Launch of Foyle Race Equality Forum Press Release
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DERRY, 9th September 2016 — Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities from across Derry and Strabane have recently come together under the new Foyle Race Equality Forum, with the support of Council. This new group will be launching its plans for the future to kick off Good Relations week in the Guildhall on Monday, 19th September 2016 at 4pm. Anyone interested in hearing more about the new group or getting involved is encouraged to attend.
The Foyle Race Equality Forum (FREF) has been established to promote genuine inclusivity of all people from BME communities across the North West. There has been a significant increase in the BME and migrant population of Derry and Strabane in recent times and FREF will help them to engage with statutory agencies and elected representatives, as well as to have a stronger voice. It will also help agencies and elected representatives to understand the needs facing BME people in the North West.
Kat Healy, the Regional Manager of Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities (NICEM) which provides secretariat support to the Forum, said, “The issues facing Black and Minority Ethnic communities are often quite distinct, including education, employment, access to services, hate crime, advice and many others. The new Forum has been established in order to serve as a channel for these issues to be raised by BME groups and individuals and addressed appropriately. We also hope the new Forum will help more BME members to get involved in local community development and civil society.”
Carol Stewart, Good Relations Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council added, “We’re delighted that the Forum is launching quite a comprehensive and ambitious Strategic Plan. It will be one of the key events to feature in this year’s Good Relations Week and we’re encouraging local groups and individuals to attend the launch.”
Magdalena Bartosz-Karwacka, Chairperson of Polish Abroad, added, “Polish Abroad is delighted to be involved in this new group and to have a platform to have our issues raised with our local elected representatives. We have been meeting as a group of BME communities from across the Council area for a few years now and it’s great to be able to take our issues further, with a proper structure where we can have them addressed. We look forward to getting to know our Councillors better, starting from the launch event.”
The launch event is open to anyone interested in attending. It is taking place in the Whittaker Suite of the Guildhall from 4pm on Monday, 19th September, with catering provided. If you’re interested in attending, please contact [email protected] or 02871 372235.
For a copy of the press release please click on the link below:
