A new initiative, Belief in Action,
is set to launch in Newham schools, aiming to support youth mental health by exploring the supportive roles of religious and non-religious worldviews. The project was discussed at a CANCELLED Newham SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) meeting scheduled for 19 June 2025, according to the meeting agenda.
The Belief in Action
initiative builds on the success of the Challenging Religious Stereotypes 2024-2025
project, which involved students from nine secondary schools, including Plashet School, Quwwat UL Islam Girls' School, and St Bonaventure's RC School. This earlier project aimed to challenge religious stereotypes, encourage tolerance, and develop critical thinking skills.
The new project will consist of six face-to-face sessions, including interactive sessions with representatives from various religious and non-religious worldviews, and community visits to places of worship and community organisations. The goal is to equip young people with tools and resources to support their mental health and well-being, and to enhance awareness of available local support services.
Lucy Still, Newham Secondary RE Advisor and AHT Plashet School, noted the project aims to address a critical gap in support services during the transition from primary to secondary education. The project seeks to leverage the positive aspects of belief systems to support young people, recognising that Religion, faith and spirituality allow people to hope again and again for a change in circumstances and to create a more just future.
SACRE priorities for 2024-25 also include producing an annual report, supporting good RE in schools, and securing funding for a 2025-2027 Agreed Syllabus review, as detailed in the SACRE priorities document.