Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Author: susan

  • Eid Flag Raising

    Eid Flag Raising

    Eid al Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

    A special flag raising ceremony took place on Thursday April 13 on Community Square in Gravesend to mark the ongoing Ramadan period and the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr which will be later this week.

    Around 100 people from the local community attended the ceremony which was arranged by Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association, Shah Jalal Mosque, Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Gravesham Borough Council.

    Guests who attended and spoke at the event included Deputy Lieutenant Gurvinder Sandher MBE, Deputy Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Jon Caller and Chair of the Gravesend Dartford Muslim Association Bilal Farooq.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “We have a long and proud history of working in partnership with the Gravesham and Dartford Muslim Association, and we are honored to be involved in another Eid celebration. Events like this provide opportunities for everyone to be educated on the Muslim faith, come together and celebrate all that connects us together as members of the local community. It was extra special for me to be here in my new role as a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent”

    Bilal Farooq the Chair of the Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association commented “Eid al Fitr is a special time for the Muslim community as it marks the end of the month of dawn to sunset fasting of Ramadan. We were grateful to raise the Eid flag to celebrate this and celebrate the positive contribution made by the Muslim community locally in Gravesham”

  • Community Health and Wellbeing Conference at the Woodville

    Community Health and Wellbeing Conference at the Woodville

    Communities from across Gravesham and Dartford came out to attend the second Listen Up Health and Wellbeing Conference on Thursday 30th March. The conference was held at the Woodville and was organised by Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Rethink Sahayak.

    The aim of the conference was to raise awareness of issues such as violence against women and girls, suicide prevention, alcohol abuse and physical and mental wellbeing especially in later life.

    Approximately 200 people attended the conference and heard presentations from speakers including the Head of Public for Kent County Council Dr Anjan Ghosh, renowned musician and rehabilitated alcoholic Bhupinder Singh and founder Championing of Youth Minds Tanya Marwaha.

    Also speaking at the conference were Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Bhargawa Vasudaven, a retired local GP who gave his perspective on the importance of good health especially in later life, as well as Sam Phillips from Involve Kent who spoke about the work she has been leading on in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley to support over 55’s with leading active lives, supporting wellbeing.

    There was also an opportunity for attendees to receive free blood pressure checks, take part in consultation undertaken by the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board as well as learning more about what support is available locally around violence against women and girls.

    The conference was supported by a range of partners including Involve Kent, Office of the Police Crime Commissioner, KKB Group and Gravesham Borough Council.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “Events like this are so important as everyone, young or old seems to live busier lives. This is a time to pause, reflect and understand the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. It’s also an opportunity for members of the local community to understand what level of support is available to them. The pandemic underlined the vast health inequalities that exist and events like these we hope, provide better understand and access.”

    Carol Service, Service Manager for Rethink Sahayak commented, “I have been working in the field of community mental health for over 25 years and what I have learnt over that time is that events like these will always be integral and vital to the local communities that we serve. As a specialist provider for minoritised communities it is clear that more still needs to be done around developing understanding of good mental health and wellbeing and events like these we hope will break down barriers and raise awareness.”

  • CEO Receives MBE at Windsor Castle

    CEO Receives MBE at Windsor Castle

    Gurvinder Sandher, Artistic Director of the Cohesion Plus and CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council received his MBE for services to the arts and the communities of Kent from Anne, Princess Royal at Windsor Castle on February 28th. He had been awarded the prestigious award by Her Majesty the Queen in her last birthday honours list in June 2022.

    Gurvinder started work at the North West Kent Racial Equality Council in 1999 before it became the Kent Equality Cohesion Council in 2010 where he became its first CEO. KECC works across the county serving under represented communities, working to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination and to promote positive community relations between diverse communities.

    During his tenure Gurvinder has fostered important networks and partnerships including long standing relations across public, charity, voluntary and statutory sector partners from local district councils, to parish councils to county councils, Kent Police, schools, universities and health service providers around diversity and community engagement.

    After the ceremony Gurvinder commented “This is a truly proud moment for me, my family and also all the community groups and partners I have had the privilege of working with over the past 24 years. It was great to meet with Anne, Princess Royal and talk about our work in Kent, bringing communities together and celebrating what binds us rather than divides us. As a son of immigrants from North India who arrived here without anything in the early 1960’s, to receive this recognition just shows what can be achieved with hard work, determination and a little bit of luck.”

  • Festival Lights Up Dartford!

    Festival Lights Up Dartford!

    The Dartford Festival of Light returned to the borough for its 13th year on Friday 25th November. Organised by Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus and Dartford Borough Council, the aim of the festival was to bring diverse communities together to celebrate the shared British values of respect, friendship, diversity and community. The festival was supported by Arts Council England and sponsored by local business KKB Group.

    In the build-up artistic partners Same Sky worked with 11 schools from across the borough to create lanterns which celebrated the values of the festival working with 600 children.

    The festival started with a series of street performances as the children lit up their lanterns on the High Street. The parade led by Kelvin Holford Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, the Mayor of Dartford Cllr Paul Cutler and the Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr Jeremy Kite MBE then started and went through the town centre before finishing in Central Park. The festival climaxed with a spectacular fireworks display which was greatly enjoyed by the audience.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL, the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “This event’s biggest strength is the sheer number of people it brings together from across the borough, young and old, urban and rural, different faiths and backgrounds but all united as residents of Dartford. We are grateful to all of our partners for all their ongoing support including Dartford Borough Council and our event sponsors KKB, it is nice to see local businesses supporting community celebrations like this.”

  • Communities Come Together to launch Christmas Celebrations in Gravesham

    Communities Come Together to launch Christmas Celebrations in Gravesham

    Gravesham Town Centre once again played host to the beloved Gravesham Festival of Christmas Lights Parade and Switch On, which took place on Friday 18th November.

    The lantern parade was established by Kent Equality Cohesion Council over 10 years ago to coincide with the Cultural Olympiad and since then has gone from strength to strength. Now linked to the Christmas Lights Switch On, this year’s event was produced in partnership with Cohesion Plus and Gravesham Borough Council and was part funded by Arts Council England.

    The parade was the biggest to date with 16 schools taking part from across the borough with an estimated 2000 people walking in the parade alone.

    The celebrations were attended by local dignitaries including Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Bhargawa Vasudaven, The Mayor of Gravesham Peter Scollard, local councillors and representatives from various faith and community organisations.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “I am really proud of what we have achieved with the lantern parade in Gravesham over the past 10 years. This event is a great example of our work in action, bringing together the diverse communities from across the borough to celebrate as one, creating shared experiences and promoting cohesion and understanding. As ever, great credit to all of our partners for working with us to create such a special event.”

  • Inter Faith Celebrations Remember Community Champion

    Inter Faith Celebrations Remember Community Champion

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council organised an Inter Faith community event on Thursday 17th November 2022 which saw local partners, faith leaders and community members attend. The event took place at the Kent Adult Education Centre in Gravesham and marked National Inter Faith Week.

    The event was also an opportunity to commemorate the life of Mr Mohammed Aslam, one of the founders of the Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association, a local community champion and avid interfaith supporter who passed away in June this year.

    Mr Aslam was a key figure in fostering long standing and fruitful partnerships with Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara and multiple local Churches, working to promote interfaith connections. As such, KECC, supported by Mr Aslam’s family felt that Interfaith Week served as the ideal time to reflect and commemorate the life of an individual of saw faith as a means of connecting people rather than separating them.

    Dignitaries and faith leaders alike spoke at the event around themes of unity and solidarity, celebrating Mr Aslam and Inter Faith Work in Gravesham. These included Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Dr Bagawara Vasudaven, Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Peter Scollard, Adam Holloway MP, Bishop Greg Kitsell Chair of the North Kent Interfaith Network, Reverend Michael Payne from St Aidan’s Church, Bilal Farooq Chair of the Gravesham and Dartford Muslim Association, Bal Cheema and Jagdev Virdee MBE from the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara.

    Community partners who also spoke at the event included former Headteacher Rosemary Dymond DL, Michelle Bramble Chair of the North Kent Caribbean Network, Farook Girach long-time friend of Mr Aslam as well as Carol Gosal of Rethink Mental Health. They were joined by former Kent Police District Commander for Gravesend and Dartford Phillip Painter and Akeel Kedoo former treasurer of the Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association.

    At the end of the proceedings, Mr Aslam’s son Cllr Ejaz Aslam spoke to everyone gathered and expressed his deep thanks for commemorating his father in such a way, a way that reflects the diverse communities of the area and the message of interfaith that his father always promoted.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council who hosted the event commented, “I believe that National Interfaith Week was the perfect setting to not only remember a local pillar of the community but also talk about religious tolerance and everything that brings us together through faith. Mr Aslam for one, was an individual who stood for everyone, he championed their right practice their faith freely and see the tenants in each religion that brought us together. He supported the local Gurdwara and Churches and fundraised for various relief campaigns and causes regardless of faith. He was truly selfless and generous and I am proud that we were able to honour him in such a manner.”

  • Gurvinder Sandher MBE appointed Deputy Lieutenant

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE appointed Deputy Lieutenant

    Lord Lieutenant of Kent The Lady of Colgrain, His Majesty’s King Charles III personal representative in Kent has appointed Gurvinder Sandher MBE as a Deputy Lieutenant with a particular focus on Dartford, honouring him for his positive contributions to the County and the Nation over many years of service.

    The appointment is the latest honour to be bestowed upon Gurvinder who was recently awarded an MBE in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s last Honours list this summer.

    The Deputy Lieutenancy role will see Gurvinder support the Lord Lieutenant of Kent and the Crown in a range of duties including greeting and accompanying royalty and heads of state during official visits to the county, the presentation of honours and awards, participation in citizenship ceremonies, offering advice during the organisation of events and helping community groups raise awareness of and gain recognition for their work.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL commented, “I am truly humbled to be given this new role. It was totally unexpected and I was shocked when I received the letter. As a son of immigrants from North Kent this is a proud moment not just for me and my family but also the community partners we have worked with. I am aware of the great work done by The Lady Colgrain, her office and the Deputy Lieutenants, which is invaluable to the communities in Kent, acting as a representative for the highest role in the nation, that of His Majesty the King. I hope over the coming years I can contribute positively, highlighting the great work being delivered by individuals and community groups around Kent.”

    6 other Deputy Lieutenants were appointed at the same time. These were Ms Judith Armitt (Medway); Sir Stephen Deuchar CBE (Ashford); Mrs Tracy Luke MBE (Folkestone and Hythe); Mr James Ryeland (Dover); Mrs Susie Warran-Smith CBE (Folkestone and Hythe); Mr Paul O’Grady MBE (Ashford).

    His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain said: “I am thrilled to be able to welcome these outstanding new Deputy Lieutenants, whose wide breadth of experience will further enhance an already strong team of Deputies who support the Lord-Lieutenant and act as the eyes and ears for the Lieutenancy throughout our wonderfully diverse county.”

  • KECC Supporting Local Business in Dartford

    KECC Supporting Local Business in Dartford

    An exciting new concept arrived in Dartford on Saturday with the official opening of a new tea store in Lowfield Street with a twist! Love Bubble Tea is an exciting new brand which the founder Gurjit Randhawa hopes can become a national phenomenon in years to come.

    Bubble Tea is the new drink craze sweeping the UK. Originally from Taiwan, it is a cold drink made with tea, sweetened milk or other flavorings, with balls or pearls of tapioca. Alongside the drinks there will also be bubble waffles and ice cream.

    The store was opened by the Mayor of Dartford Councillor Paul Cutler and the Leader of Dartford Borough Council Jeremey Kite MBE who attended along with other guest from the local community including KECC CEO Gurvinder Sandher MBE.

    Gurjit Randhawa founder of Love Bubble Tea has run the Esquires Coffee in Dartford since 2017 commented “This is a tough time for businesses but we are fully committed to Dartford and passionately believe this is an excellent addition to the town centre and will bring a different vibe to the local drinks and dessert market. I have worked on this concept for a long time and hope this is the start of an exciting new venture not just for us but also Dartford”.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “I am very passionate about supporting local independent businesses and were delighted to assist Gurjit and his team with the launch. It was great to see the Mayor and Council Leader in attendance, it is important in these uncertain economic times we all do what we can to support those new businesses that appeal to our taste.”

  • Black History Month celebrations in Gravesham

    Black History Month celebrations in Gravesham

    Residents of North Kent attended annual Black History Month celebrations in Gravesham which boasted a spectacular programme of performances, films, speeches and presentations on Thursday 20th October. Organised by Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with North Kent Caribbean Network and Cohesion Plus, the event was attended by local residents, community groups and civic guests and was funded by Involve Kent and Arts Council England.

    Civic guests included Deputy Lieutenant Dr Bhargawa Vasudaven, Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Peter Scollard, KCC Chair Cllr Lesley Game and Chief Constable Tim Smith all of whom spoke about the significant contributions Black communities had made to the UK past and present.

    There were musical performances from young local talent Kofi as well as films showcased by GTown Talent and NHS Diversity and Inclusion lead Helanna Irvine which focused on domestic abuse and the Windrush Generation’s impact on the NHS post World War II.

    As part of the event, special community awards were awarded to local community heroes, organisations and residents Genny Jones, GTown Talents, Mina Smith, Medway Culture Club and Dr Vasudaven DL. Each award winner was recognised for the positive contribution and impact that they made through their community initiatives, artistic offerings, service to the community and volunteering.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council of the event commented, “We are so proud of the celebrations we delivered this month working in partnership with North Kent Caribbean Network. We aim to get bigger and better year upon year and especially with the 75th anniversary of Windrush taking place next year our ambitions are high. We look forward to working again with valued partners NKCN to deliver future events that promote and champion coming together to celebrate shared values and experiences.”

    Michelle Bramble, Chair of the North Kent Caribbean commented, “It’s such a pleasure to deliver this event working with KECC, in order to celebrate all the wonderful work and contributions made by members of the diverse community past and present. Events like these serve to remind us that there is more that unites us than divides us and that there is a whole history of events and people that have shaped who we are today. Those events and people unfortunately have been overlooked and forgotten in the past, however these celebrations serve as a valuable reminder to acknowledge our shared heritage.”

  • Village comes together for annual light celebration!

    Village comes together for annual light celebration!

    The rural village of Wrotham in Tonbridge and Malling was transformed with a series of light installations as the community came together for the annual Wrotham Festival of Light. The festival which has been running for nearly 10 years also featured a lantern parade, musical performances, street entertainment and a spectacular fireworks finale.

    The festival was organised in partnership by Cohesion Plus, Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Saint Georges Primary School and Same Sky Arts.

    Civic guests in attendance included Deputy Lord Lieutenant Nadrah Ahmed OBE, Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sue Bell and Kent County Council Chair, Cllr Lesley Game.

    Gurvinder Sandher MBE the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “I was so pleased with how well the festival of light was received in Wrotham. It is important that through our work we engage and support rural communities where we can, and this event is a great way of doing this. I am grateful to all of our partners for their help and support in the build-up and on the day.”