Hi there,

I'm Rafie Faruq - as an Independent, I'm a different kind of councillor.

Full statement

Rather than taking sides, I listen to problems from local people on a case by case basis.

As a yoga and meditation teacher, I've learned to really understand with empathy the heart of issues and people's concerns. I've also run over 100 community song circle events, bringing together strangers and creating community, particularly in times of loneliness.

On the other hand, I've also been running the tech for good business Genie, for nearly 9 years. To date we've helped over 200,000 small businesses get cheaper access to legal services.

In Hackney, I've heard people care about striking the balance between improving safety and gentrification, versus not overunning the venues and markets we know and love, that represent the culture, art and heart of Hackney.

There are also over 3000 familes living in temporary accommodation and nearly half of all children on free school meals, a much higher poverty rate than the rest of London.

These issues, and many more are ones I hope to take a close look at as your councillor. For more information visit rafiefaruq.com - and let's keep the heart in hackney!