Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Author: susan

  • Gravesham and Dartford Celebrate St George’s Day Virtually

    Gravesham and Dartford Celebrate St George’s Day Virtually

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council, Cohesion Plus supported by Same Sky Arts, Gravesham Borough Council and Dartford Borough Council have produced two films to celebrate Saint George’s Day.

    The films featured 13 local schools from the Aletheia Anglican Academies Trust and the Galaxy Trust across Gravesham and Dartford. The films also feature community partners, local artists, as well as the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr John Caller and Mayor of Dartford Cllr Roger Perfitt.

    Working with some 800 young people in the build up to the festivities, arts workshops took place and colourful Saint George’s Day flags were created with messages of thanks for the NHS. The films aim to celebrate the patron Saint of England and bring together the diverse communities of Gravesham and Dartford online.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “I am proud despite the challenges of the pandemic that we were able to work with local schools in Gravesham and Dartford to pull together an online celebration. In a time of division and isolation it is necessary to celebrate our shared values, unity and what binds us together rather than what divides us.”

  • Public Perceptions Towards taking the Covid 19 Vaccine

    Public Perceptions Towards taking the Covid 19 Vaccine

    Public Perceptions Towards taking the Covid 19 Vaccine.

    The Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus have published a report titled “Public Perceptions Towards taking the Covid 19 Vaccine”. The report was compiled to better understand the reports of low uptake of the vaccine amongst BAME communities. The data used in the report was collected via an online survey which went out across Kent through community, faith and organisational networks and had in total 1,325 overall responses.

    The report aimed to provide a snapshot across the diverse communities of Kent and their perception toward taking the vaccine if they harboured any reluctance or fear around this. Looking at national data around the disproportionate impact that Covid 19 had on BAME communities and media coverage of low uptake, the report also aimed to better understand whether BAME communities where in fact hesitant and if so, where the reluctance stemmed from.

    Key findings from the report included:

    Females including trans-females were more likely to take the vaccine when offered and had less concerns about receiving it than males including trans males and felt there was enough information made publicly available.

    The 21-34 age group was the most unlikely to take up the vaccine when offered whilst the 25-34 age group were most worried about taking it and also felt there was not enough information made publicly available around the vaccine.

    In the area covered by Kent County Council, Gravesham, Maidstone, Swale and Dartford had the most responses both in terms of having confidence in the vaccine and also having concerns compared to the rest of Kent.

    Two of the main reasons for vaccine hesitancy were concerns around fertility and the unknown long-term impact of taking the vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy for religious reasons did not come up in any significant way.

    The location of where the vaccine would be administered was less important to British White respondents compared to BAME respondents. This was especially the case for Black British Africans.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “This report provides an insight into current public perceptions towards the Covid 19 vaccination in Kent. It is our intention to share the report with our health and local authority partners who are working on the vaccination programme. Over the coming weeks and months as the programme rolls out, particularly to younger recipients it is important that key messages around the safety of the vaccine are shared and the many myths that exists particularly over social media are debunked.

    It is clear that there is some concern within particular age groups and BAME communities and we feel the only way to overcome some of these concerns is through clear messaging and dialogue. It is important as the vaccination programme accelerates that we are able to identify where vaccine hesitancy exists and work with those communities to overcome their fears.”

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  • Online Commonwealth Day event brings communities together.

    Online Commonwealth Day event brings communities together.

    Online Commonwealth Day event brings communities together.

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus and the North Kent Caribbean Network delivered an online celebration to mark Commonwealth Day on Tuesday 9th March. Civic, community and faith partners saw an event that celebrated the many contributions made to the United Kingdom by Commonwealth communities here in Kent.

    A key part of the event was the three short films that had been created focusing on education, health and policing featuring colleagues with links to the Commonwealth, talking about their lives, careers, challenges and the importance of celebrating Commonwealth Day. Those featured in the films included Deputy Superintendent Shaun White and Community Engagement and Hate Crime Manager Kulbir Pasricha from Kent Police and the Headteacher for Holy Trinity Primary School Denise Gibbs-Naguar.

    Civic guest speakers included Cllr Roger Gough, Leader of the Kent County Council and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Bhargwara Vasudaven who also spoke his prolific career with the NHS. Young people from youth club The Grand also performed a moving rendition of ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon in honour of Commonwealth Day.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of KECC commented, “We were so proud to deliver a Commonwealth Day event despite the lockdown. We wholly believe that we need to celebrate such events and recognise the many vast contributions the Commonwealth has made the United Kingdom. At challenging time for not just the Commonwealth but the whole world it is important that we celebrate what we have in common and what binds us together rather than perceived differences. We are incredibly grateful to the North Kent Caribbean Network for their valued partnership and together, we look forward to delivering many more community focused events.”

  • Dartford Vaccine Video Goes Live

    Dartford Vaccine Video Goes Live

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus were once again pleased to further the work being done to promote the uptake of the vaccine within the communities of Kent, this time partnering with Dartford Borough Council, community and faith partners and Kent Community Health NHS Foundation. The message was produced to help spread awareness of the vaccine and to dispel any lingering doubts and concerns around it.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “As the country begins to ease out of lockdown next month we are fully aware of how many of us want to return to a sense of normality as quickly as possible. In order to get there, we must protect ourselves and each other and the only way to do that is by taking the vaccine and having conversations with loved ones and friends to help minimize any lingering fear there may yet be. We’ve seen really positive numbers come out to take the vaccine and we just need to ensure that everyone who has yet to receive it does their part.”

  • Online Police Community Meeting

    Online Police Community Meeting

    Online Police Community Meeting.

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council were pleased to organise an online meeting on Tuesday 2nd March with partners Kent Police which was well attended by local community, charity and faith partners from North Kent.

    The meeting Chaired by Gurvinder Sandher was addressed by Deputy Chief Constable Tony Blaker, Detective Superintendent Shaun White the new lead for County Lines and Chief Inspector Junior Dann the District Commander for Gravesham and Dartford. Once they had spoken they answered questions from members of the public

    Issues covered during the meeting included policing during the pandemic, stop and search, county lines, engagement with young people and those with learning disabilities, diversity and inclusion in the force and anti-social behavior.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “Policing and community outreach have undergone a huge shift since the pandemic hit and we felt it was important in our role as an organisation that works closely with local communities often acting as a bridge between the force and the community to arrange something online. By doing so we are helping to spark conversations, instill further trust and build necessary community partnerships. We are really pleased that so many were able to attend and that connections have been forged as a result.”

  • Community Message Around Vaccine Uptake

    Community Message Around Vaccine Uptake

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus have worked with Gravesham based community and faith partners along with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust to produce a video message encouraging local community members to take the Covid 19 vaccine.

    The message was produced as a result of the the mass vaccination centre being opened at the Woodville Theatre in the borough and reports in some parts of the country about lower uptakes of the vaccine from BAME (Black Asian Minority Ethnic) backgrounds.

    Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “I am aware that in some parts of the country the uptake when it comes to taking the vaccine has been lower amongst some BAME groups, I think it is important that if we are to get out of this current situation and get back to some kind of normality over the coming months that as many people as possible need to take the vaccine. It is important to understand that it is not just on religious grounds that people have refused the vaccine, factors such as fertility and fears of long-term side effects, especially amongst those with underlying health issues have also contributed. We hope our video message which features local community and faith representatives will send a positive message.”

    Note to Editors.

    In order of appearance –
    Sonia Nayyar Cohesion Plus
    Gurvinder Sandher Kent Equality Cohesion Council
    Carol Gosal Rethink Sahayak
    Genny Jones Confident Queen
    Ejaz Aslam Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association
    Daya Sharma Hindu Mandir Gravesend
    Manpreet Dhaliwal Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara
    Gurdip Bungar Guru Ravidass Gurdwara

  • First online Holocaust Memorial Day event herald a great success

    First online Holocaust Memorial Day event herald a great success

    First online Holocaust Memorial Day event herald a great success

    Civic, community and faith partners came together to attend an online event to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on Wednesday January 27th. The event was organised by the Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus in partnership with Dartford Borough Council.

    The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year was “Be the light in the Darkness”, to encourage everyone to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities have resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during, and after genocide.

    The event featured online presentations by a range of speakers including Gerald Rose from the Catford and Bromley Synagogue, who spoke about the importance of teaching young people the history of the Holocaust. He was followed by Rabi Mati Kirschenbaum from Bromley Reform Synagogue, who talked about how the Holocaust impacted his family, whilst Fiyaz Mughal from Faith Matters emphasised the importance of inter-faith work, and told the story of the “Righteous Muslims” who saved Jewish lives during World War 2.

    Civic contributions were made by Cllr Jeremy Kite MBE the Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Cllr Roger Gough the Leader of Kent County Council, Deputy Chief Constable Tony Blaker, and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Frank Martin.

    Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “It is so imperative that we commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day and learn the lessons of history. The whole ethos of our work and our partnership with Dartford Borough Council and local community and faith organisations is for us to all come together and celebrate all that binds us rather than what divides us. As only by standing together can we tackle insidious agendas and viewpoints that seek to de-stabilise our communities.

    Dartford Borough Council Leader Jeremy Kite MBE said, “Holocaust Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of how quickly civilisation can descend into chaos and hatred. Sadly this danger is no less real today than in the past, and it is vital that we unite and stand together in building a more peaceful and tolerant world. The pandemic has shown the value of kindness, tolerance and compassion. It’s a lesson we must never forget.”

  • National Interfaith Week 2020

    National Interfaith Week 2020

    National Interfaith Week 2020

    As part of National Inter Faith Week, in the midst of a pandemic, Kent Equality Cohesion Council worked with local community and faith organisations on this special image. Faiths represented in the image include the Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu and Sikh.

    Gurvinder Sandher CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “Each year we work hard to arrange events for National Inter Faith Week working with local community and faith partners. Unfortunately due to the national lockdown this has not been possible this year. Nonetheless I wanted to mark the week somehow and the result was this image with everyone holding up a sign sharing one of the values of Inter Faith Week. I am grateful to all partners who supported us with this”

  • Online Black History Month Celebrations 2020

    Online Black History Month Celebrations 2020

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus working in partnership with the North Kent Caribbean Network delivered 3 online Black History Month celebrations across Kent covering the districts of Maidstone, Ashford, Folkestone, Margate, Gravesham and Dartford. The celebrations were part funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

    The first of the events took place across Maidstone and Ashford on 7th October and was delivered in partnership with Ashford BME Association, Black Heritage and local rapper and community activist Fennie. The second event took place on the following week on 14th October across Folkestone and Margate in partnership with Black History Month Folkestone, local artists Randolph Matthews, Lee Desai and Rev Anita McKenzie. The third and final event took place across Gravesham and Dartford on the 21st October and was delivered in partnership with the North Kent Caribbean Network.

    Special messages in support of the celebrations were given across the three events by key partners including the Chief Constable of Kent Police Alan Pughsley and Leader of Kent County Council Cllr Roger Gough amongst others.

    During the course of the events, three individual RoundTable discussions were also recorded and aired which covered topics such as the impact of Covid-19 on local communities, the significance of Black Lives Matters in Kent and the many achievements of the diverse communities across the county.

    Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented, “I am really proud of what we have been able to achieve working in partnership with local community partners across Kent. At a time when the quest for social justice is at the forefront of many people’s minds we felt it was important to not only celebrate Black History Month but also recognise the simple fact that Black History is British History. Only by working together can we unite communities, promote cohesion, tackle extremism and fight social injustices.”

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  • Understanding the impact of Covid 19 on the communities of Kent

    Understanding the impact of Covid 19 on the communities of Kent

    Understanding the impact of Covid 19 on the communities of Kent

    The Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Cohesion Plus have today published a report titled “Understanding the impact of Covid 19 on the communities of Kent”. The report was compiled to better understand the complex and differing ways in which Covid 19 has affected the various and diverse communities of the county. The data used in the report was collected via an online survey which went out across Kent through community, faith and organisational networks and had in total 896 overall responses.

    The report aimed to provide a snapshot across the diverse communities of Kent about their experiences with the lockdown and their mind-set as it eases. Looking at national data around the disproportionate impact that Covid 19 had on BAME communities, the report also aimed to better understand the impact of the pandemic on BAME communities in Kent compared to those from British White backgrounds.

    Key findings from the report included:

    • The BAME respondents that said they knew someone who had suffered from Covid 19 was disproportionately higher compared to their British White counterparts

    • When it came to accessing healthcare at hospitals British White respondents were much more confident compared to BAME respondents

    • In terms of going out as lockdown eases, the general consensus was that individuals from a BAME background were less likely to go out

    • When it came to the consumption of culture, there was little appetite across all ethnic groups to attend festivals or visit the theatre

    • Over 2 thirds of respondents said the pandemic had had a negative impact on their mental and physical health

    Gurvinder Sandher, author of the report commented, “This report provides an overview of Covid 19 and the impact it has had, as well as providing insight into the mind-set of the communities of Kent. It is clear from our findings that there has been an adverse impact on BAME communities which needs to be explored further both on a local and national context. The pandemic has undoubtedly been a challenge for everyone. However, it is vital that public sector partners show leadership when it comes to understanding where these complex and nuanced challenges exist. Our hopes are that this report can contribute towards this dialogue. It is important to recognise that BAME communities should not be seen as a homogenous group but rather separate and valid entities with differing experiences, a fact that is sometimes forgotten.”

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