Faith minister Timms set for Norwich meeting
 Government faith minister Stephen Timms MP (right) has agreed to meet with leaders of faith-based organisations, communities and churches in Norwich later this year and interested people are being invited to an initial meeting at City Hall on September 15.
Both meetings have been organised by YMCA Norfolk chief executive officer John Drake in his new role co-ordinating the churches’ dialogue with Norwich City Council under the Transforming Norwich banner.
Much progress has been made over the past five years since the initial City Council/Churches Dialogue survey said John.
“I am pleased to report that Stephen Timms, the ‘Government’s minister for faith’, has agreed to meet with leaders of faith-based organisations, communities and churches to encourage dialogue with local authorities and government-funded procurers of services.
 “The Government are aware that some local authorities and procuring agencies are ‘squeamish’ about engaging with faith organisations. It is hoped that this proposed dialogue will enable faith groups to be better equipped when applying for funding.
“It is also hoped that they will be better prepared to appreciate the constraints now placed on procurers of services.”
John is inviting interested leaders and representatives to meet on Monday September 15 at 7:30 pm at the Council Chamber at City Hall. The purpose of this initial meeting would be to enable members to better appreciate the new Local Area Agreement targets and indicators. This should put them in a better position to engage with potential statutory funders.
 Also at the meeting any specific queries members have regarding the Local Impact Assessment, which was launched at the Transforming Norwich AGM which be addressed. This resource will update the survey commissioned five years ago by Transforming Norwich.
The meeting with Stephen Timms will be jointly sponsored by Norwich City Council and YMCA Norfolk. It should take place in December, with time and venue to be confirmed.
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