Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Category: News

  • Gravesham Vaisakhi Celebrations 2014

    Gravesham Vaisakhi Celebrations 2014

    Thousands attended the annual Sikh Festival of Vaisakhi in Gravesham over the weekend which commemorates the Sikh New Year. The centre piece of the celebrations was the Nagar Kirtan procession (nagar means town and kirtan means the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book) on Saturday. Led by religious floats and also involving community floats including Lethal Soundz, Guru Nanak Punjabi School, Kent Kirtan Society, Four by Four Bhangra, Guru Nanak Football Club and Jugnu Bhangra. The parade started on the grounds of the Gurdwara before going through the Town Centre where it was well received by members of the public who stopped to see the colorful spectacle and enjoyed free donations (seva) of food and drink as the procession passed. Following a short stop for prayers at the Guru Ravidass Gurdwara the procession climaxed on the Gurdwara Sports Ground on Trinity Road.

    The celebrations were made extra special by the presence of the Head of the Akaal Takht the highest religious body in the Sikh faith Jathedar Bhai Gurbachan Singh Ji who flew in specially for the celebrations.  

    Davinder Singh Bains (Shinde A1) the President of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara commented “I was very humbled by all the support we received for the Vaisakhi celebrations. Vaisakhi was celebrated not just by the Sikh community this weekend but by the diverse communities of Gravesham. For me it was made extra special by the fact that we had Jathedar Bhai Gurbachan Singh Ji in attendance and he was able to see at first hand how we celebrate Vaisakhi in Gravesham. This was a great honour not just for me but the whole Sikh community who attended.” 

    Once the Nagar Kirtan finished there was an open air community celebration on the Guru Nanak Sports Field which included a fun fair, Sikh martial arts, information stands including Kent Police, the British Army and Gravesham Borough Council. The religious stage programme was headlined by Malkit Singh MBE who performed from his recently released religious album “Sikh Hon Da Mann” During the course of the event thousands also enjoyed free food and refreshments which was served by local caterers. 

    Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “The celebrations took months of planning, and I am as ever very grateful to our partners and volunteers for working with us to make the celebrations such a success. I was very pleased with the positive response both in Town and back at the Gurdwara where the different communities came together as one to celebrate Vaisakhi.”

    The celebrations concluded on the Sunday at the Gurdwara where prayers were read and donations made for the up keep of the running of the Gurdwara. Throughout the services thousands again attended rounding off a memorable weekend. 

    Notes

    The Akal Takht (Punjabi meaning The Throne of the Timeless One) is one of the five Takhts of the Sikh religion. It is located in the Harmandir Sahib complex in Amritsar, Punjab, about 250 miles northwest of New Delhi. While the Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple, represents Sikh spiritual guidance, the Akal Takht symbolizes the dispensing of justice and temporal activity. It is the highest seat of temporal authority of the Khalsa and the seat of the Sikh religion’s earthly authority. 

    Jathedar means “leader” and refers to a leader of a jatha (a group, a community or a nation). Among the Sikhs, a Jathedar is an ordained leader of the clergy and leads a Takht, a sacred and authoritative seat. 

  • I-PAG (Independent Police Advisory Group)

    I-PAG (Independent Police Advisory Group)

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council CEO Gurvinder Sandher is also the County Chair of the I-PAG (Independent Police Advisory Group) which is made up of volunteers who have been chosen to represent communities and protected characteristics across Kent and which helps Kent Police shape its response to victims of crime and anti-social behaviour.

    The IPAG had their first annual forum on the evening of 27th March 2014 where attendees also included community members, Police colleagues, Independent Critical Incident Advisors (ICIAs) and other key partners.

    During the evening, County Chair of the IPAG, Mr Gurvinder Sandher gave an overview of the structure and the way forward. He said “I-PAGs have a crucial role to play not only acting as critical friends but also as a conduit to the diverse communities around Kent.”

    The other speakers included Chief Constable Alan Pughsley, Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes and Mr Everett Henry, Head of Equality, Diversity and Human Rights (EDHR) from the College of Policing.

    There were clear messages provided around National and Kent Police priorities around Equality and Diversity. Examples were provided where the I-PAG had made a positive difference to policies, processes and practices which impact on service delivery and in turn uplift community trust and confidence in the police. The members of the County IPAG are also ICIAs and have such also provided tactical advice around significant incidents.

    Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said “As a Force we recognise the importance of volunteers providing independent views to help shape Kent Police’s response to dealing with victims of hate crime, as well as supporting victims of crime and anti-social behaviour”

  • Women’s Conference a Great Success

    Women’s Conference a Great Success

    The Sadi Awaz Suno (Listen to our Voices) conference which took place on March 14 and was organised in partnership by Kent Equality Cohesion Council and Rethink Mental Illness proved to be a great success.

    The aim of the women only event was to explore important issues which are not often discussed openly including domestic violence, child abduction and honour based crime. The audience of around 200 women was addressed by the Kent Police Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes and the Chief Constable of Kent Police Alan Pughsley who spoke about their commitment to tackling these issues and supporting victims.

    http://kent-pcc.gov.uk/index.php?entry_id=1395074767 (Link to Ann Barnes Blog)

    They were followed by Gurjit Chahal from Charles and Co Solicitors from the West Midlands who spoke about Child Abduction where children are taken abroad often as a result of a marriage breakdown. She explained that on average 2 children a day are taken out of the UK against a court order without the consent of one parent.

    The final speaker was Naz Shah who had travelled from Bradford to tell a powerful story about her mother Zoora Shah who had been a victim of domestic and honour based abuse for many years and the impact it had on her and the family. She talked about the sense of helplessness and the lack of support the family received in the 1980’s and 1990’s when this was going on.

    Following the key note speakers there was a panel session which was chaired by the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council Gurvinder Sandher which included Kent Police, Rethink Mental Illness and the guest speakers. The key message coming out of the panel was the fact that there was support available locally and that if anyone needed any help or support they should not hesitate to ask for it.

    Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented after the event “The conference proved to be a great success and was very powerful and at times emotional. To hear stories of how families’ lives have been affected by domestic violence and honour brought home to me why it is important for events like this to take place. Gravesham has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in Kent and we need to be discussing these issues and raising awareness of what support is available locally. This was an excellent way for us to complete our Promoting Cohesion and Engagement Project which we have been delivering over the past year”

  • Welcoming the Year of the Horse

    Welcoming the Year of the Horse

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council worked in partnership with Gravesham Borough Council, Ying Tao Chinese Association and the Kent Fire and Rescue Service to organise Chinese New Year celebrations which took place on February 4.

    The celebrations included a parade featuring Wrotham Road Primary and a Chinese Lion from the Shaolin Way Group which went from the Community Square to the top of Windmill Street visiting two local businesses to receive traditional green leaves.

    Entertainment then followed in the Woodville auditorium including Chinese martial arts, singing, dancing and music.

    Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “The Chinese New Year celebrations were greatly appreciated by all those who attended. Here in Gravesham we pride ourselves on our positive and strong community relations which is apt as those are two of the attributes of the Chinese year of the horse”. Great credit also needs to be given to our partners Gravesham Borough Council for taking the lead and ensuring the event was a great success.”

  • Understanding and Appreciating Good Health Event

    Understanding and Appreciating Good Health Event

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council as part of its “Promoting Cohesion and Engagement Project” organised a Health Event for community elders which took place on November 26 at the Bassant. Titled Understanding and Appreciating Good Health it covered a range of subjects including health diets, diabetes, heart disease and mental health. Guest speakers included local GP Dr Janet Hall and Carol Gosal from Rethink Mental Illness. They both stressed the importance of living healthy lifestyles and seeking advice and support if any health issues arise, rather than trying to ignore the issue.

    Gurvinder Sandher CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “I am very grateful to the support provided by our community partners to make this event a success. In areas like Gravesham there is a big difference in terms of life expectancy depending on where one lives, so events like this which openly discuss issues around heart disease and diabetes for example which are disproportionately more prevalent in communities from the Indian Sub-Continent are important. I have received some very positive feedback after the event and hope that those who attended will take heed from the advice given.”

  • Mayor Charity Curry Night a Great Success

    Mayor Charity Curry Night a Great Success

    The Gravesham Mayor’s Curry Night which took place on Friday November 22 at the Old Town Hall proved to be a great success with over £1500 pledged to the Mayor’s Charity Fund on the night through an auction of artwork donated by local artist David Thompson, raffle ticket sales and donations. The Mayors two principle charities are Cancer Research UK and the House of Mercy, a local charity hostel for young homeless people. Cllr Derek Sales the Mayor of Gravesham commented “I was overwhelmed with the great support that the curry night received. We have raised some vital funds for local causes and I would like to thank everyone who came and supported the evening and those who donated auction and raffle prizes.” Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara President Davinder Singh Bains made a personal donation of £500 on the night while the auction raised another £500. In addition to the food there were performances by local young people including the Four by Four Bhangra Youth Club and emerging singer Gemma Moore. Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council who helped organise the Curry Night on behalf of the Mayor of Gravesham commented “I was pleased with the positive response that the Curry Night achieved. A lot of hard work goes into organising events like this, but it is worthwhile when you see how much was raised for local good causes. I am grateful to everyone who donated prizes for the raffle and the auction and all those who attended on the evening. This was another great example of the diverse communities of the borough coming together as one to support worthy causes.” Mayor Curry Night 4           Mayor Curry Night 5
  • Understanding Local Democracy and Parliament Event

    Understanding Local Democracy and Parliament Event

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council showed its support for Parliament Week 2013, which ran from 15 – 21 November, by hosting an open event that aimed to help more young people feel connected with Parliament and democratic life, and inform them about how they could make a positive difference to society. The event took place on Thursday November 21st at the Civic Centre in Gravesend and was organised in partnership with Vinbrooke Support Kent. Around 50 young people attended and they heard from a number of key note speakers about how local democracy operates and how Parliament works nationally and the role of a constituency MP. The speakers included the Leader of Gravesham Borough Council Cllr John Burden, the Leader of the Conservative Group Cllr John Cubitt, Finnian Rook from the office of Adam Holloway MP and Cllr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi the perspective Labour Party candidate at the Parliamentary election. Gurvinder Sandher CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “We were pleased to be taking part in Parliament Week this year for the first time, as we thought it was an excellent way of getting more people engaged with what really goes on in Parliament and also in terms of promoting local democracy. It was pleasing that both main political parties were keen to support the event and the feedback I have had from young people who attended has been positive. I am grateful for the support provided by our partners and young people who attended. This was the latest in a series of community events we have organised through our Promoting Cohesion and Engagement Project funded by Awards for All” Parliament Week 2               Parliament Week 3
  • Lantern Parade launches Christmas Celebrations in Borough

    Lantern Parade launches Christmas Celebrations in Borough

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council working in partnership with Gravesham Borough Council and local arts organisation Cohesion Plus organised a spectacular lantern parade through Gravesend Town Centre on Friday November 15 to launch the Christmas celebrations. The theme of the Parade was the 12 days of Christmas and 10 local schools and some 500 children took part alongside members of the Christmas Pantomime cast from Beauty and the Beast, Bloco Fogo Samba Group and the Premier Brass Band.

    The parade started in the St George’s shopping centre before going onto New Road, Windmill Street then climaxing on the Community Square where a 30 foot Christmas Tree was lit. The Christmas lights in the town centre were lit in stages as the parade walked through.

    he Parade was led by the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Derek Sales who was joined by the leader of Gravesham Borough Council Cllr John Burden and local community partners including Kent Equality Cohesion Council and the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara.

    Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “We worked very hard with the local schools on the lantern parade and are very proud of what we managed to achieve. The atmosphere in the town centre was excellent and it was so pleasing to see all the diverse communities of Gravesham coming together as one to celebrate the start of the Christmas celebrations in the borough.”

  • Special Lantern Parade Gravesham

    Special Lantern Parade Gravesham

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council working in partnership with Gravesham Borough Council and local arts organisation Cohesion Plus have organised a special lantern parade which will take place on Friday November 15 to launch the Christmas celebrations in Gravesham. The theme of the parade which launches the Gravesham 12 Days of Christmas Celebrations is a “Partridge in a Pear Tree”

    11 local schools will take part in the parade which will start in the St George’s Shopping Centre at 4.30pm from the back of Marks and Spencer and BHS. The parade led by the Mayor of Gravesham and invited guests will then go through the Centre, onto the New Road, left into Windmill Street before finishing on the Community Square in Windmill Street outside the Civic Centre. The Christmas Lights will be switched on in the Town Centre in stages as the parade passes. In addition to the schools the lantern parade will feature the Premier Brass Band, Bloco Fogo Samba Group, Stilt Walkers and Illuminated Snow Birds. Once the parade reaches the Community Square the Mayor of Gravesham Councillor Derek Sales will switch on the lights on the Christmas Tree around 5.30pm.

    Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “We have been working very hard with our partners Gravesham Borough Council, Cohesion Plus and local schools on the lantern parade and are looking forward to spectacular event involving some 500 young people from across the Borough. Christmas is an important celebration for the diverse communities of Gravesham and we are pleased that our lantern parade will launch 5 weeks of celebrations which we hope will also have a positive impact on the Town Centre as well as showcasing the positive community relations enjoyed in the borough.”

  • Dartford Festival of Light 2013 Attracts Record Numbers

    Dartford Festival of Light 2013 Attracts Record Numbers

    The fifth Dartford Festival of Light took place on Friday October 25 and attracted record numbers. 11 schools took part this year across the borough and over 500 pupils were joined by friends and family in the evening lantern parade which started at the Orchard Shopping Centre before going down the High Street and finishing at Dartford Central Park by the bandstand. The schools were joined by popular Samba Group Bloco Fogo and local dhol drummers from the Four by Four Bhangra Youth Club and Cultural Beats.

    The parade was led by local dignitaries including the Leader of Dartford Borough Council Cllr. Jeremy Kite MBE and former Mayors of the Borough Cllr Ann Allen, Cllr Pat Coleman and Cllr Eddy Lampkin.

    Once the parade reached Central Park which was specially lit up for the occasion, each school was presented with awards for participating before the Festival was climaxed by popular comedy duo Danny and Dan.

    The Festival of Light was put together by local arts organisation Cohesion Plus in partnership with Kent Equality Cohesion Council with the support of Dartford Borough Council and Kent County Council.

    According to Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council who organised the event the “I was so pleased that all the hard work paid off. Yet again the diverse communities of Dartford came out as one to support the Festival and highlighted the positive community relations enjoyed in the Borough. It was a joy to see so many young people in attendance showcasing their artistic work and great credit needs to go to the schools for their hard work in the build-up and our partners Dartford Borough Council and Arts Council England for their support and encouragement.”