This was the start of a partnership to help bring about ‘greater social cohesion in their community, and beyond, and thereby prevent the spread of extremism.  The Active Change Foundation (ACF) was established as the mechanism by which they could manage positive change.’

The purpose of the Active Change Foundation event in which ARAG was involved was to ‘break down the barriers between faith communities in the UK and engage with young Muslims, elders in the Muslim community as well as senior officers from the police, military and local politicians.’ Commander Regional Forces, members of 4 Division, the Commander 51 (Scottish) Brigade, local police chiefs and the Muslim Contact Unit supported the event and participated in a range of activities.

The three day leadership and development programme took place in the Yorkshire Dales. A variety of challenges were devised to enhance team building and leadership qualities of all the participants and bring people with different cultures and working backgrounds together. Activities included the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing, abseiling, and caving as well as competition shooting on the ranges.

The determination and commitment of participants to achieve the tasks provided a common goal for all participants, and enhanced team cohesion and competition between the teams.  The challenges required everyone to share their abilities and energy in problem solving, negotiation and real time cooperation.

Our three day adventure in the Yorkshire Dales with the Active Change Foundation was not only a great success but a thoroughly enjoyable one too. The enthusiastic and wholehearted spirit with which the activities were approached was infectious and despite some poor weather on occasions, we enjoyed every minute of it. Both the organisers and the participants made everyone feel totally welcome and part of the group and we would relish another opportunity to be involved.  There was plenty of cross-cultural dialogue within teams which was enjoyable and very interesting; and this was perhaps as important as the leadership challenge.  It was a real opportunity to further relations with the ACF and break down barriers between cultural communities. All the different contributors worked together with the ACF to produce a really effective & worthwhile trip to the Yorkshire Dales.

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced"