As part of Inter Faith week, Airdrie & Shotts MP Anum Qaisar hosted an event bringing together faith groups and police and fire service representatives from across her constituency to discuss the issues facing their communities.
Since it’s inception in 2004, Scottish Inter Faith week seeks to build good relationships and partnerships between people of different faiths.
Commenting on her event at Airdrie town hall, Ms Qaisar told Lanarkshire Live : "It was a fantastic opportunity for people of different faiths to come together to discuss key issues in the community, truly representing the essence of Inter Faith week.
“As a result of the cost of living crisis, we have seen many faith groups open the doors to their places of worship to provide essential services such as food banks and warm banks.”
North Lanarkshire has the highest number of warm banks, with 46 established across libraries, community centres and places of worship, providing a critical role in supporting communities through the cost-of-living crisis.
Ms Qaisar added: “I am pleased that the event allowed faith groups to highlight the good work they undertake in the community.
"It was very encouraging to hear how faith groups have come together to support people in Airdrie and Shotts who are facing challenges as a result of the cost of living crisis.”
North Lanarkshire Police and Fire Rescue Service also spoke to attendees about the role they play within communities, specifically to support places of worship with issues such as security and fire prevention.
Ms Qaisar said: “Not only is Inter Faith Week a fantastic chance to celebrate the work that is done in our community, it also enables and facilitates positive interactions between faith groups and local stakeholders.
“As well as discussing the cost of living, I was pleased to hear from representatives about pressing issues relating to violence against women and girls, online financial scams and anti-social behaviour.
“It was amazing to hear that the youth volunteer group at North Lanarkshire Police Division are volunteering at local churches in the area.
"It is this kind of collaboration between groups that helps develop neighbourly and integrated communities, that we so desperately need during times such as these.”
Inter Faith Week ran until Sunday, with events taking place across the country bringing together communities from a variety of faiths and denominations to encourage education, understanding and cooperation.
Ms Qaisar said: “I would like to take this opportunity again to thank all the faith groups and places of worship across the constituency for firstly attending the event in Airdrie town hall, but, most importantly, for their continued commitment and dedication to providing lifeline services to people across our community.”
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