NEW YEAR’S HONOURS: Local heroes recognised for their work to keep H&F safe

Two members of the local community have been honoured for their valiant efforts to keep the borough safe.

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Pictured left to right are Adam Matan, founder of the Anti-Tribalism Movement and Pinakin Patel, leader of H&F Council’s Prevent team

Two members of the local community have been honoured for their valiant efforts to keep the borough safe.

Adam Matan – who chairs Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s new Policing and Crime Commission – was awarded an OBE for his work within the Somali community.

He said: “I am delighted. I am truly honoured to be receiving this OBE for a cause so dear to my heart. Thank you to each and every person who has been a part of this journey.”

Adam is the founder of the Anti-Tribalism Movement. It’s a non-profit organisation based in Shepherds Bush that aims to tackle tribalism and inequalities within communities.

Adam – who also lives in Shepherds Bush – has a postgraduate degree from SOAS University of London in Law and Leadership and currently sits on the government’s Counter Terrorism Advisory Group.

Last year, Adam agreed to chair the council’s Policing and Crime Commission because we wanted a wide range of residents to have a say in how decisions about crime and safety issues are made locally.

Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, congratulated Adam on his honour saying: “Adam is a pioneer and a fantastic advocate for community relations in our borough. His leadership has resulted on our borough being safer and our community stronger.

“Adam’s latest role as the chair of the borough’s new Policing and Crime Commission builds on his successes and once again demonstrates his commitment to making our borough better for all our residents. Adam greatly deserves this honour.”

Fight against terrorism

Pinakin Patel, who leads H&F Council’s Prevent team, was also honoured with an MBE.

Prevent is part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy. It aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. The Home Office works with local authorities and a wide range of government departments, and community organisations to deliver the Prevent strategy.

“I didn’t think people like me got MBEs,” Pinakin said. “It’s lovely. But it was never my main aim. It’s my job and I care about my work – so it’s humbling to be recognised.”

Pinakin, 44, joined the council in July 2005 – just days after the attempted terrorist bombing at Shepherds Bush tube station. He helped lead H&F’s response to an attack and later set up the London Prevent Network for officers to work together across London.

He also chairs the Prevent Advisory Group, which is the flagship organisation of local community groups which address issues fuelling the rise of terrorism in the UK. “We have an incredibly strong community spirit in H&F,” he said. “I couldn’t do it without help from everyone in the borough. It’s just about listening to the community and working to keep people safe.”

Kim Smith, Chief Executive of H&F Council, paid tribute to Pinakin’s work by saying: “Pinakin single-handedly built up our Prevent team from scratch.

“He’s found motivated staff, delivered innovative and responsive awareness programmes, and established leadership across London. Above all, he’s leading our fight against radicalisation and supporting counter terrorism work – so the award is very well deserved and we thank him for his hard work.”

More details about Prevent in H&F

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