What drew you to interfaith work and Building Bridges Burnley specifically?

Afrasiab asked me to join Building Bridges Burnley. We were dining as a group in Blackburn when he suggested I'd be good at working in primary schools as a Faith Friend. I had already been involved in high schools and colleges, and I loved it—I absolutely loved it. The children are amazing. It's a hard question to answer because I really came into it by accident rather than approaching anyone myself.

Can you share a moment when you realised the importance of Building Bridges between Communities in Burnley?

I realised the need for this work once I began in schools, working with young people from secondary school children to college students and then moving into primary school settings. Starting with the younger children is ideal—the younger they are, the better. I recognised how worthwhile it was. By accident, I ended up having to organise an entire interfaith week due to staff absence. I had to coordinate the whole thing across four areas: interfaith week, school work, a faith trail, and another initiative. I coordinated all of these for three months, taking on a different role of organising and guiding other members in their work. Once we became known, schools actually began approaching us. That's when it really hit home how valuable this work is.

What's your personal connection to Burnley and its diverse communities?

Throughout my working life, I've been embedded in the community, so I'm definitely connected to different faiths, races, and community groups through my work at the library, youth clubs, local community groups, and Building Bridges. I'm part of a governing body at a school and now serve as a local councillor. I'm always involved with all these different people in Burnley.