In the spirit of Christ’s call to be the light of the world, a new initiative is shining hope into communities at risk. One Vision, in partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, has launched the Safer Hertfordshire Initiative – Empowering South Asian Households, a faith-rooted effort to promote safety, trust, and unity.
As a Seventh-day Adventist church elder and leader of a charity grounded in faith and service, I believe that our calling is not only to worship within our walls but to protect, uplift, and empower those beyond them. This initiative reflects a call to action.
A Faithful Response to Fear
The project was born out of a growing concern. South Asian families in Hertfordshire are being disproportionately targeted for burglaries, especially during religious festivals like Diwali and Eid. Cultural traditions, visible symbols of celebration, and predictable schedules make them vulnerable to exploitation. At the same time, language barriers, fear, and mistrust often lead to underreporting and a lack of transparency.
Our faith teaches us not to remain silent in the face of injustice. As written in Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right. Seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” With this scripture as our foundation, the Safer Hertfordshire Initiative seeks not only to prevent crime but also to restore dignity and peace to families who feel unseen.
Working Together for the Good of All
With the support of Chief Inspector Kio Bozorgi from Three Rivers, Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman from Watford, and Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards, we are co-delivering a programme that blends practical safety with faith-based compassion.
Key components include:
• Workshops in faith spaces such as temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and churches led in partnership with local policing teams
• Safety materials translated into English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Tamil, and Bengali
• Training of Community Safety Ambassadors from within each faith group to act as trusted voices
• Women’s safety forums, youth leadership development, and awareness campaigns via WhatsApp and social media
• Home security checks offered in collaboration with frontline officers and volunteers
These actions are not just crime prevention. They are Christ-like services.
Testimonies from Leadership
Chief Inspector Kio Bozorgi said:
“We are honoured to work with One Vision and faith communities on this initiative. It is an example of how community-led, culturally sensitive outreach can make a real difference.”
Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman added:
“True safety is when every person feels heard, respected, and protected. This project helps bring us closer to that reality in Watford.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards shared:
“The Safer Hertfordshire Initiative is a vital step in making sure all communities feel safe and included. I commend the faith community for leading this work with such integrity.”
Sharon Platt-McDonald, Community Services Director for the British Union Conference, also expressed her support:
“This initiative embodies the very essence of Christian service – standing in solidarity with the vulnerable and working for justice and peace. I commend One Vision and our church members for showing what practical faith in action looks like. May this be a model for churches across the UK to follow.”
The Adventist Commitment to Community
This work is an extension of our Adventist values, where service to others is an expression of our faith in Jesus. Through One Vision, our churches have long supported families facing hunger, loneliness, and injustice. Now, we are helping them feel safe in their own homes.
We believe a safer community is possible when churches become not only places of worship but centres of hope, safety, and healing.
As Christ said in Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” May we, as His people, continue to be that light in word and action.