvities at brt'l Wixnen's Day, St George's Dty, Mothering Sunday. Bis¢ot Spriug Fe5t and Llrton Carnival. There was sF¢ciaI VE Ihy 80th atmivew celebration outsid¢ the Town Ha]L Luton is blessed with su¢h diverstty and it is a priviIege that GRASSROOTS Iw8 been supportÈllg alld prornotiDg most of these activities. It 15 therefore apt that Kinwd Kosterska & Elliot VaD5toue fro the Mi10 Directorate of the Ctholfie Btsbops. Conference of FJg]aud and Wales when they visited the GRASSROOTS ProgTanutte and Luton's different faith con]mtmItie they sai4 -It was m to stt how Luton's multi-faith conjmunities call not only live together but tbrive and respect each other. The various faith communities we visited were incrthl)ty welcowiug and generous in sharing with us the educati81 and ittrrfth work they ouL It was great to see how much they valued the iportan of Alltffteligious dialogue alld coopetatioL- Elltot V8nstone sai(L-It wa5 ttuly itw)iring to see the g1 WLxk hapillg Luton. Wakng Ibrough the 5tre&5 of Page 4
GRA&SROOTS PROGRAMME TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for tbe Ytar Endwj 31 Aug1 2025 Luton alld exF¢ri¢u¢i08 its rich multiculuu41 vknllcy both encouTrging and ¢Y¢elling. I wa5 partiCU]arty moved by tbe w¢)d( and lega of Grnssroots in LutoA's clear thal tn the realtll of dialogue, silnply being prellt for ps)ple in both their struggles and their joys is IvalUable. Gr&sroots exemplifies that comlllltment in everything it does. At a tim¢ when ts1onS can so ¢&5ity diwid4 Luton stand8 as a t¢s[at11t to the strength of UDity-something p8rticu]arty sigDificaot given that the town remain p¢acefu] while much of the country wa5 affected by riots followiryg the hotrifi¢ deaths in Southport 1&st suttutter. This vistt was a b0fi sign thaL by coming togeth, we can build a EllOTe h#rmonious and compu8iona society for au." Fostering We linked Luton's faith leaders and communiti¢s with the Luton CouDcil's Fostering Team. We highlited thue are ovcr 350 thildren lookiDg for safe homes cutrentty in Luw alld (lY 75 fostering bowebolds are on the list. These children are of mixed baCkd8. but children of gloiwI ]JJajority huilage (B]ack8 and Asians) are over represent¢¢L All faiths have inherent and inbuijt value5 of love for alL so it 15 witb Luton'5 78% r¢ligiously affiliated population we can over¢ome the shortsge of f05W and safe home5. Guru Ilavid83s SAnga( LutoJ4 tteefved the Kings Award for Vol•ntary Serviees (KAVS) It was a joy to 5¢¢ GU Pavida55 Sallga4 Luton. receiving tb¢ Kings Award for Volunw Services (KAVS) for their voluntary servi¢¢g to the ILKal comltieS. "Commilment lo setve our ncigbbour nujs througb all the faith commuDities in our 18Dd, and Guru Ravid&53 SJUgaL Luron has been a sbining ¢xaTnple of thaf,, stated Rt Revd RidJaTd Atkin50D. Bisbop of B¢dfoT H]d hith OM Group Celebrated 25 Years Hindu faith OM GTOUP celebrated 25 yeaTS of its remthable s¢rvi¢&5 and WO edllcati0 b¢ahl and povety relief. It grew from a small youth initsatiye itrto a thriving cbartiy offering a wide allay of social, 5POrttug. educational, and cultural evellts. OveT th¢ p&st quarter.centiuy, tt b&s remained steadfast in its conitent to f05tering utjity and ommunity coheslon. Covid Memori41 Servlce In this 5th anniversw year since tb¢ start of the Covid-19 pand¢mi4 Newland (Wigmore) Churth on Crnwley G Road invitsd mernb¢rs of the public alld diff¢r¢th faith communiti¢5 to a Memorial SeThice to [¢ember all those who di¢d of Covid-19 in Luton. Durlllg the service, Revd Jenny Sp)uge (fornJeT GSroots Staff) introduced people to th¢ LutoD Covid MeTtkoriAI ftwne, OD wbi¢h a flower exh for every person who di41 of CovNJ-19 Luton was knitted and Crocheted Dtff¢rellt faith leaders spoke alld prayed for God's P¢, eternal bope upon everyone. Other activities we gupportal inelode. First Published Beugali s( a8 atnl)ute to Que¢n Elizabeth 11- DVD presen*d to the Lord Li¢u¢gJaot AkbaDd Bh2jan 12-hour Dl)n-stop multi-faith devotional sillwng for World Pexe Sh GurnNanak Dev Ji's 554th Birth Am)iversary Cel¢brations Muslim Scouts group meeting with the S grow) ExploriDg tA)licxng issues and ¢hallenges ffin meettngs wilh the PCC (P(Flice & Crime cOtMi10ner) Cathoti¢ Bishops & Priests visitrug Lutork's different plac¢5 of W0bIp Éng the Se¢ds of Change: A CouuDuDity Dialogue in Isknphobia Aware]kess Mcoth Iv¢ Mthsic Hate kni5". A cross-cuitutal youth Tnusic eventto thallenge raci5 Carols by CalldlelkgbL the festiv¢ relebrdtory community eyentby th¢ Utii Chaplaiu Multi-faith Pce Light Eveat welcomiog Peace Light fmm Bethlebem Jewith Chanukth Cclebrtions Overview of G1obakNath)n#PlAal 1ssie5 ImpaetiDg Llfe ID Luton As$1sted Dying Blll Navigating through fierce aud p&8sionats debates of Lon comtllUDities we wrote & letter to Luton MPS bl118btiti that a 'rigbt to di¢, could 'all t sity, end in vu]nerabl¢ p¢ople fee]illg th¢y have a 'duty th die., This tM)ses stgDificaDt risks to vuknerable patient gro¥& allY of whom alTeady face inwuittes in health¢ar¢, including limited aecess to quality end-of-life care. 'Deatb should not be a tttatmerÈt optiOD', the letter 51ated. Investing ill good qu4]ity, consistelltly availabl¢ palliative care and adioDs taken to remov¢ thc inequalities xti our health caTe system are the best ways forword for imtroying qua]ity of lif¢ andreducing suffexiDg for with tenninal il]nesses. Online Hats Onli¢ l)ate expre in response to Luton social media posts atK)ut Iiul Jewtsb commuDitie5 ¢el¢brating Chanukab raised alert5 given tbe inced tensions In UK co[llty relationships Tesulting from tbe confiict in the Middle E&sL Pag¢ 5
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the Year EDded 31 A$t 21ll5 We intervened with the much.needed mediati(ffL and rOlved i&sues atnithly al &8 swiftty po&sll)le. GrootDillg G8llgs An open letter by Faiths Agait]st Cbild Sexual F10itatiOn (FACESI to ljtton MPS challeJgiug the harn]s of the 'Muslim groo]ninE gangs, Darrajive". This issue ljas been aDd corÈtinu&s to be w15ed against Muslims. I¢ does Knife CTiIII¢ Ikaths caused by knife critnes in Luton iD recent yea3 have brougbt Luton's dtv¢r5¢ faith communities and pub]i¢ Sector ag¢llcies to togethtr in tackling the issu4 and to recentty laullth & l(Kal (x)mmunity-led initiativ¢ ¢8ll¢d 'Street Fathers-LutoD'. It is to create a proadiv¢, PD5itiv¢ pres¢u¢e on the streets to diw violence through street mentorin& signwsting young F¢ople pnd empow¢riug Paren aud to provide earty iThtetvention 8nd supwrt to y(X]Dg people at risk of 8aD8 reffliitment IVS aEMyut preventing yth violence at its roots. WestlDster Qu8ker Meeting Houye rthed by Polkn It W&5 thocking aud UllPTeced¢llt£d that 20 plice officers raided on Westmin51¢r Qer Meeting House in May 2025. In Luton. people from different faitbs gath¢T¢d to supp(x the Luton Quaker5, in a Sufi Storytelling event Th¢ Kbayaal Theatre magically rforni¢d wisdom taIes of siKial alld VIronmetal justice, covering themes of. IgUllge, SpirialIty. community and the contempordry relevance and resonances of the gtOri¢s with capitalism, povety, inequa]ity. injustic¢. indebt¢du¢s4 d¢bt foTgivenLs4 aod ecolo. It w&$ poWel illuminating and edifying for alL ItnmigrntioD Jmmigration h&s been a hot topic latety in the politics. Lub)D'S fasth leadffs retle(thl on this issue and said immigraDts play a vital mle in our society - from the NHS to s(Kial e, and to W0]ng in the faTlInd9. Tbey deserve reeogllition, Iiot scygoattllg. Luton City of Sanctw issued a slatement saying- We &¢ Islaud of Solithity, not Straug¢rs. The dreath of'making En8]attd Great Again" cannot be successful without irnrnigrants. NEAR NEIGHBOt7RS GRASSROOTS bas athDiDiSteTed the Near Neigbbour5 INN) Prograujme and its Small Grants Fund schem¢ Lulon for I l years. Ia5t year, in LutOD we g¢D¢r¢d g(KxI qua]ity 14 appIltions, the bigbest numlxr from any NN hub in the ¢ouutry. Due to limited fimds. onty 7 gppli(ioLs coutd be which are listed b¢low' De81 Fe5t Luton- Battle of Bands Started Onty 2 yeaTS ago, a5 a celebratitin of south Asian cu bringtng larg¢ numbers fro]n Hinth4 Muslim. and Sffth communities, Desi Fest Luton this year, f5¢d OD thawiug ID musi¢ian5 people from other underr¢ptr5ented community groiips. to collaborat4 share their uJtlU¢U aod develop re]ationships of tsiLsL FACES (Faltbs AgaIt Child Seiual Expknitation) Ai the of the year 2025, a mw over the grmIng and sexual abuse of gtrls and child triggeTe(L Some powerfijl overseas interfering iudividuals ade xll¢eDdi interventions OD the subject including accusing Sir K¢ir Starn)er of beiDg"complicit in the rdP¢ of Bri]". In the ]igbt of the5¢ issues, FACES offered insigbts to djsadvalltagl families into how exploitation can haM)en, and explainul it ID a cbild-friendly and culturally apprtspri&t¢ la[We. Hope Church Luton- R¢fugee Support ProjeeÉ Hope Church ¢xud¢s a stroug s¢Dse of coEDl1ty. It h&8 an exttllent repth*1( out to those who ar¢ disadvantage margittalized and feel abaDdoD¢(L It th¢ top plac¢ in Lut in helping and supporting rthg¢e5. They t¢¢lp R¢fuge¢$ to engage with the wider community. They ate at the heartof Lut City of Sanrtupry LCOF (Luton Council of Faiths)- Peace ArtWOTk Competido The project IM)sitivety impacted hwKlreth througb dIff¢ut sthoot5, faith communities and Iixal R&lio shows. as the artwo was shared 8odts]ked about at different Ial events, locations, even after the project was over in JY this year. This project WS iTllFK)rtant because medi¥4 thrives m cotifiict attd dratDffj so peace is not considered newswoTthy or exciting enough to captwe audience attenti but U5iDg the Peace ArtworL we tried to captse OPle'S attentiou CommuDity llltsre5t Luton- Lutoth ID BIrn 'Luton in BIooTll' is a CQFllLllunity.driven initiative aimed at uplifttng IutOn'5 Spirits througb the power and SIed interest of gardening. It aims to improve the oveTHII lry)k aDd feel of the town. There are p)werfitl and moving stories of how som¢ very lonely and isolated people benefftted from tbis project and feh part of a ¢omylluDity itj a usefid and eIngl way. It is also alxiut creattllg a sense of pride and ownuthip in the tow
TRUSTEES, ANIYUAL REPORT ror tbe Year EDd 31 August 2D25 Sotn¥li Vokes Knabled CIC- Empower Her Fetnale Genitsi Muti]ation (FGM) huge negative imp&ts on iDJiYi¢knls, families, ¢on]munity and Society. This beneficiary-led uP lobbied for more actiffl and supp)rt froFYJ the Poli NHS and tbe local authority, while also SUPPOrting FGM victins and survivor5. It trnined young p¢(yle to th this issue. St Alldrew'$ Church Luton- Biyrot Peace Wdllbelng Hub Althougb St Andrew'5 C of E is OV 150 Yea old thurcty it wasn't partioularty engaged with the wÉder and dive¢ community atound it. How¢vcr, Ihkngs have transfornied now foE 8(MyA. The Church has set up a peace and well11ng hub for all in tFLe ar¢4 which people say has bQme a bEIng for the c0MUnIty. Whe peijple of all faiths and noDe are welcome4 carejj for, given h¢ipfvl infi)llnati( and signpostedto rel¢irnJt agaicies CONCLUSION Th¢ 2024 summer riots 13m¢ out of th¢ blue. Near Neighbours (NN) PrOut held ll n&iollal plw to collate contributions froEn all NN local hub4 including GRASSROOTS Lllto aDd mad¢ MHCLG (Ministy of Housing, Communities & Local Oovernment) pnd policy-makers aware of i5sue5 aDd oprtunIti as well as shared with them inspiring b¢5t practÈce lo prevent Slth OCCUTTen£¢s tIe. In its national reporL NN published two of LutOn'5 as followin& which sum up the life and work of GRASSRWTS for over three decades in Luto "CooJJnunities know their cballeDg¢5 better than a0Jj¢. They have tbe ide&s, the relationth4]s, and the detern]inatioll to make Y4 difference. What's mi55iDg is the right support-without excessive bureaucracy-so they co lead ¢haDg¢ from the ground w>.. (Rywj Khoda) 'Aft¢r 15 years of far.nght agitatio our faith groups, wlice, aDd wider communty have learn¢d how to work together to counter hate. ThaDkfu]ty, this Mea we saw Do major incidellt4 we can nev¢T be complacent Bui]thg trus¢ and strengthen1g relatiollship5 must b¢ ongoing Wo." (PeterAdams) Th¢ Tn]stees have &55essed the major risks to which the is exFK>se4 itl particular tbose relatsl to the fitTrnces of th¢ charity alld are satisfied that systems aT¢ ill p]ace to reth¢ ¢xwsure to the major risks. RESERVES POLICY The TTUStces have & l1¢Y of aiming to retain Tesetves equiva]eDt to six months aVe expeDditi]re. Tbis is due to the uncertain nats]re of fundiDg receiYe(L The free r¢s¢rvGs at the year-eDd wer¢ £7l.421. PLANS FOR FtrruRE PERIODS The TruSS remaiu coJ]llnitted to the grDwth of the Programme aDd the possilI1ties of expanding the presence of Grassrts Pro&tme to othtt parts of the ¢(Mmty. However. this is dwdent w the charity securiug addition&1 fi]nd5. The charity had tota] income of £108,776 (2024 £134,880). Th¢ llEain sources of income wer¢ grants of £98,986 (2024 £110.564). The chty had totsl exp¢Dditure of £99,558 (2024 £143.152). Expenditur¢ on cbaritable activities totall¢d £99,558 (2024 £126,792) whi¢h included governance costs of £3.867 {2024 £3,584). There w&8 net on the unrestrlcted of £13,526 and net ¢xidIti]rC of £4JO8 on the re5trithd fimd aft¢r tr8nsfers bEtween fid5. Total fiwds at the end of the year w¢r¢ £71171. The tsustees would Ike to r¢¢tyd their tbanks to all indivi¢knls and clatIOuS who 5UPPOrted the cbarity during the year. All details of the income alld expenditur¢ of the charity ar¢ 5¢t (Mrt in the Statement of Finaticial ArtivttÉ¢s and the notes to th¢ accounts. Ill the opiniorL of the trustxs th¢ chartty was in a s&tisf&ctory position at the year en Page 7
TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT ror th¢ Year Ended 31 Ayt 2025 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILrnLs The InteeS are resFOll5ible for preparing the TDJStees' Report alld th¢ financial ststemeats in accordaDc¢ with app]ic8ble ]aw and United Ktngdom Accounting Stslldard5 (United Kitigd(Ko GeneRIty AcceptedAccoutLting PraL*ice). The law applicable to cFJaritt£8 in England & Wyl¢s requir the In to pware financial ststements for each fJnoo¢ial yur wbi¢b giv¢ a trne aud fair view of the state of affair5 of the charity of th¢ incomiug resources aDd applicattoll of resources of the charity for that peTio& In prep8ru]g these financtal 5tatementy the tn]stees are required to.. selt 5uilable aw)uutiDg ]11¢5 aDd then appty them CODSiSt¢nty. observe the eth(ls and pr1p1& iti the Cbwilies SORP 2019 (FRS 102)" ake judgements and estimates that are rewjnable and pkll¢ stste whether applicable accounting ststthd% have I¢ followe4 wbiert to aDy departur&4 disclosed Elld exp]aiDed the fittallcial 51atauts,. prepare the fillaucial 5tat¢TD¢uts on the going concern basis unless it is iIkappmpriate to westsnle that the charity will continue in oFation. The trustees are Te5ps1 for keqjing proper onting tec0$ that di10$¢ with reasothle ac£utacy at ary lirne the financial position of the tharity and enable them to ensure that th¢ financial state]nts comply with the Clwities Ath 2011. th¢ CbaTity (Accounts alld Rqrts) RegUl10S 2008 and the provisioDS of the constitirtion. They at? also Tespottsible for safeguarding the w¢ts of the dwity ar¥J hence for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregukn¢5. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: R¢v D Law51)0 Chtir BR( 6 November2025 Page 8
to the Trustets ofGr4s5rn0ts ProgramtDe I rqjort to the thlty trustrcs on tny eJwn1Datt( of tkn accounL8 of the clty foT the year ¢llded 31 AUgt 2025 whi¢b are Set out OD pa8es 10 to 21. RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT As th¢ charity's trustees you are resp)711e for the pwardtiQD ofth¢ xc(Amts in arcordance with the r¢quirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the A.). I repth in tesp¢ct of examination of the charÉty's accounts carried uDder section 145 of the ALt and in out my ¢xaminatiOTJ I have followed all the applicabl¢ DirectiODS giv¢n by the CharÉty Con)missiotJ undeT section 145(5)(b) of the ACL INDEPENDEN[ EXAhttNERS' SrATEIKr Your attention is drawn to the fact the thwity ha8 pfwyrEd the PCOUDts in acconlonce with Accounting #nd Reporting by Chyrtsties: Statement of Reeommelmkl Practice applicable to cbarities PTep#rADg thety Accowits iu accordance with the Fit)ancial Reporting Stalldard JD the UK and Republit of Ireland (FRS 102) in PT¢fereDce to the Accounting aud Rep)rtiDg by Ch8rities'. Stat¢ettt of Reended practi issued on l April 2[5 which is referred to ill the extant r¢glllatiOD5 but h&8 since withdrnw We undugtand that this ha5 done ill (rder fthe attounts to provide atrue aDd fair view in accordattce with tb¢ Generally Acwted Acwmting Prnctice effedive forretwting riOdS begiDDing OT after l JaDuary 2015. I bave compl¢Éed my examination. thatno ma1pAi tte[S have tt) rtiy aliEntion in COtmecti¢)n with the exaDJiJhatton giving me LXU5¢ to believe that in ally material respect l. acmting records wer¢ not r¢spei of the tIlty as rwutred by serts¢m 130 of th¢ Act" or 2. the accouuts do not accordwith those Te¢0$. or 3. the accounts do not compty with the applicabl¢requitemwJts concerning the form content of accounts Set out in tbe Cb&ities (Accounts aDd RepLKts) Regu]atioDS 2008 other than auy requirewent that tbe accounts give &'true aDd fair view, wbich is uot atter wnsidered as pth of an iDd¢Ftndent eXalatiOn. I bave no concen]s and hav¢ c(me actOS8 no Oth nthtters ID C(wtion with th¢ examinOll to wknch attentioD sbould be drawn ill thi5 r¢p(rt in or(krto eDabl¢ a prn under*andiDg of the accounts to be RACOXFC Mi]ler & Co Chartered Accoulllallts 5 Imperia] Coltrt Laporte Way> Lutoll Bedfordsl)ire LU4 8FE 7 November 2025 Page 9
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfIviTIES for tbe Year Ended 31 August 2025 Note 2025 Total 2024 Funds COME FROM 80,IMI 2,640 1.823 4.189 18,986 110.564 4,692 2.254 10.936 DoDatioDs Investment income Sale of Fairttade Other in¢om¢ 4,189 TOTAL INCOME io 776 EXPENDITURE ON Rat5ing funds Cbaritabje activities 16.360 143 152 Net l (expejjditure) 14.893 (5,675) 9J18 (8,272) TraDsfer5 between funds 67 Net movement Ill fiEnds ftrth¢ year 13.526 (4J08) 9318 (8,272) Reeonelllatlon offuttds Funds brougbt forward * I S¢ptembeT 2024 Funds carried forward at 31 August 2025 £71421 £750 £72,171 The ststement of fmallcial &rtivities IDClud all gain5 Ioss¢5 in the year. All iucoming r&40urces resource5 expended derive from c(wtillUiDg acttvities. Page 10
BALANCE SUEET 31 Augwt 2025 2025 2024 FIXED ASSETS: T8Dgible as5¢ts CUIiRENT ASSETS: Debtors cotF Funds C&sb at baDk io 115 3&761 3&6Y2 115 44.938 20.504 7&568 65.557 Creditors: amounts falling due withill one y li 3J97 NET CURRENT ASSETS ET ASSETS £71171 Unrestricted geDeral fjjnd Restrict¢d fimd5 13 13 71,421 750 57,895 TOTAL VUNDS £62 953 The financial ststem¢nts on ws 10 to 21 w¢ approv bythelM)ard of tnL*es on 6 November 2025. SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEKS: Rev D Lawson Mr B lioe 6 November2025 Pagell
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 3A August 2025 I. ACCOiINfiNG POLICIES General Intormatlon and b&¥ts OrptIon Gr&woots Progrdtnme is a Charitable InCorTated organion. The thgrity constilutes a public ben¢fit e]ktity a5 def]ned by FRS 102. The finallcial 5tatemeDts have beell ptepared ill a¢o)rthce with Accounting and R¢porting by Chprities.. Staternent of RecotDrn¢Dded Practice applithle to Cbaritie5 prepaTing their accounts iu awordallce with the Ftnancial Reportillg Standard app]xcable in the UK and Republic of Jre]alld isw¢d ill OctoFKr 2019, the Fijwicial Rey)rting Standard applicable ill the UK aDd Kq>ublic of Irelth (FRS 102), the Charity's ¢onstitutio the Chariti¢s Act 2011 and UK Gen Accepted AC£ti P11¢¢. The fjnallcial slatements have been preparnl to giv¢ a 'lrn¢ aDd fair. view and bave &parted the Charities {AccouDts and Reports) Regulations 2(KJ8 only to the extent requited to wvide a 'tr¢ and fair view,. This depptture h&s Involv following the AccounttDg arnd Rep(rting by Cbarities: Slatement of RecomJnend¢d Practice app]icable to ChI¢l¢S prepariDg their accounts iti accord with th¢ Fiuallcial RertIng Standard applicable i the UK aDd Republic of Ireland issued ID (ktob¢r 2019 rather than the Acci)unting alld Rep)rtig by Charitie5.' Statement of Recommended Eartice efftctive from l April 2005 which has since been wxth(1rnwu. The fitl¢la1 ststements e prepllr¢d oll a going concem basi5 under the historieal wst wnveDtion. The ffftancial Slat¢ents are presented in poullds St¢rliDg and rounded to the neat Ex)un& The a(Uress of the PTillcip81 office is given ID the charity lf(u)4tioll on page l of th&8e fi[tl Stsments. GoiDg eollcern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the tte$ believ¢ that no material uncertainties exist. The ttU5tee5 have CODsideru] the level of fimds held attd the expected level of ineow¢ and expeDdih]r¢ for 12 mouths froTr authorising these fitll¢la1 XtstaDts. The budgeted income and exp¢nditure is sufficient with th¢ kvel of reserves for the charity ty be abt0 LVntillu¢ as agoing concenL UDrestricted and restricted funds Unrestricted funds are grdnts and other itiwm¢ Teceiv for the objects of the dllty without fiuther CIfied purpose alld are available as general fullds. Desigtiated fimd8 comprise unrestrACted fuods have been set &side by the tsuste¢s for particular purpo5¢5. The ai]n aDd u% of each d]g fund is set out in the notes to the finaticial ststqEJ¢nts. Restr&Led fimds are those fimds which are to be for pp¢S a5 laid down by the donor orthe trSte¢s. Expendit¢ wbith meets these criteria is identificd to the fuu(is, log¢ther with allocation of athllinistratiott and supFfftt costs. The aim and use of each r¢5trickd fuDd is s& out in the n(ts to the fitthttcial statcm¢nts. Income Tecognitio Donations and otber income are rwised when ttceived GTauLs ar¢ Ty)glS¢d when e]Ved or wbffa the cbarity h&8 legal entitlement to then the aou Ca reliably measured and there is sufficient certaillty of Teceipt them. EIpEllditure reeognition Staff c¢)sts and ovcrh¢ad ¢Se3 alloL*ed to xtivities oll the b&515 of time spent on thos¢ activiti¢s. Support costs co]nprise those costs Incurr dir¢LtIy iu SIrt of expenditwe on the objCrtiv of the charity. Governance costs relate to tn]ste&s' exp¢Ds¢s. legal cbaTge5. independent examiner5 f¢¢5 and attributable expenses of governiDg the charity. The tnte¢S give au their time free of cbry. Expenditure is recognised when aMoUt be reliably me&wte4 there is a legal obligation to make it and it. probable that s¢ttl¢w¢Dt w]11 be requirryl Pag¢ 12
NOTLS TO THE FINANCIAL sTATEIENTs for the Ytar Ended 31 August 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES CODtillued Leaslng cotllrnitments Rentsls paid under operdting leS are chsed to income iDcurr¢d PenSiODS The charity OFwates a defined contnThthi¢JD scbane for certain ¢mploye£s. COTrtnb1OjjS in r¢spect of pensions are chwd to income in the year ID wbi¢b th¢y pai Debt0 and creditors receivable/pay*bk Jvithin ODe ye¥T . other debton and creditOT5 re¢eivable orpayable within one yw are recorded at trausaction pric£. The cbarity Iw a p)licy of c4)itA]ising fixed a&t expcadit¥Jre ovtr £l.(XJO. TanyThk fixed &8sets are slated & cost1$ attumulBted thlati(. DepTeciation is pwvided on all tangil)le fjxed asse at (zlculated to MTit¢ off the co& less estiLU residual Value, of each asset on M systematic FASIS over its useful life as follows: IT and offte eqwtnt - 33% ou co# 2. INCOME FROM GRANfS 2W24 Total Total Grants for genernl purpthqes Methodist Chch B]5. F4sex & Herts DAstrict URC- MtG (Thame5 NoTth Syn( Diocese of St. Albans Luton Council of Faitbs North&mpton RC Diocese 15,(MM) 15.0(Kl 23,0(KJ 15,IM)O IS)0 23,750 iioo isoo 15,01)0 2,000 io,(x)o 12.000 15,000 750 15,OlJ) Church Urb¥n Fllnd (Near Neighiwjurs) Near Nei8bbours Fund Projc¢ts 18.236 1&236 29239 Events National Lottery- Community Fund We5thill EDdowment 9,9(M) 7,425 986 110 564 tncome from grdnts in 2024 totall £l10.564 of wbith £46.564 was attnbutable to restrict1 fullds and £64.000 w&8 attNlltab1e to uDrestricted fjJnd& Page 13
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs for tht Year EDd¢d 31 August 2025 3. INCOIKE FROM DOF4AT]ONS & LEGACIES Unrutrthd ReStrIct 2025 Totsl 2024 Totsl DonatloDS General Ev¢rLts 1640 4,492 200 640 Income from donatiow 8nd legacies ill 2024 totalloj £4,692 of pknith £2(M) w&g attnThutable to restricted fund5 aud £4.4 w&8 attributable to UnT¥5trsrted funds. Pag¢ 14
NOTFS TO THE FTNANCIAL STATEMENrs for the Ytar Ended 31 August 21125 4. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE AcfivTrtES Activilies UDdert8ken Dtrtclly 2025 Charitable A¢Éivttiu 21125 Support Costs Total 2025 2025 Events Near Neigbbours Advancement of Interfaith Re]atiorLS & Community Develi)pment Work 6,125 13.923 6,125 1&536 4,613 4.565 70.332 74897 Activities Idertake direttty 2024 Cbarltable A¢tivitsts 2024 Support Costs 2024 Total 2024 23,845 17 J72 3.450 11.867 27295 29239 Near Neighbours AdvaDc¢ment of Interfaith RelatsoDs & Cotyjmuoity Development Work 9.593 60,665 70,258 50,810 126,792 £24.661 (2024 £56,534) of th¢ alx)ve costs were attrll)utsble to T¢stricbJ fu15 aDd£74.897 {2024 £70,258) were atttibulable to wrestricted fimds. Page 15
NOTLS TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TOT the Year Ended 31 August 2025 4& ALlATION OF SUPPORT cosrs Adn¢tellt of Int¢rf4ith Relations & Comtllunlty Development Work 2025 Basis or Allocation Near Neigbbours 21125 Support Cost 21n5 Events 202S Totsl 2025 Governance- note 5 tnfonnatio tecbnology Staff iy)sts Office ¢05ts 3,867 367 486 42,412 23567 4.613 47,1125 23,S67 70 32 945 Advan¢eJmeDt of Interfaith Relations & Basis of AlloeatioD Near NeigblJour5 Support Cost 2024 Development Work 21)24 Events 2024 Totsi 2024 GOVe1¢£- Thjte 5 IDforatl( tecbDolo&Y Staff Office costs Usag¢ 3,584 3,584 U5ag¢ Usage Usage 1.158 32,735 23,188 71 10,840 956 1,229 47.025 24,144 3.450 Page 16
NOTES TO THE FINANC STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 5. GOVKRNANCE COSTS 2025 2024 Trustee expenses luikp¢nd¢nt exarnin fee Supwrt Costs 96 1.398 1090 2347 3067 3,584 6. ST AFF COSTS AND NUMBERS Stsff costs w¢re &8 follows.. 2025 2024 45.000 Employers National IDsurau¢¢. payable 5J90 4.955 Less EmploYll allowance (5WO) (4.955) 45,OIKI 45.(M)O Pension (x)nknbutioD8 2,71MI 1700 D¢fined eontnl)utii)n peDSiOD ex$¢ is allocatoj to p1VItieS blqed on the tin apportkontD¢nt of the relevant employee. No employ earned more than £60.iJYI durmg the year(2024 same). The average number of elljpknyxs duringthe year was a% follows: Administration Charitabl¢ wtiYitt&8 Page 17
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sTATEmE[s for the Year Ended 31 A%t 2025 7. TRANSACTIONS wrrH TRUSTEES No trustees re¢Ved ally remulleratlrn the year. TTr1 costs amounting to £187 (2024 £96) were reimbursed to one Q024 two) InL$t8. No ttILStee bad any personal intenst ill aDy ¢(traCt or trao•¢tiou eDtereA into by the charity duting the yew (2024 saTue). 8. TAXATION As a charity, Gra&s[ts Prograllllne 15 on income aDd gaiDS hlling within sections 521 to 536 of the tncom¢ Tax Act 2(X)7 or section 256 of the T&xation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to tbe extwt d)at these ate applied to its chaTttable objeLts. No tsx charges bave arisen in the cbarity. 9. TANGIBLE FIXED A&SETS rrand Totsl Cost: As at I Septernber 2024 Additions Diswsa]5 2.4 2.490 As at 31 August 2025 2.49) rectstlon: As &t I Septen)ber 2024 Charge for tbe yeaT Disposals 2.4 1490 A8 at 31 August 2025 Net Book Value: As at 3E August 2025 As at 31 AUgLt 2W24 Pag¢ 18
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Y¢&r Ended 31 AgUSt 2025 10.DEBTORS 2025 2W24 Prepayinents A¢mied iDcomc lis 115 115 115 I I. CREDITORS: Amounts falling within one ye 2025 2024 Accruals TatIOn and s111 se¢urity Other creditors 1834 1513 4511 1,398 756 450 12. ANALYSIS OF NET A&SETS BETWEEN FUNDS Restricted Fllndy Totsl 2025 Funds Net cutr¢Dt assets 71.421 750 72.171 Total net a55ets 750 171 Totsl 21124 Funds Funds Net CUTreDt assets 57.895 5.058 62.953 Total net assets 57.895 Page 19
CRA&SR(X)TS PROGRAMME NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATKMEiYrs for the Year Ended 31 2025 13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Ba]aDce at 31 Augwt 2025 I Septemkr 21124 Income E4)endfitllre Tr4llsfe Restrkted Funds Near Neigbbours Ev¢rLts 18.236 (18,536) (6,125) 300 I.(7 5.058 750 7511 750 Unrewtricted Fund5 General fid5 57,895 89.7 {74,897) (1.367) 71,421 Totsl Funda 99,55 171 Blnte at I September 21n3 Balance at 31 Augwt 2024 Income Expenditure TrnDsfers Restricted Funds Near Neighbours Events 29239 17.525 (29239) (27295) 14.828 5.058 Uttrestricted Fun General filllds Dcsignated funds.. Spirituality of Justice 35223 88.116 (80.618) 21,174 57.895 21,174 (21.174) Tot FuDd5 71 143.152 P88e 20
NOTKS TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENrs ror the Year Ended 31 Augost 2025 MOVEMENf FUNDS eontinlled Last year the trustees det¢ntitned that the Spitittsality of justi dest fuDd wls no longer Twuired hence the traDsfer to g¢ner&l fimd5 in 224. The balances on the restricted fjjnds will used to continue the wotk of the ryojects iti aOrdanCe with the terffjs of the fiwders. Detalls of tbe fid8 are as fouows: Ne8rNeighbours- Brillgg lleigbb(Mlls together for'50cial adion. atyl'KKial iDt¢ra¢tion'. Ev¢nts - includes Westhill EDdowment Fund and NationaI Lottery - Community Fund for th¢ mulLi-f&ith storytelling workshops. - king molli¢s received from St Alboos Di¢Se for a laptop whith will t pwrb&qed early in the next 14. RELATED PARTIES AND CONTROLLING PARTY There wue no relat&1 tiansactioDS requi disclowre. (2024 £niI). The cbarity 15 Lntrolled by the Trustses. Page 21