Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Category: News

  • Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival 2021

    Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival 2021

    The 15th Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival is set to return to Calverley Grounds on Sunday 25th July between 12.30pm and 6pm. Last taking place in 2019, the event will also see the return of community artists and food traders celebrating music, food and dance from around the world. The Mela is organised in partnership by Cohesion Plus and Kent Equality Cohesion Council supported by Arts Council England and Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.

    The programme boasts a range of culturally diverse artist with an international flavour such as The West Kent Keralites, Phase 5 Steel Band, Uzambezi and Four by Four Kings of Bhangra. The event will also see the return of the hugely popular Paul Dunton Orchestra and the first time appearance of headliners Midnight Soul Sisters who will be performing you all the Motown classics.

    Off stage activity will include Show Globes ‘Enchanted Flower Garden’, a mobile and interactive life size snow globe complete with a mythical nymph that you can take pictures with. There will also be a mouth-watering selection of food vendors on site with a selection of British and World themed dishes.

    Although lockdown restrictions will have been lifted by the 25th everyone attending will be asked to check in to the Track and Trace system, there will also be extra distance placed between food stands to avoid queues and overcrowding, and there will be hand sanitisers in place across the grounds.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council “The last 18 months have been difficult ones for us all. The whole ethos of the Mela Festival is to celebrate the local community and what binds us together, the importance of which has been underlined during the pandemic. I hope that the local community will support the event like they have in the past, a lot of hard work has gone into pulling this event together and we have designed the layout to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe day.”

  • Windrush Community Celebrations

    Windrush Community Celebrations

    A socially distanced, community led Windrush Celebration took place in Gravesend on Wednesday 23rd June. The event was a community initiative arranged by Kent Equality Cohesion Council, the North Kent Caribbean Network and the Cohesion Plus.

    The celebrations took place at the Old Gravesendians and was attended by elders from the Windrush generation as well as civic guests including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Bhagwara Vasudaven, Kent County Council Chair Cllr Ann Allen as well as the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Lyn Milner.

    Windrush elders heard speeches by Gurvinder Sandher of Cohesion Plus and Michelle Bramble, Chair of the North Kent Caribbean Network as well as the civic guests in attendance who all congratulated the Windrush generation and following generations on the countless positive contributions they have made to the UK.

    Gurvinder Sandher, Artistic Director of Cohesion Plus commented, “We were incredibly proud to have delivered our first in person community celebrations this year. Given the year we have all had, and that the country will look to be fully vaccinated soon, we felt it was necessary to return to some semblance of normality and host an event in person. The fact that we were able to begin with Windrush Celebrations felt poignant as it’s a chance to celebrate diversity and community cohesion as well champion key members of the community. Sadly, over time we seem to have forgotten that the Windrush generation were actually invited to the UK to help rebuild the ‘motherland’ so it’s imperative that we remember the countless sacrifices and hardships they have had to endure over many years and celebrate their positive contributions.”

  • Community Groups rally together to commemorate PCSO Julia James

    Community Groups rally together to commemorate PCSO Julia James

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council along with faith and community partners held a community vigil outside the Kent Police Headquarters on Monday 17th May to honour PCSO Julia James who was tragically murdered in April near her home.

    Those in attendance included Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Bhargawa Vasudaven, representatives from the three Gurdwaras (Sikh Temple) across Gravesham and Dartford, local Mosque and Mandir as well as representatives from various community organisations such as the North Kent Caribbean Network, Rethink Sahayak and GTown Talents.

    A floral tribute was presented to Detective Sergeant Helen Bland, the Family Liaison Co-Ordinator to pass onto the James family. Chief Constable Alan Pughsley QPM was on hand to accept the condolences from the local community and spoke about what it meant to the Force to have members of the community mark their respect in such a way.

    Gurvinder Sandher CEO of KECC commented, “Kent Police have always been a constant ally to the diverse communities in the area, throughout times of celebration as well as difficult and trying times. As such it was important to me that similarly, we as community partners were able to make a gesture of solidarity and stand shoulder to shoulder with our Kent Police colleagues during what is truly a tragic time.”

    Chief Constable Alan Pughsley QPM commented, “The murder of Julia James shocked and appalled us all. I was touched that communities across North Kent took the time to offer their condolences and I know it means a huge amount to Julia’s family and friends. The Kent Equality Cohesion Council have been friends of Kent Police for many years, helping us to be become the outstanding force we are and I am incredibly grateful for the support they have given during this difficult period.”

  • Communities of Kent lead charge to fundraise for India amidst Covid 19 catastrophe

    Communities of Kent lead charge to fundraise for India amidst Covid 19 catastrophe

    With the pandemic raging through India at a catastrophic rate, and the death toll reaching record breaking numbers, Kent Equality Cohesion Council (KECC) and Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara working with local faith groups, sports organisations and local businesses from across Gravesham and Dartford raised £34,000 through an appeal.

    The funds were used to purchase 150 oxygen concentrators and oxy-meters which will be sent to India through humanitarian charity Khalsa Aid based in Slough who work in disaster zones around the world. The charity has a plane charted to ship the equipment out to India on Wednesday 19th May.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of KECC commented, “I cannot be more proud of the communities of North Kent who all came together regardless of ethnicity and faith to fundraise in order to help another country in its time of need. When we initially made the invite calls to the various groups to donate, we were unsure of the kind of response we would receive. However, we were met with nothing but enthusiasm and a genuine need to help. The fact that the local Churches, Mosques, Gurdwaras, sports teams and small businesses came together in solidarity has only reinforced my faith in the communities of North Kent and truly add credence to our motto that we are always stronger together.”

    Manpreet Dhaliwal President of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara commented “During the pandemic the Sikh community have worked hard to support those in need arranging meals for thousands in the local community. I was therefore humbled by the response we had to this appeal at a time when oxygen concentrator numbers are fast dwindling from the markets. This initiative was all out effort to procure enough supplies which we eventually secured from a factory in Poland. The scenes in India have touched us all, and I hope in this small way we are able to support those in need at this most challenging of times.”

    Note:

    Khalsa Aid is an international NGO that provides humanitarian aid to areas hit by conflict and disasters all around the world. https://www.khalsaaid.org/

  • 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.”

    PUBLIC-PERCEPTIONS-TOWARD-THE-COVID-19-VACCINE-IN-KENT-J9023
  • 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