A reception took place at Number 10 Downing Street recently to celebrate the work of ‘community champions’ in local communities across the country.
I was invited by the Prime Minister to nominate a ‘Community Champion’ from Northampton North. This is someone who has made an outstanding contribution to their local community, to receive a tour of Number 10 Downing Street and meet the Prime Minister during a short reception.
I nominated Mr Nazir Naji as my community champion for Northampton North. Nazir is a local Muslim community leader who has been instrumental in supporting community relations in Northampton.
Nazir has been the Director of the Northampton Refugee Welfare Council (NWRC) which helps refugees learn English, integrate into the local community and understand the societal responsibilities of being a British resident. The NWRC remains a very respected local institution which has been a model for centres nationwide.
Nazir also works with a number of local charities and community organisations in Northampton, and he is also president of the local Pakistan Welfare Association.
The Community Champions programme was created to celebrate those who have made a difference to the welfare of those in their local community, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate those who have had such a positive contribution.
(Photo: The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP with Michael Ellis MP and Mr Nazi Naji)