Equality campaigners in Somerset have formed a steering group to promote racial equality, and they want to get in touch with others who share their aims.
“The group came together because of our dismay at the closure in 2013 of both the Somerset Racial Equality Council and Equality South West.” Said coordinator, Brenda Weston “Since then Somerset has had no collective voice to promote equality, to challenge racial discrimination, or to speak up against everyday racism experienced by minority racial and ethnic groups in the county. We are building the foundations for a new, independent, county-wide forum to promote racial equality and social cohesion in Somerset.”
The group has four key aims:
• To act as a coherent and credible voice on behalf of Black and Minority Ethnic individuals and communities in order to influence policies and practices that affect health and well-being;
• To monitor the policies and practices of statutory bodies, and their agencies, to ensure they are fulfilling their legal duty to promote racial equality, eliminate discrimination and foster good racial relations;
• To promote racial equality as a positive and necessary condition to achieve social harmony
• To campaign for the restoration of effective advocacy for people who experience race-related discrimination, harassment or victimisation
“Our first task as a steering group is to make contact with Black and Minority Ethnic individuals and groups, find out their priorities for action and invite them to join the forum”.
Any individuals or groups who share the group’s aims and would like to get in touch can contact the coordinator on 07330 832482 or e-mail FRESCOSomerset@hotmail.com