Transcript Cohesion Task Group Presentation 22/7/08

Cohesion Task Group
Community, Health and Social Care
Background
• Eccles, Winton and Barton have a diverse
population particularly around ethnicity and faith.
• Census figures show that around 5% of the
Community Committee area are from Black and
Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
• This has changed over recent years with new
communities moving into the area – Polish,
Kurdish, Czech and Africans to name a few.
• Schools census shows a 10% BME population for
the area, so this may be a more accurate picture.
Membership
• The Group has members from the Yemeni,
Pakstani and Bangladeshi Communities.
• There is representation from the various
Christian denominations and also the
Islamic faith.
• Officers from a number of statutory and
voluntary sector organisations attend.
• We are always looking for new members!
Achievements…….
• Started with Eccles Diversity Forum
meetings. A series of translated meetings
to help people with certain issues – hate
crime, anti-social behaviour, police
procedures, CPS procedures, health
matters. Provided an opportunity for
people to learn and ask questions where
they had previously been unable to do so.
More achievements!
• A large Eid Celebration – really the first time
that many people had taken part in such a
large event.
• Health project around smoking cessation in
a culturally accessible environment.
and more
• Cultural celebration at Salford Academy with range
of street dancing, Morris dancing, Irish dancing,
Yemeni dancing, a scottish piper and fashion show
to celebrate British and other cultures.
• Involvement of minority groups and the faith
community in the Narbonne Festival last year.
• Interfaith event at Christmas sharing learning
about the Bible and Koran.
What’s next?
• Looking to try to undertake some activity for Black
History month in October.
• Planning for a multi-cultural market as part of the
Food and Drink Festival in Eccles Town Centre on
11th October
• More interfaith work for Eid and Christmas –
particularly for women from different backgrounds
• Involvement in Lowry on Walkabout
• Cultural celebration for young people.
Why is this important?
• The task group helps to deliver the activity in the
Community Action Plan relating to stronger
communities.
• It is important to try to build relationships between
people in the area. This helps local people to feel
understood and safe and gives a sense of
belonging.
• Bringing people together helps to reduce
misunderstanding and sometime ‘fear’ of what they
see to be different.
• To help make all residents feel valued.