A CONVENTION involving community and religious leaders is taking place at a Hindu Temple in Golders Green today.

About 150 people from registered organisations across the country are joining together in an “unprecedented gathering” at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple, in Finchley Road.

Organisers of the event said the aim is to “share a vision for a more caring and sharing Britain” and make plans for the national Sewa Day of volunteering in November.

Muks Rabadia, a spokesman for the Temple, said: “The event is a grand networking convention where many community leaders hope to unite through the sharing of information and ideas, and inspiring volunteers who do not necessarily have the time; but have the heart.”

The Sewa Day will be held on November 21 and has been set up to encourage people to take responsibility for overcoming social challenges of disadvantage and deprivation.

Thousands of people are expected to take part in the initiative through all forms of activities, including painting fences, helping out at nursing homes, collecting donations and storytelling sessions.

The campaign was launched at the Temple earlier this month, and Arup Ganguly, chairman of the Sewa Day Committee said: “Clearly, one day isn’t going to make a significant difference but it is hoped that National Sewa Day will lead to habit formation – that folks who take part this year will make volunteering a part of their regular routine.”