LCM activities and projects can be classified under five broad headings: 1. Representation, 2. Developmental work, 3. Interfaith Dialogue, 4. Capacity Support and 5. Youth Work.

1. Representation Work: this area of activity has, in the main, centred on the areas of Health and Education. LCM has provided a common platform for the Muslim community to negotiate with the local authorities in both areas. On Health LCM has participated on county-based Hospital Trusts’ Ethnic Minority Panels to inform, guide and explain community concerns and needs. On Education, especially, in the vexed arena of educational provision, the focus of widely shared anxieties, its commitments and participation have ranged from Admissions Policy Meetings to Education Action Zone Forums. LCM also serves the above role working very closely with LEA’s, LCC and Blackburn Diocese.

2. Developmental Work: this area of activity has produced a broad spectrum of engagements. The central theme of these engagements has been improving the general understanding and appreciation of the values and culture of people of Muslim heritage. The range of activities cover, Islamic/Muslim awareness training to trainee Police recruits, Ramadan guidelines for schools across Lancashire, Mosque visits, School visits, Seminars on community issues, providing an easily accessible advice surgery, serving media demands, complementing and enhancing current practices in mosques, e.g. child protection guidelines and training, and Islamic Choices Drug Education Programme.

This area of work was taken to a higher level of common concern when LCM was appointed as a leading organisation to undertake a Home Office funded project entitled ‘Connecting Communities’ (cf. detailed report)

3. Interfaith Dialogue: this area of activity has not only concentrated on the development of a healthy relationship with people of diverse faiths but also presenting a deeper and intellectual grasp of the Islamic faith. LCM’s active involvement with local and county wide interfaith based groups, councils and forums has provided a strong foundation for the goals of such interfaith activities to yield productive outcomes.

One such result was the visit to the Islamic Markaz in Blackburn. This occasion was honoured by the presence of the Rt. Hon. Jack Straw and notable members of the multi-faith Lancashire community who attended in their capacity as members of the interfaith Council. Members found the experience very informative and educational as well as thoroughly rewarding. It is envisaged that reciprocal visits to other centres will form part of future plans.

A major conference held on the theme: ‘Family Values in the 21st century: Christian and Muslim perspectives’. The Anglican-Muslim Group (of which LCM is a member) under the banner of ‘Building Bridges’ hosted this event. This was in fact the fourth such conference hosted by the Anglican-Muslim Group, a manifest indication of their continued growing relationship and a determined focussed approach to make Faith perspectives a major constituent of public debate and issues of common concern.

4. Capacity Support: this area of activity has focused on the provision of time and manpower resources in creating a culture that encourages affiliated Mosques to access LCM support mechanisms. Examples of this support include the following:
· Assistance with developing constitutions
· Administrative support
· Advice on fund-raising methods
· Advice on planning permission matters
· Production of timetables
· Mediation between Mosques and local authorities
· Assistance with immigration matters concerning religious ministers or community members
· Assistance with the procurement of local authority grants for community initiative projects
· Provision of a scholar for Friday prayers likewise major religious festivals

5. Youth Work: this area of activity focuses on attempting to ensure that most if not all major educational institutions in Lancashire are in a position to appropriately cater for the religious needs of the Muslim students. In this respect, Blackburn, Preston, Burnley, Nelson & Colne College have collaborated with LCM to ensure the above. This has not only led to the provision of necessary facilities but also advisory support to senior management.

This area of work has also provided a more office-based project. This is commonly referred to as the Neighbourhood Support Fund Project and aims to work with excluded Asian heritage young people in the Blackburn Area (cf. detailed report).

MISSION STATEMENT

Lancashire Council of Mosques aims to provide Unity through Diversity.

Lancashire Council of Mosques, acknowledging the pivotal role that Mosques can play in religious, social, economic and community development, aims to promote the aspirations of the Muslim community in Lancashire.

Lancashire Council of Mosques aims to facilitate services and seek representation for the Muslim community, in order to empower them to interact equitably with the indigenousness population of the County. The vision of Lancashire Council of Mosques is to facilitate equality of access, opportunity and involvement, on an individual and collective basis, for all.

Aims of Lancashire Council of Mosques

· To provide a united platform for the promotion of the needs and aspirations of all affiliated Mosques and Madrassas.
· To identify and lobby for the needs and aspirations of the Muslim community in Lancashire on all forums and at all functions
· To represent the Islamic viewpoint

Objectives of Lancashire Council of Mosques

· Promoting LCM as the key reference point for issues that concern the Muslim community in Lancashire
· Developing dialogue and communication with statutory and non statutory organisations
· Ensuring that the maximum number of Mosques and Madrassas are affiliated to LCM
· Taking steps and consulting with other Mosque Councils in the North West to create a North West Umbrella Organisation

Progress to date