Kent Equality Cohesion Council

Tag: North Kent Caribbean Network

  • 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.”

  • Community Members and Groups pay tribute to Chief Constable as he bids farewell to Kent Police

    Community Members and Groups pay tribute to Chief Constable as he bids farewell to Kent Police

    A delegation of community representatives visited Kent Police Headquarters on Monday 12th September to bid farewell to Chief Constable Alan Pughsley QPM as he steps down from the role this month.

    The visit was arranged by Kent Equality Cohesion Council and saw members from the Kent Senior Citizens Association, Saheli Group, Gravesend and Dartford Muslim Association, Ashford Muslim Association and the North Kent Caribbean Network attend to personally thank the Chief for his long and prolific service to the County of Kent as well as his long standing relationship to the diverse communities that reside within it.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council said, “I am really pleased that we were all able to come together as a delegation of diverse community representatives and have the opportunity to thank Mr Pughsley in person, for his dedication, commitment and hard work over the many years that he has served as Chief Constable. His service has been exemplary, and an inspiration for those that follow after him. I am personally grateful to the Chief for the time and effort he has put in with us an organisation, working to build stronger community ties, amplifying the values that bring us together. Mr Pugsley has always been incredibly supportive and vocal about the work we do here in Kent and his absence will be felt. However, we wish him all the best in his new role and are confident in the legacy he leaves behind at Kent Police.”

  • Mental Health Awareness North Kent Project Report

    Mental Health Awareness North Kent Project Report

    KECC (Kent Equality Cohesion Council) has published a report around the impact on mental health in diverse young people since the onset of the pandemic. Working with local schools, youth groups and grass root organisations, the report was compiled with the use of surveys which were circulated amongst local young people and roundtable discussions which looked into the issues affecting young people over the various lockdowns and subsequently in a post lockdown society.

    The research was funded through the Live Well Fund for Kent and Medway and was delivered in partnership with Rethink Sahayak, Cohesion Plus and North Kent Caribbean Network.

    Key themes that emerged included the negative impact that the pandemic had on young people, many felt really anxious and some still feel uncomfortable in social situations. There was also still a lack of awareness of services and support available locally. Recommendations included the need for more targeted interventions with young people in non-educational settings including sports clubs and arts settings. It was also felt that more could be done to highlight the link between physical activity and mental health wellbeing.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of the KECC commented, “In a society which has been so impacted by the pandemic, we were keen to understand the effect locally. The young people who participated in the research really opened up about the challenges, some of them knew friends and family members who had been severely impacted with some participants knowing friends who had sadly taken their own lives. We will be sharing the report and its findings widely and hope it can contribute to the debate around mental health and well-being as we try to get back to pre-pandemic normality.

  • Mental Health event brings Young People together

    Mental Health event brings Young People together

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council working in partnership with North Kent Caribbean Network and Rethink Sahayak delivered a mental health awareness event on Thursday 24th March designed to engage young people from diverse backgrounds.

    The event was delivered as part of an ongoing project commissioned by Porchlight and Kent County Council which aims to identify how mental health in young people has been impacted since the onset of the pandemic.

    The event was held at No 84 Eatery and over 25 young people had the opportunity to hear from speakers including Carol Gosal from Rethink, Tamsyn Phillips and Adam Littlefield from EK360 and Jennifer Kelly from North Kent MIND around shaping services to cater to young people from underrepresented communities as well as the importance of discussing mental health overall. The young people also heard from spoken word artist Nathanial Ogun who presented two poems around mental health.

    Also presented at the event by Gurvinder Sandher from KECC (Kent Equality Cohesion Council) was a report researched and published by KECC which features data captured from over 300 young people around their thoughts and reflections of mental health over the many lockdowns caused by the pandemic. The report looked at the themes that emerged as a result of the findings and some key issues that presented themselves were around social anxiety caused by prolonged lockdowns and the subsequent lack of social interaction. Also prevalent was the concern around the impact on education during the pandemic as well as lack of awareness of which services could be accessed for mental health support.

    The aim of the event was not only engage diverse young people but to encourage open dialogue around the challenges facing minority youth when it comes to mental health as well identifying perceived barriers when attempting to access health and support services.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of KECC commented, “We are incredibly proud that we were able to deliver this important event working partners North Kent Caribbean Network and Rethink Sahayak. Mental health is something that has in some way shape or form, touched us or someone that we know. However, its not something that we know a great deal about in terms of where to go when we need help. This is particular prevalent in young people who openly acknowledging their struggles with mental health but don’t necessarily know where to go in terms of accessing tangible, dependable support. The aim of this event was to demystify this process and it was important that colleagues from MIND, Rethink and EK360 through their partnership with the NHS could contribute to the discussions around this. Special thanks go to all the young people that have generously given their time to contribute towards our report and overall project as well as No 84 who continue to do great community work by offering their premises for such important events.”

  • Listen Up Conference sparks important discussions

    Listen Up Conference sparks important discussions

    The communities of North Kent came out to attend a public conference around health and being called Listen Up on Thursday 10th March. Held at the Woodville in Gravesham and organised by the Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Rethink Sahayak, North Kent Caribbean Network and EK360, the aim of the conference was to raise awareness of issues such as suicide, substance abuse and mental health which have been impacting communities since the onset of the pandemic.

    Approximately 250 people attended the conference and heard presentations from speakers including Mandeep Manocha from Alcohol Free Sikhs, Sandeep Saib who spoke her lived experiences with body dysmorphia and attempted suicide and Tim Woodhouse from Kent County Council who covered a number of the services provided to tackle the issues discussed during the conference.

    Also speaking at the conference were Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Bhargawa Vasudaven, Acting Head of Community Services South, Carol Gosal, and Chair of the North Kent Caribbean Network, Michelle Bramble. They gave a community perspective on the issues discussed during the conference and some of the support available locally.

    The conference was concluded by Gurjit Singh Shokar’s emotional and hard hitting experience around the loss of his brother Amarjit Singh Shokar to suicide recently. Gurjit has been advocating for more work to be done to raise awareness of suicide prevention especially within ethnic minority communities as there is still a taboo around mental health.

    Furthermore, in recognition of the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine, fundraising was conducted during the conference and £950 was collected. The funds will be donated towards the Ukrainian relief efforts via the Disaster Emergency Committee.

    Gurvinder Sandher the CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council commented “Since the onset of the pandemic, we have seen issues such as suicide and mental health reach new devastating levels. As such, we felt it necessary to hold this conference and reach as many people as we could from the local communities, to raise awareness as well as highlight the services and aid available. Our hope is that through the conference, if even one life can be saved, or someone suffering from mental health can find access to care, then we have done our job right. I am also grateful to everyone who donated to the Ukraine appeal on the night.”

    Carol Gosal, Acting Head of Community Services South commented, “We are really pleased to have been able to deliver this event and reach so many people. The topics discussed today are hard hitting and not easy to listen to but we have to make ourselves uncomfortable for the severity of the matter to really sink in. It’s vital that we talk about suicide and mental health and raise awareness. Special thanks go to our speakers who all made such important contributions.”

    Michelle Bramble, Chair of the North Kent Caribbean Network said, “We wholly believe that we need events like these to raise awareness and shine a light on subjects like suicide and mental health, subjects that aren’t necessarily talked about until it’s happening to you or someone you know. The aim of this event was to show people that it’s never too late to access help and support no matter where you are from. I am so happy so many people came out to support and it was particularly heartening to see members of the community reach out to speakers and thank them for sharing their stories. It’s indicative of the fact that on some level, the penny has dropped and people are listening and taking this seriously.”

  • 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.”

  • 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.”

  • 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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  • Windrush Community Celebrations takes place online for the first time

    Windrush Community Celebrations takes place online for the first time

    Windrush Community Celebrations takes place online for the first time

    Kent Equality Cohesion Council in partnership with Cohesion Plus and the North Kent Caribbean Network for the first time ever organised a special online event in celebration of the Windrush generation. Poignantly the event took place on Windrush Day and had over 100 local community members in attendance. Civic guests also attended including Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Bhagwara Vasudaven, KCC Leader, Mr Roger Gough, KCC Chairman Cllr Graham Gibbens, Mayor of Gravesham Cllr John Caller and Inspector Craig West from Kent Police.

    The event organisers Gurvinder Sandher CEO of Kent Equality Cohesion Council and the Chair of the North Kent Caribbean Network, Michelle Bramble felt this year’s celebrations were more important than ever in the midst of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests as well as the devastating impact Covid -19 has had on communities from a BAME background.

    Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of KECC commented, “We were incredibly humbled and proud to be able to host the first ever online Windrush celebrations in recognition of the enormously positive contributions made by the Windrush generation and their decedents in the UK. Despite not being able to celebrate in person, we were no less enthused to celebrate with local members of the community and civic guests online. To say we are living in tumultuous times would be something of a painful understatement however, we wanted to champion the Windrush generations and celebrate their achievements especially when history has tended to overlook this. As such, we felt it imperative to take this valuable opportunity to celebrate in the midst of the impact of Covid – 19 which has hit BAME communities disproportionately higher. With the ongoing protests around Black Lives Matter and the widely reported recognition of systemic racism still prevalent in 2020 we will continue to celebrate and champion diversity until true equality is achieved.”