30/1/2006 - Listening to black and minority ethnic communities

People with an interest in black and minority ethnic issues in Cumbria are being invited to a “Listening to our Black and Ethnic Communities” event at Newton Rigg on Thursday February 2nd 2006 between 10.30 and 15.30.

The event will share the results of the black and minority ethnic consultation started by the Cumbria Race and Diversity Partnership in May 2005. It will also provide an opportunity for partner agencies to outline their plans for the future, gather more information, and share details of the existing black and ethnic minority networks in Cumbria.

In the Summer of 2004 Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Constabulary arranged the Cumbrian Attitude Survey via Community Voice. The survey revealed levels of prejudice against minority groups in Cumbria.

As a result the Cumbria Race and Diversity Partnership was set up to promote equality across the county. The partnership includes Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Constabulary, the six district councils, housing associations, the probation service, Connexions Cumbria and the voluntary sector.

The Race and Diversity Partnership arranged the Black and Minority Ethnic consultation to ensure that Black and Minority Ethnic communities were getting the most out of services in Cumbria. 495 adults from 27 different black and minority ethnic groups were asked their opinions on:

- Public services

- Quality of life

- Education

- Living in the local community

- Health and social care

- Housing

- Future consultation

County councilor Ian Stewart, cabinet spokesman for equality says:

“Cumbria County Council is committed to providing fair and equitable services for everyone and we are proud to champion black and minority ethnic issues. The Cumbria Attitude Survey raised the issue of prejudice within Cumbria; the formation of the Race and Diversity Partnership and the information gathered in this consultation will help us and our partners ensure that black and minority ethnic communities receive equality and have a voice in the wider community.”

Patricia Bell is the diversity advisor with Cumbria Constabulary. She says: 

"The results from the attitude survey show that many people from black and ethnic minorities do not get the service they should in this county. We have been working with other agencies to address this and this occasion will give people the opportunity to come and contribute to help make their lives better and those of others in their community."