LEEDS FAITH TRAIL
people discover a more than what they know about Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Christianity (Catholic and Evangelical) faith buildings. The Leeds Faith Trail offers the chance to look beyond the doors of these buildings, to see what is inside, meet members of the communities, hear about what goes on inside the buildings, ask questions allowing participants to spend an indulging day with people of all faiths and with those with none. Speaking of their experience, PCSO Joshua Teasdale, said: “I think it is essential that we have a better understanding of the religious practices of our communities, however, I think there should be more emphasis on why these things are done as well as what is done. “I understand that there were time constraints, but I felt the Hindu mandir
had much more to offer. For example, the vast number of festivals and celebrations seemed very interesting and some more explanation about what they are would be very beneficial. “I enjoyed the personal touch that the event offered which gave me an insight into different cultures and faith on a more in-depth level and I hope it becomes a more regular event.” Parminder Grewal of the Leeds City Council said: “It is important for people to understand different faith as this is intimately attached to cultural identity and differences. It was such an insightful learning experience and everybody attending appeared to come away with new knowledge and information during the visit. “We can all make assumptions about how people observe their faith, but it is
important to understand different belief systems to really get to know the diverse communities within our organisations. With increased awareness in staff teams, people can bring their whole self to work without fear of discrimination.”
ESTABLISHMENTS COVERED BY THE LEEDS FAITH TRAIL
• BAPS Swaminarayan Temple • Leeds Hindu Temple • Makkah Mosque • St Augustine’s Wrangthorn Church • New Testament Church of God • Ramgharia Gurdwara • The Sikh Temple • Etz Chaim Synagogue • UHC Synagogue
PC Dharmesh Mistry, a Hindu officer who is also an ambassador for West Yorkshire Police, has been at the forefront of Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DE&I) work. In 2019 he was nominated for Positive Role Model award in the Faith and Religion category successfully coming down to the last 8 in the UK in the National Diversity Awards.
Since 2019, Dharmesh has worked relentlessly and supported police and paramedic colleagues especially during the Covid pandemic providing hot meals to five response teams for two weeks with over 1,500 meals made by his community. Additionally, he continues community engagement with the Hindu community and with the West Yorkshire Police force. He regularly delivers programs including blood donations, dementia and memory walks,
Hindu festival celebrations which open for all to participate. He is an active member of various DE&I groups, including the NPCC Faith and Belief Group, Leeds City Council Faith Leaders, Temp Chair of the West Yorkshire Hindu Police Association, and part of the team which established the Bradford Hindu Council. PC Mistry also helps in supporting the homeless and vulnerable in society and works closely with the charity, Homeless Hampers, in providing hot food, clothing, and other essentials. This year, Homeless Hampers, was awarded The Kings Award in the Volunteer Category.
PC Mistry has once again been nominated for this year’s National Diversity Awards, Positive Role Model, under the Race and Religion category
43 | POLICE | JUNE | 2024
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