cambridge ethnic community forum · contemporary zumba. all then joined in for a buffet of indian...
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Development News Continued
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CECF Introduction
After a decade at Victoria Road, the Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum has moved premises to “The Courtyard”, 21b Sturton Street. Planning and preparation for this
relocation took some weeks but finally on 30th June 2012 we started to load-up and the removal van rolled. I was amazed at how much had been accumulated during the period that the Forum had been at the former premises. Much had to be disposed of and whilst it was good to have an opportunity to have a clear-out, it was also interesting to reflect on the
contribution of so many staff and volunteers over the years who had worked so hard to serve the BME communities in Cambridge. I hope that this legacy is continued at our new location.
On 24th October we will be holding an open day and hope to welcome as many of you as possible to our new home. This will take place between 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm at 21b Sturton Street. Please come and say hello and have a bite to eat.
Development News
I attended a special Chief Officers Forum at the invitation of the Cambridge Council For Voluntary Service on the 4th September 2012. This was an opportunity to find out the latest updates around the election of a Police and Crime Commissioner, and to discuss what the sector needs to do to influence this new role. We had a speaker from the Police Authority who set the scene. There was an opportunity to feed into discussions about the draft set of police and crime objectives that is being formulated and that will be presented to the incoming Police and Crime Commissioner. I helped identify the priorities in my area which I feel should be reflected in the draft. There was also an opportunity to discuss what we might want to ask the candidates standing in the election, and an opportunity to discuss what further action we think you need to take, and what we saw the CCVS role to be.
Our work with the Asian Woman’s Network is continuing well. We are exploring ways to develop further this initiative in partnership with MENTER. We have been settling in our new premises and welcoming BME community groups to advice surgeries. There are a diverse range of issues that we have to deal with and whilst this is challenging it is also very interesting. Our Forum Field project at Nuffield Road is continuing. Recently we did a major clear-out of all the old debris and weeds to keep it looking neat and tidy. On Saturday 22nd September we had our annual multicultural event which brought together a range of diverse communities in Cambridge and was a fantastic event again this year.
Reported by Eddie Stadnik, Chief Officer CECF
CAMBRIDGE ETHNIC COMMUNITY FORUM
Supported by: Funded by:
ContentsCECF Introduction
Development News
CHESS
Community Focus
Community Safety
Events
Services
Drop-ins on CECF site
CECF Staff &
CECF Trustees
“The Courtyard”21 B Sturton Street
CambridgeCB1 2SN
Tel: 01223 655 241Fax: 01223 655 393
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.cecf.co.uk
Charity No. 1086241Company No. 4175678
Newsletter: Issue Nineteen — September 2012
Cambridgeshire Human Rights and Equality Support Service (CHESS)
CHESS supports Jamaican Paralympic athletes to ‘phone home’ CHESS were involved with advocating for the Jamaican Paralympics Team and supporting them during their recent stay in Bedford.
Bedford Black History Group welcomed the team at Gatwick Airport and sought assistance for them through CHESS.
Some initial issues were highlighted by the team and they asked the CHESS Project Manager to assist them and intervene on their behalf with dialogue with the organisers. This led to a better all round experience for them and helped in preparation for the games.
Other issues were highlighted by the team such as contacting family members and supporters at home, as a project of the Forum this was an issue that we hoped to assist with.
After discussions with the Chief Officer and Board Members CHESS/CECF purchased new mobile phones for the
team members to assist with contacting their loved ones and supporters back in Jamaica.
Further discussions led to the issue of disability aids for the athletes and other disabled community members back in Jamaica, CHESS contacted Addenbrookes Hospital and asked if there was a possibility of donating disability equipment such as wheelchairs and adjustable crutches for the athletes and the wider community, with the view that a donation could be made to the athletes prior to going home, unfortunately this could not be arranged in time so discussions are on-going with Addenbrookes at this time and we will update you on progress.
Hate CrimeHate crime victims finally recognised with European Parliament vote on Victims’ Directive – The European Parliament voted today to protect and grant basic rights to the estimated 75 million victims of crime across the EU without discrimination. The 2010-11 British Crime Survey indicates that higher proportions of victims of hate crime reported feelings of shock, fear, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, loss of confidence, difficulty sleeping, compared with victims of similar non-hate crimes.
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Tony Lindsay, CHESS Project Manager with members of the Jamaican Paralympic team
CHESS News Continued
Clients CHESS has registered and assisted 40 clients since April 2012 with many of the issues surrounding employment. If you know of anyone suffering from equalities discrimination or infringes to their human rights please send them to us, we will be pleased to help as much as we can. Our service is free and confidential see our web-page www.cecf.co.uk/chess
VolunteersWe have recruited three new volunteers recently and continue to look for more; we have recently contacted Anglia Ruskin University and will be placing adverts there in the near future. If you are reading this newsletter and want to find out more please contact us on [email protected] we have roles in administration and casework. Descriptions of
the roles can be emailed to you if you are interested in volunteering.
TrainingWe continue to deliver training to several organisations
and have been contacted with further enquiries. If you are reading this and belong to a community group and would like some free training on the equality act, human rights act and diversity with refreshments provided, please contact us on [email protected]
CHESS/CECF Open DayWednesday 24th October 1pm – 4pm – we are inviting you to our open day at our new premises and all are welcome to come along, see the premises, meet staff and volunteers, we will provide some refreshments and you will be able to see some testimonies from clients, a report of our activities last year and have a ‘chat’ with some of our volunteers … please come along we look forward to seeing you.
Website developmentWe are currently reviewing our website page and will be updating the contents to reflect some of the casework and issues that have been raised by clients and other partner organisations. If you have any comments or suggestions for improvement to our web page please let us know. The web-page is www.cecf.co.uk/chess
Reported by Tony Lindsay, CHESS Manager
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Shazia and Rosmin, at a recent CHESS Volunteer Meeting
Tony Lindsay, CHESS Manager with Ania and Aida at the CHESS Volunteer Meeting
Aida, Chris, Ila (Development Co-ordinator, MENTER), Hannah, Ariane, Glory and Shazia at the CHESS Volunteer Meeting
Community Focus
Indian Community and Culture Association Cambridge (ICCA) Independence Day Celebration 15th August 2012
CECF was represented by Chief officer, Eddie Stadnik at the ICCA Independence Day Celebration held at the Bharat Bhavan on Mill Road, Cambridge. After the formal introductions there was a resounding rendition of both the Indian and British National Anthems. This symbolizing very well the historical background and close ties between India and the UK.
There followed a short but dynamic programme of entertainment ranging from traditional Indian dance and song to more contemporary Zumba. All then joined in for a buffet of Indian Finger Buffet of sweets, snacks and tea.
Cambridge Malayalee Association - Onam – 29th August 2012
Every year the Cambridge Malayalee Association hosts an ONAM Festival event at the Arbury Community Centre, which is always a dynamic and exciting activity. This year proved to be no exception. The welcome skit portraying the diversity of faiths that exist in the state of Kerala in India where the Malayalee Indians originate. Chief Officer, CECF, Eddie Stadnik attended as a guest and enjoyed a great event with excellent food and entertainment.
Pakistan Independence Day Celebration – September 2nd 2012
Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum recently supported the Pakistan Cultural Association in its Independence Day Celebration. The day started with a recitation from the Koran followed by children's presentations. There was a welcome address from the Chair followed by short speeches from the Cambridge City Mayor, Sheila Stuart and the local MP, Dr Julian Huppert. There was a very lively quiz for the children on the topic of Olympics general knowledge with both the Mayor and MP on opposite teams. There was a 5 course traditional Pakistan Traditional Dinner followed by music entertainment. The following link has more information about this event : www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Cambridge/Unity-is-theme-for-Pakistans-independence-day-04092012.htm
Cam-Kerala Cricket Tournament – Presentation of Prizes – September 9th 2102 Cam-Kerala hosted a national cricket tournament recently. There were eight teams from various part of the UK participating. The Mayor Sheila Stuart & Chief officer, CECF, Eddie Stadnik were invited to come as guests for the presentation in the evening to award the prizes. This took place on Parkers Piece.
Reported by Eddie Stadnik by Chief Officer CECF
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Ayana Cheriyan and Celini Roy
Mrs Padia (wife of ICCA Chair), Mayor Mrs Sheila Stewart, Councillor Shapour Meftah, Eddie Stadnik, Chief Officer CECF.
Community Focus Continued
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Community Safety
BME Community Visit to Parkside Police Station The visit had been arranged for Sunday 13th May 2012 from 2:00 till 4:30 but really finished around 6pm.
I am a Police Community Officer in Parkside Police station. In my spare time I do voluntary work in the community. I used to hear negative things about police, but once I joined in I saw other things about how it works. So, I thought it would be good for people to interact in the force, especially ladies who haven’t been in touch with police before and never been inside a police station.
Sergeant Jim has a very good way of explaining the police's role which impressed the visitors. I previously arranged a trip for children from different communities and was very impressed by the feedback I received for this. I will arrange more events like this in future, so if you are interested, please let me know. I can work with different communities.
Below are examples of the feedback:
“Thank you for inviting me to Parkside Police Station. It was very interesting to hear Jim’s talk and it gave me some new insights into policing. It was also good to meet the women. I hope some of their fears were alleviated. I think I would like to have heard the word ‘respect’ used. I am sure that it is there from you. Meanwhile, thank you again very much for inviting me and I would be pleased to participate in other community events in the future.” Margaret Nimmo Smith (wife of the Mayor of Cambridge).
“I found the meeting informative - at least that part of the session I managed to attend.
I was and am aware of the philosophical concept of a 'contract' between members of the public, Government [both National and Local] and the Police service. As Sgt Stevenson explained, the police are there to preserve public order, which is a matter of making risk assessments to enable the public to carry on their own lives with as little interference from everyone else as is practically possible; solving crimes is a lesser part of police work.
Because I was late arriving [my apologies], I did not manage to make as good a contact with the other ladies present as I should have done. I am sure that the other participants benefited greatly from the afternoon. I was reminded of the relationship between members of the public and the Police and this is important.
I hope you will feel encouraged to continue to spread the message to other members of the minority communities in Cambridge. Valerie [CECF Chairperson]”
“I was made to feel very welcome along with yourself and Sergeant Jim Stephenson, who gave a very interesting and informative talk about the role of the police in the local and wider community. We heard how General public safety and order is police priority in a Socially, Economically, and Religiously unprejudiced way, which was very reassuring.
We were treated to light refreshments. It was a good opportunity for me to meet informally with some lovely Muslim ladies and we were able to share some good conversation and exchange useful information.
Susan Johnson Dip.COUNS MBACP, Lead Counselling Practitioner at CCHC”
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Community Safety Continued “I thought yesterday’s informal gathering provided an opportunity to break that first barrier and possibly some misconceptions between the police and Muslim community. It was informative and I personally feel that good feedback was received on how to improve the engagement with other communities and organisations. Maria (Business and Computing graduate- currently parenting 3 young children)”
Reported by Mrs Farah Mogul, CECF Board-member and Police Community Officer
Your chance to influence local policingOn November 15th 2012 you have a chance to vote for who holds your local police to account.
The date heralds an important change in the way your local police are held to account. Locally elected Police & Crime Commissioners (P&CC) will replace existing police authorities and they will be elected by you, the public.
P&CCs will have five key roles, including:
• Sustaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the police force
• Holding the Chief Constable to account for force performance
• Working with partners including local authorities, health services and the criminal justice system to tackle crime and disorder and set the police and crime objectives for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
• Being responsible for the police force budget and setting the precept (the policing element of council tax)
• Ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system in the police area
• Hiring, and if necessary dismissing, the Chief Constable
The most significant change will be that the P&CC will be democratically elected by the people they serve and they will have a wider responsibility for delivering community safety than under current arrangements. The P&CC will be held to account for their performance by a Police and Crime Panel made up of local councillors and lay members.
To find out more visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/police-crime-commissioners/
Raising awareness of the Police and Crime Commissioner elections PCC electionsThe Electoral Commission’s national public awareness campaign launches on October 22 running until polling day on November 15. Activities include:
• A booklet sent to all householders in the 41 areas in England and Wales – timed to arrive with voters before the first postal votes are sent out.
• A TV campaign to raise awareness of the elections, the impending booklet and provide details of the website and helpline where details of the election and the candidates standing in each area is available.
• Local radio and press activity to support the TV campaign.
In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough local authority and police authority communications staff are also using existing channels of communication to raise awareness of the elections.
A video has also been produced for candidates by Cambridgeshire Police Authority to explain what is being done in preparation for the Commissioner. Watch it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOsRSHhn7GY
Reported by Nicky Phillipson, Head of Partnerships, Cambridgeshire Police Authority
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Events
‘We held our multicultural event again this year at the Emmanuel United Reform Church on Trumpington Street on Saturday, September 22nd, 2012, starting at 6.45pm. This was also very successful event this year and last but this year we had a theme, ‘World Peace Day’.
“From Bollywood to flamenco, a kaleidoscope of music and dance in celebration of the city’s diverse population was hosted by the Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum (CECF).” – From Cambridge First News Article 2011.
There was limited car parking available in Trumpington Street. This was free from 6.30pm and the Arcade/Lion-Yard car-park was/is also nearby. The Uni No4 & Trumpington park and ride bus service stops right outside.
Link to location map – http://maps.google.com/?q=52.201498399,0.1181674003601
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Events Continued
Cambridge Celebrating Age
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Events Continued
Cambridge Black History Month October 2012The Benjamin Zephaniah Poetry Competition 2012
We are pleased to announce details of The Benjamin Zephaniah Poetry Competition 2012The entry period closes on 30 September 2012.
The Benjamin Zephaniah Poetry Prize
This aim of the Benjamin Zephaniah Poetry Prize is to present new and captivating literary works propelling social change to the world. We are especially interested in poets who enjoy performing their writings. Competition winners will be invited to read their poems at The Benjamin Zephaniah prize-giving event, ‘Vibrant Visions’ on 1 November this year. This event is part of the University’s Black History Month celebrations. As well as announcing the winners, prizes for ‘special mention’ poetry will be given.
“I am proud and honoured to be associated with this poetry competition. I am normally suspicious of poetry competitions, but this is a competition with a conscience. It’s not promoting a brand or a trend, it’s encouraging entrants to open up and explore their imaginations. So go for it, there are no limits.”
Benjamin Zephaniah
A single prize for each of the following categories will be awarded: Local University Student, Local College Student, Local School Student, Local Cambridge resident. As part of the prize, all winners will have their poems published online.
How to Enter
Competition Entry Period: 20 July 2012 to 30 September 2012 The quickest and easiest way to enter the competition will be online. http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/equality/events/#poetry
Entries are also welcome by email to: [email protected] or by post from 20 July to 30 September 2012 to: The Benjamin Zephaniah Poetry Competition, c/o Yvonne Bent-Elliott, 25 Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1QA
Entry forms for postal submissions can be downloaded here. http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/equality/events/#poetry
Competition Rules
The competition is open to all University, College or school students or local students living in Cambridge and the surrounding areas.
Poems are not restricted to any particular style or subject, but the poem should reflect on or propel social change. Poems should be between 15 and 80 lines. Each entrant can submit only one poem.
Set It Off - Black History Month Family event
Saturday 13th October 2 pm – 4.30 pm The Meadows Community Centre, 1 St Catharine's Road, Cambridge CB4 3XJ.Activities include:- Performance by Arco Iris a Cambridge band playing a variety of Brazilian, Cuban, Latin, and crossover rhythms. Craft and jewellery making, open mic, a film room, contribute to the Fitzwilliam Museum’s afro hair/comb exhibition. Contact: Ari Henry 01223 457 876 [email protected]
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Events Continued
Cambridge University All are welcome to join in Cambridge University’s celebrations for Black History Month. Enjoy varied performances, talks and displays of arts, culture and heritage from our multi-cultural world. Speakers include the international Bollywood fashion designer, Rajesh Aiya, writer and author Hannah Pool, local dancer Ziba Tabrizi and this year’s winner of the Benjamin Zephaniah Poetry Competition.
For more information about Cambridge University events go to the website belowhttp://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/equality/events/#all
“Breaking Through” - Insights from BME Leaders
Monday, October 29, 2012 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmhttp://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/3765221880?ebtv=C
The Fitzwilliam MuseumSaturday 29 September 3pm, Ages 14+ New Poetry
Al-Saddiq Al-Raddi is widely regarded as one of the leading African poets writing in Arabic. Famous in his native Sudan, his readings with the Poetry Translation Centre have received an enthusiastic response from audiences in the UK. Poet in residence at The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, Saddiq has been commissioned to write a series of poems in response to their collection of Sudanese artefacts. He will be joined by Sarah Maguire, Director of The Poetry Translation Centre, who will read her translations of his work.FREE Booking Essential. For further information and to book telephone 01223 332 904 or email [email protected]
Music and Dance in Jamaican culture
Saturday, 6th October 2012, 11-1 pm BHM and Black history matters The launch of two short documentary films on 'Jonkonnu' (the traditional Jamaican masquerade celebration), and 'Sound Systems'. There will be an introduction by Sally-Ann Ashton and a chance to talk to the film-maker Andrew.C. Ife-Oni.FREE Booking EssentialFor further information and to book tel: 01223 332 904 or email [email protected]
Anglia Ruskin UniversityFilm – The Land of the FreeTuesday 9 October, 2012, 6.30pm (6pm reception)http://www.inthelandofthefreefilm.co.uk/ For enquiries about the event please contact, Colleen Moore, [email protected] The event is free of charge to attend, please pre book to secure a seat.
The Day The Waters Came by Lisa Evans Thursday 18th October, 7.30pm Mumford Theatre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Suitable for ages 13+ £11.50 (£8.50 concessions)
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Services provided on CECF site
Cambridgeshire Human Rights and Equality Support Services (CHESS)
Helps individuals who have been victims of discrimination, or who have been a victim of racial harassment.
Tues & Thurs 10am – 7pmWednesday 10am – 4pmSaturday 10am – 2pm
To book an appointment, please contactTel: 01223 462 615 or Email: [email protected]
British Refugee Council Refugee Services
Every Friday10am - 1pm
For advice or to book an appointment please phone this numberTel: 0808 808 2255
Calls from land-line numbers and the main six UK mobile phone networks; 3, Orange, Virgin, Vodaphone, T-Mobile & O2 are absolutely Free!
Italian Benefit AdviceEvery 1st Friday of every Month from 10am - 12 (noon)
To book an appointment, please contact Carlo Ciccarello on 01234 357 889
Developing Partnerships with
The Akashi ProjectCambridge City Council
Cambridgeshire ConstabularyCambridgeshire County Council
Cambridge Immigration Legal CentreCambridgeshire NHS
Citizens Advice BureauEquality and Human Rights Commission
Guidance, Employment and Training (Cambridge GET)Huntingdonshire Community AssociationSouth Cambridgeshire District Council
MENTER
Drop-ins at CECF General Drop-in Times &
Free Computer use
Tue 10 am to 4 pmWed - Fri 10 am to 1 pm
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Chief Officer: Eddie StadnikProject Support Officer: Hena Wali HaqueCHESS Project Manager: Tony LindsayCHESS Administrator: Firdausi BaigFinancial Adminstrator Officer: Toshie Kono
Chair: Valerie Berkson Secretary: Mrs Iqbal WarsiTreasurer: Mirza BaigMembers: Abdul Rashid Khan
Benedict DarkwaEva SimmonsGeorge AkelinzaMahendra SoopaulMustafa OnganThakorbhai PatelKamila LembrychAnna MuchaA.Latif RajputFarah MoughalAali SayedShahid KhanMohammad Ali
CECF Management CommitteeCECF Staff