Supporting the Tower Hamlets Inter Faith Forum: Connection, collaboration and community

Over the past year, the Tower Hamlets Inter Faith Forum (THIFF) has been busy bringing people together, celebrating diversity, and supporting communities across one of East London’s most vibrant boroughs. While some interfaith groups face challenges in maintaining regular activity, THIFF remains an active, action-focused forum making a real difference locally.

FaithAction has served as the secretariat for THIFF for over eight years, providing crucial support to ensure the forum runs smoothly and effectively. This includes administrative support, running social media channels, organising meetings and events, liaising with the local council, and building relationships with faith and community organisations across the borough. FaithAction also represents THIFF in the Tower Hamlets Equalities Hub, helping connect the forum with broader strategic initiatives.

Action focused forum

THIFF is led by key faith leaders in Tower Hamlets, supported by a wider steering group, and is focused on action — zeroing in on what local people, of faith or no faith, care about. THIFF is funded by Tower Hamlets Council, and remains impartial, connecting communities, bringing together like-minded individuals and organisations and supporting action-focused initiatives that make a real difference in the borough.

Building bridges across communities

A central focus for THIFF has been creating opportunities for discussion. Faith leaders, community groups, and local services have met regularly to talk about the issues that matter most –  from housing challenges and food insecurity to family wellbeing and inclusion. These conversations have strengthened understanding and highlighted the vital ways faith communities are already supporting residents in need.

Highlighting shared challenges and solutions

One of the year’s key topics was food insecurity. With many families struggling, THIFF brought together faith organisations and community groups to share ideas on supporting those most in need. These conversations highlighted the unique role faith communities play as safe spaces and first points of support.

Celebrating Inter Faith Week

During Inter Faith Week 2025, THIFF brought together faith leaders, community groups, local councillors, and residents to discuss housing challenges in the borough, including overcrowding and homelessness.

The event highlighted the vital role of faith communities in supporting those in need, from night shelters to pastoral care, and explored practical ways for stronger collaboration with local authorities and voluntary organisations.

Supporting families and inclusion

THIFF also focused on inclusion, hosting a discussion on how faith communities can better support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This event sparked ideas for creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where families feel supported and connected.  THIFF also held a meeting to highlight innovative ways of learning English and building confidence, with a focus on Creative English – residents and providers got together to share best practice to support people in the borough.

Community resilience

As part of their work with Tower Hamlets Equalities Hub – THIFF undertook work to scope faith engagement and awareness of how to respond in local emergencies, such as fire, flooding, terrorism and more. This work is ongoing.

Sharing resources

Beyond events, THIFF has worked to connect communities and raise awareness. Over the year, the forum distributed over 1,000 interfaith calendars to schools, community groups, and places of worship, helping residents learn about each other’s traditions and celebrations (available to download). Their online platforms have also kept hundreds of people informed about local initiatives, meetings, and opportunities to collaborate.  The Forum has a mailing list of over 500 subscribers.

Looking ahead

Looking forward, THIFF is committed to deepening partnerships and strengthening collaboration across faith communities, local organisations, and public services. By continuing to celebrate diversity, and support local initiatives, the forum is helping build a more inclusive, connected Tower Hamlets.

The past year has shown that when communities work together across faiths and backgrounds, amazing things can happen — from tackling local challenges to creating a sense of belonging for everyone in the borough. THIFF remains one of the most active and impactful interfaith forums in the country, showing what is possible when people are connected, organised, and focused on action.

You can read more about the work of Tower Hamlets Inter Faith Forum here.