NORFOLK & RIGHTS

We are very pleased to report that we have received funding from the fledgling Equality & Human Rights Commission to work on what promises to be a very exciting and potentially very significant project.

This project will deliver an equality and human rights programme for young people that...

Marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Utilises school and community resources to challenge inequality and promote community cohesion
Develops awareness of Norfolk’s distinctive history of promoting human rights and equality with explicit focus on the commemoration (in 2009) of the bicentenary of Thomas Paine’s Death (Norfolk born author of the ‘Rights of Man’).

There has been an enthusiastic response to this project from many of our partners, stakeholders and school contacts and we are very much looking forward to beginning work in earnest.

YOUNG LEADERS

The “Young Leaders” project was funded by the Equalities & Human Rights Commission, formerly the CRE. The idea for this project came out of consultations with local young BME people who felt there was a definite lack
of BME role-models that they could look up to. It was generally felt that the only successful BME people that were ever spoken about in the press and media were sports stars and musicians.

We approached the CRE under their ‘Getting Results’ Grant Programme for funding to run a shadowing project for young BME people to meet successful leaders and find out more about what they did. We targeted Civic Leaders, such as MPs and Magistrates in an effort to encourage young BME people
in Norfolk to consider participating in civic life in the future.

The project has been a terrific success. We gathered a group of over twenty young people and arranged for them to spend valuable time with local and national Civic Leaders such as Charles Clarke, Shahid Malik, Lord Herman Ouseley, Tina Fahm and Abraham Eshetu. All of the participants benefited greatly from the experience and now have a better knowledge of the Civic Engagement process. We hope that this will lead to them taking on leadership roles in the future and playing a part in shaping our county in the years to come.

NORFOLK'S HIDDEN HERITAGE

We have successfully completed our landmark project; 'Norfolk's Hidden Heritage'.

The project sought to uncover the little-known stories of Norfolk's connection to slavery and its subsequent abolition. People from Norfolk were involved in slavery in two significant ways. Firstly, several families owned plantations in places like Jamaica and benefited financially, in fact many of the stately homes around our county were built on the proceeds of slavery. But more importantly, many of the leading members of the abolitionist movement were from Norfolk. The likes of Thomas Buxton, Elizabeth Fry and the Norwich Quakers all fought for the abolition of slavery and continued to fight until it was abolished completely.

A major part of the project was research, which aimed to find the stories and events that paint a fuller picture of Norfolk's involvement in slavery and abolition. As well as evidencing the continuous presence of BME people in Norfolk for over four centuries.

We employed a full-time Project Researcher, Dr. Richard Maguire, who spent 6 months trawling through the Archives and helping us to piece together this interesting story. Richard then spent the next 6 months travelling across the county and the wider region, educating over 1,000 people - in schools, universities, prisons and public lectures - along the way!

As part of the project we have developed an interactive website as well as a touring exhibition. We also worked with a local Youth Drama group to develop a drama production, entitled 'Diary of a Son of Africa', which toured the County during Norfolk Black History Month '07.

To find out more and uncover this hidden heritage for yourself check out the project website now.

COMMUNITY COHESION & DISCRIMINATION LAW PROJECT

The CCDL Project is managed and led by NNREC along with the joint partners of the Steering Group who are: Ipswich & Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE), Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Age Concern Norfolk, Age Concern Norwich and ChangeUp.

Training is being offered to individuals from community and voluntary organisations in the Eastern Region. The training will be aimed at groups and individuals that provide advice and support to:

• Black and Minority Ethnic Groups
• Refugees and Asylum Seekers
• Migrant Workers
• Gypsy and Travellers
• Gay Lesbian Bisexual Groups
• People with Disabilities
• Women
• Older People
• Faith Groups

This training will enable you to:

• Understand what rights are available under the discrimination laws
• Help your organisation and communities to recognise, understand and respond to enquiries as well as complaints of discrimination
• Increase awareness of the effects and impact of multiple discrimination related to education, health, housing, employment, welfare etc
• Find out about and share good practice on Community Cohesion and Multiple Equalities

Following on from the training in Norfolk and Suffolk, we were funded by ChangeUp East to extend the training across the region. During 2006 we have held training events at various locations across the region including, Hertfordshire, Bedford, Essex and Ipswich.

For more information contact Kemal Shaheen, Project Administrator, NNREC, North Wing, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich NR1 2DH or Telephone 01603 611644 or Fax 01603 611646 or Email: kemal.shaheen@nnrec.org.uk

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NNREC YOUTH AGAINST RACISM

If you are aged between 12 and 18, Y.A.R is your chance to be a part of the NNREC. If you would like to have some fun and organise anti-racist projects or events join Y.A.R now.

We held two events in 2005. On Wednesday 16th February we held the first annual Youth Against Racism Sports Day at the Hewett School in Norwich. The aim of the event was for young people, between the ages of 12 and 18, to meet, make new friends and find out about the NNREC. The event was also used to launch Youth Against Racism (Y.A.R). Y.A.R is a new initiative aimed at High School children across Norfolk, its purpose is to support young people in organising anti-racist events and projects. Y.A.R is a way for young people to tell us about the issues that really matter to them.

The Sports Day was a resounding success, with over 150 young people attending throughout the day! There was a 3-on-3 Basketball competition and a 5-a-side Football competition, as well as local DJ Micheal Matala who kept the lively crowd well entertained. All the games were keenly fought, with some truly wonderful performances in both competitions.

Norwich City FC kindly donated a signed football and 50 autographed postcards signed by midfielder Damian Francis. Congratulations to all the young people involved, for making the Sports Day a wonderful success and for playing all the games in good spirit.

On Thursday 2nd June NNREC held another hugely successful Youth Against Racism (Y.A.R) event, in conjunction with Norfolk Youth & Community Service (NYCS). The event took place at Open the wonderful new youth venue in the heart of Norwich. 'School's Out' was the second Y.A.R event of 2005 following on from the Sports Day in February. This time the theme of the event was music and visual arts. Throughout the day there were workshops aimed at giving the participants an opportunity to learn new arts and media skills. They were given a choice of the following four activities to try on the day; drama, DJ-ing, animation and Capoeria Senzala (Brazilian dance/martial art). The event was another resounding success; over the course of the day we had approximately 90 young people from all over the county. The main aim of this event was to give the young people an opportunity to get involved in Y.A.R and tell us the direction that they think it should take. The feedback was very interesting with the vast majority showing a desire to be involved.

During 2006 we have embarked on a new project in conjunction with the five Norfolk colleges; City College, Great Yarmouth College, Paston College, West Norfolk College and Eaton College. This project will take a 'Diversity Roadshow' to all the colleges in the County as well as many of the local High Schools, and will aim to give the young people there a chance to experience new cultures as well as challenging misconceptions and predjudices.

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NORFOLK BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month (BHM) is held every October in Britain and was first celebrated in 1987. It aims to:

• Promote knowledge of Black History and experience
• Disseminate information on positive Black contributions to British Society
• Heighten the confidence and awareness of Black people in their cultural heritage

2007 will be the fifth year that Black History Month has been celebrated in Norfolk. Since its inception NNREC have been jointly-coordinating the month alongside Norfolk Education & Action for Development (NEAD). One of our major responsibilities is to administer to the Norfolk Black History Month Steering Group. This group is made up of a variety of voluntary, private statutory and non-statutory organisations. Particular mention must be made to those members who give up their time on a voluntary basis many of whom are part of our BME Network

Ignorance and lack of information provide a fertile context for the perpetuation of the exclusions, divisions, misunderstandings, stereotyping and discrimination of racism. And, in contrast, greater knowledge and awareness can change the way we think of our society, and of ourselves, and promote the growth of anti-racist communities.

We need to share knowledge of our common human ancestry in Africa and of the continuous presence of black people in Britain for at least 500 years. We should be aware of people such as Mary Seacole, a black nurse in the Crimea at the same time as Florence Nightingale and, in her time, also famous and feted. And, locally, it should be well known that the first black British circus owner, Pablo Fanque, was born in Norwich in 1798. He is just one of the people featured in "Norfolk Roots of the Future" - an exhibition documenting the contribution of Black and Minority Ethnic groups and individuals to this county.

To create an inclusive, just and non-racial society we require an inclusive understanding and appreciation of our history and our present. This is as true in Norfolk as it is anywhere else in the country or the world.

The task and purpose of Black History Month is to allow us all to discover, reinstate, highlight, discuss, enjoy and celebrate some of the missing pieces.

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NORFOLK ROOTS OF THE FUTURE EXHIBITION

The contribution of Black and Minority Ethnic people to Britain has been grossly under-recognised and understated, with this in mind NNREC worked with Black and White communities in Norfolk to produce Norfolk Roots.

The main aims are:

• To celebrate the achievements of the Black and Minority Ethnic communities in Norfolk.
• To increase public awareness about contributions from the BME communities to Norfolk life and economy.
• To challenge and dispel stereotypes about BME communities.

Can I still contribute to Norfolk Roots?

Yes! Norfolk Roots is an on-going project. We are looking for stories, journeys and histories from BME individuals and communities. Our most recent addition is the exhibition on Pablo Fanque; who was born in Norfolk and was the first Black circus owner in Britain. We are currently compiling information on the former Mayor of Thetford, Dr Alan Glayser Minns; thought to be the first Black Mayor in Britain! You can also participate bysponsoring the exhibition and funding related projects, such as an education pack, participating in creating Norfolk Roots, assisting with research, editing and taking photographs.

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BME INCLUSION PROJECT

The Norwich and Norfolk Racial Equality Council proposed this research project, supported by Norfolk County Council, and Norfolk consortium of Voluntary and Community infrastructure Organisations to aid in identifying the needs of the Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in Norfolk and any barriers to the accessing of the voluntary sector. This will aid in the infrastructure planning that will build the capacity of the sector to better serve the needs of Norfolk's Communities.

The project is in its final stages and the final report will be available via this website very soon.

For more information contact Ewan Kennedy, Research Officer, NNREC, North Wing, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich NR1 2DH or Tel: 01603 611644, Fax: 01603 611646 or Email: ewan.kennedey@nnrec.org.uk

Click here to download the BME Inclusion Project report

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BME DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROJECT

This project aims to offer services that address general wellbeing needs to empower people who suffer domestic violence, which can impact on their social and mental health.

This project provides the following services:

• Confidential open access service
• Emotional support & practical assistance in complete confidence
• Help recovering from the trauma of domestic violence
• Weekly support & counselling
• Complementary therapies to reduce distress
• Networking & information
• Opportunities for volunteering within the project

For more information contact Ellie Amis, Domestic Violence Project Co-ordinator, NNREC, North Wing, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich NR1 2DH or Telephone 01603 611644 or Fax 01603 611646 or Email: ellie.amis@nnrec.org.uk

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