Equality Champions Awards 2016

To celebrate excellence of achievement and promoting equality across the Lothians

#ELRECECAwards

20 November 2016 James Watt Centre, Heriot Watt University, Riccarton EH14 4AS Equality Champions Awards Gala Dinner 2016

A big thanks to our funders.....

Brochure production: Reserach & Editorial : Elisabetta / Foysol, Design & Concept: Mizan Courtesy: All ELREC Colleagues

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Programme ELREC Equality Champions Awards Gala Dinner 2016 To celebrate excellence of achievement and promoting equality across the Lothians

6:30pm Registration, Reception and drinks 9:45pm Announcement of Equality Champions 7:00pm Welcome 10:45pm Multicultural performance 7:15pm Multicultural performance 11:00pm Raffle 7:45pm Address by the guests 11:15pm Vote of thanks 8:15pm Musical performance 8:30pm Dinner

Dinner Menu

STARTERS SALADS Chicken Tikka Platter: Malai, Murgh, Achari Kachumber salad with sundried tomato Lamb Kobeda Kebab & feta, red chilli chutney, Mint coriander Aloo Tikka & Chana (V) chutney and Imli chutney MAIN COURSE Veg Pilau Rice (V) DESSERT TRIO Lamb Karahi Strawberry Tart Chicken Saag Kheer (In shot glass) Muttar Paneer (V) Equi’s double cream ice cream in belgian Mixed Veg Curry : Aloo, Gobi, Gajar & chocolate cup Peppers (V) DRINKS NAN BASKETS Fruit punch, mineral water, coke, Irn-Bru & Nan Basket: Garlic & Coriander Nan, Rogni Diet Coke on reguest Nan & Tandoodri Scottish Tea & Coffee

Catering Partner:

www.elrec.org.uk @ELRECUK /ELRECUK Page 01 Equality Champions Awards Gala Dinner 2016 Performers Dance Ihayami Dance Ihayami is Scotland’s Indian dance company, dedicated to the contemporisation of classical Indian dance. The company challenges ideas about Indian classical dance and creates innovative contemporary work, regularly collaborating with different art forms and media. Dance Ihayami also runs an extensive education and community engagement programme for people of all background, age and ability. The company is based in Edinburgh but works throughout Scotland and beyond. Dance Ihayami has a history of working closely with many cross-cultural disciplines, including western classical music (with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra), Maori dancers (with New Zealand’s Toro Toro and Mika Haka, a collaboration which included a tour of New Zealand), Russian music (with Koshka Gypsy and Jazz band), Middle Eastern music (with Paragon Ensemble), Japanese Dojo drummers (with Mugenkyo), and much more. The company has also collaborated with different organisations including Dance Base (National Centre for Dance); Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Live Music Now and Walk the Plank to name a few. The dancers who will perform at the ELREC Equality Champions’ Gala Dinner 2016 are Gabriela Albornoz, Karen Watts and Kirsten Newel.

Move Your Body (MYB) MYB is a group based in that performs for charity and private events and festivals.The company does freestyle Bollywood dance, in which most of the dance form includes. The dance is a mix of high intense songs as well as classical melodious songs. The group is nearly 3 years old and performs in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Falkirk. There are 6 gals in the group, all having same passion. The group will perform 2 acts at ELREC Gala Dinner and here is the description of these two dances.

1) In Bollywood there is a special place for soft and melodious songs, from old black and white till today’s colour full Morden love stories, these songs always stole our hearts and express our feelings. Through dance in mix of old and new love songs, here MYB group presenting “RANGMANCH” by Shilpa Sachdeve and Mithu Sri.

2) These days being active, staying fit and doing daily exercise is so important, but life has become too fast and difficult to manage daily workout along with your passion. It says dance is a therapy! How nice would it be if you do something which could mix your workout and passion together! Performed by Saarika Anand, Shilpa Sachdeve, Mithu Sri and Payal Debriy, MYB group presenting “MYB BOLLY FIT”

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Foreword from the Chair I am very pleased to welcome you all, on behalf of ELREC’s Board and staff, to our 2nd Equality Champions Gala Dinner.

I would like to congratulate those who have been shortlisted to receive the Equality Champions’ Awards for your commitment towards the promotion of equality, social justice and human rights in Edinburgh and the Lothians. ELREC recognises and acknowledges your hard work and we are privileged to be here tonight to celebrate your important contribution.

In its 45 years of existence, ELREC has distinguished itself for its hard work and commitment towards values of equality and human rights and to support the most disadvantaged communities in the area. Since I have been Chair, I have seen ELREC develop, in terms of projects and staff. Right now we have 8 projects and 20 staff members. Our projects cover a wide range of areas, from conservation to youth work, to community engagement and to heritage. In addition, we offer services such as Support and Advice, Third Party Reporting and Equality and Diversity Training. All these years of hard work and dedication have contributed to building a solid reputation for ELREC, which is now well known in the community and among statutory bodies as a centre that provides support for people who have been victim of discrimination and hate crime.

Although the UK has gone a long way in fighting every form of discrimination, with regards to the Equality Act 2010, the work of dedicated and passionate individuals is fundamental in advancing human rights and equality in our society and among our communities. This is why we have decided to organise our Equality Champions’ Gala Dinners: to promote equality and ELREC work, but also to give recognition to all those people who have been working hard to guarantee equal rights for all. After a first successful Dinner held in 2015, we are now organising a second one.

To celebrate these achievements, this year we have decided to produce a brochure that will present ELREC and its current projects, its staff and Board members and the Equality Champions’ Gala Dinner. The purpose of this brochure is not only to raise awareness on the important work that ELREC has been doing since 1971, but also to showcase the contribution of those who have distinguished themselves for their work towards equality and that ELREC is proud to reward.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to ELREC Board members, staff and volunteers for their hard work and support in the organisation of the Equality Champions’ Gala Dinner and the production of this magazine.

I hope you will enjoy reading this brochure and wish to thank you for your continuous support to ELREC and its projects.

Foysol Choudhury MBE

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Messages of support

Rt. Hon, Donald Wilson Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh

I will continue to promote civic inclusion with a wide range of groups and organisations across the city and feel strongly, as Edinburgh’s First Citizen, that everyone should feel a sense of belonging and play a part in this great city. I value the work of ELREC staff, its board members and volunteers as they strive to improve community relations in the city and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their work during the year.

Rt. Hon. Nicola Sturgeon MSP First Minister I’m delighted to support this year’s Equality Champions Dinner. It is a celebration of the dedication and achievements of those who have improved the lives of others in our society and I want to thank you all for your contribution to making Scotland fairer.

It is important to recognise your many achievements and to recognise the significant contribution our diverse communities make in enriching Scotland socially, culturally and economically.

I would like to thank the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council for organising this event and working hard for another year to promote equality and good community relations. The values the contribution of ELREC and the other Regional Equality Councils in Scotland, and the work they do to build stronger links between communities. Everyone needs to play their part if we are to create a more equal society that protects and includes people from all backgrounds and ethnicities.

Congratulations to all those nominated on their successes and I look forward to continuing this great collaborative working to further enrich our society

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Ruth Davidson MSP Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party

The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party is a staunch ally of ELREC, one that is committed to advancing our shared goals of inclusivity, tolerance and respect. ‘‘ In May, I had the privilege of being elected as the MSP for Edinburgh Central and, over the coming years, I’m committed to working with you to build on what is already a strong relationship. ELREC is a vital part of our community and the work you do to tackle prejudice and further equality is as important today as it ever has been.

I am delighted to be your guest this evening. Thank you for the work you do promoting equality across Edinburgh and the Lothians and many congratulations to the Equality Champions we celebrate tonight”.

Kezia Dugdale MSP Leader of the Party

I would like to offer a message of support to ELREC who continue to work towards the elimination of discrimination across Edinburgh and the Lothians. As you know we have seen an increase in reported incidents of hate crime and other types of discrimination over recent weeks and months and now more than ever the work of ELREC, groups and individuals who strive to stand up to discrimination is needed. Only by redoubling our efforts can we seek to further reduce inequality across society and promote better relations between all sections of our society regardless of race, gender, gender identity, marital status/civil partnerships, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion and pregnancy and maternity. I wish you all the best for the evening and can only apologise again that I am unable to attend on this occasion.

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Snapshots: Equality Champions Awards 2015

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Equality Champions Awards 2015

On 31st January 2016 ELREC held its first Equality Champions Gala Dinner at Heriot Watt University. The aim of this dinner was to celebrate the achievements of individuals who have distinguished themselves for their hard work in promoting equality and human rights across the Lothians. The dinner was very successful and over 200 people attended. The programme offered a delicious dinner, e n t e r t a i n m e n t , a raffle and the a n n o u n c e m e n t of the Equality Champions. The dinner opened with a number of speeches from ELREC’s Chair, Mr. MBE, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, ELREC’s President Prof. Geoff Palmer, Ms , MSP for the Scottish Labour Party, the Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party Ms. and Labour Cllr. Lesley Hinds. Mr. Shami Khan DL, ELREC’s Vice Chair. The main moment of the event was the announcement of the Equality Champions, were ELREC gave prizes and recognition to those who have worked hard to promote equality in the society. The awards recipients were Sarah Boyack MSP, Ruth Davidson MSP, Alex Salmond MP MSP, MSP, Councillor Lesley Hinds, Rohini Sharma Joshi, Dr Wali Tasar Uddin MBE, Mohammed Aslam, Dinesh Joshi MBE, Mohammed Shaffi MBE and Lesley Irving. This was the first time that ELREC organised an event of this type, and it was a success with very positive feedback and comments from those who attended the dinner. Everyone at ELREC felt very proud about this, and about the work we do, as the organisation was praised for its projects that strive to promote equality and human rights in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

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Equality Champions Awards Gala Dinner 2016 Equality Champions 2015 Alex Salmond MP

Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond was born in Linlithgow in 1954. He attended Linlithgow Academy and studied at St Andrew’s University, where he graduated with a joint honours MA in Economics and History.

He entered frontline politics in 1987 as MP for Banff & Buchan in Aberdeenshire, and in 1990 he was elected as National Convenor of the SNP and served as leader of the opposition in the . In 2000, he stood down as leader of the SNP but continued to serve his constituents as an MP for Banff and Buchan and as an MSP until 2001. Alex Salmond made political history by becoming the first nationalist to be elected First Minister of Scotland in the period from 2007 to 2014.

He currently serves as the SNP’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson in Westminster, and continues to promote Scotland on the world stage and shaping new relationships between Scotland and the global community. He is also a board member of the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation.

Kezia Dugdale MSP

Kezia Dugdale was born in 1981 in Aberdeen. She studied Law at the University of Aberdeen before completing a Masters degree in Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh. She was first elected as a MSP for the Lothian Region in 2011, and then re-elected in 2016. In 2015 she became the Leader of the Scottish Labour Party. Kezia is a Scottish Labour Co-operative MSP in the Scottish Parliament and currently co-chairs the group on Children and Young People.

Kezia set up and led the Debtbusters campaign aimed at tackling payday loan companies street by street. As a result the Scottish Government to start producing ‘wealth warnings’ on the dangers of these predatory legal loan sharks, banned them from many local authority computers and forced the Scottish Government to change the law around debt and introducing the Fast Track Debt Assistance Scheme.

Kezia also set up and led the Scottish Labour campaign Every Step, the campaign for affordable and flexible childcare, which assisted in developing Scottish Labour’s policy on providing a better childcare system in Scotland.

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Sarah Boyack Sarah Boyack is a Scottish Labour politician, former MSP for Edinburgh Central. She was brought up in Edinburgh but studied for an MA Honours Degree in Politics and Modern History at Glasgow University. She was elected in the Scottish Parliament in 1999, and became Minister for the Environment, Planning and Transport until 2000. She then became Minster for Transport until 2001. In 2007 she was Minister for the Environment. In November 2004 Ms. Boyack received the RSPB Goldcrest Award for her contribution to the development of environmental policy in Scotland and in December 2005 was named the Scottish Renewables Best Politician. In 2016 Scottish Parliament election, she lost the Edinburgh Central seat to the leader of the Party. In her last five years in the Scottish Parliament she was Convenor of the Cross Party Group (CPG) on International Development, and Co Convenor of the CPG on Energy Efficiency and Renewables and the CPG on Cycling

Dinesh Joshi MBE I am deeply honoured and humbled to have this opportunity to provide this message of support for the excellent work that Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council has been doing over the years for all the communities and especially the marginalised communities and their families in the Lothians. Having been a member of the Race Equality Forum of the City of Edinburgh Council, The Chief Constable’s Diversity Steering Group, Vice Chairperson of SEMPERscotland and Secretary of the Edinburgh Indian Association I was actively involved with the community and as a recognition of my services to the community I was honoured and awarded an MBE by Her Majesty The Queen. Having occupied various positions in the organisation and finally being its Chairman gave me great pride and joy at the changes we managed to bring about to make our society a better place to live in where all irrespective of colour, cast, creed, disablement or sexual orientation can live in harmony. The work still goes on. The good work in empowering individuals from all walks of life to achieve great goals and be recognised deserves nothing less than an award of excellence and your continued work in training them in these areas will not go unnoticed. You have in my opinion overcome the change you want to see and I would like to congratulate all those who have been involved in organising this event and bring the work of Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council to the fore.

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Ruth Davidson MSP

Ruth was raised in Fife and educated at Buckhaven High School and Edinburgh University. Prior to entering politics Ruth worked in journalism for ten years - first in newspapers, before moving to radio and television. The majority of her time was spent at the BBC working in news and current affairs as a presenter, reporter and producer. Ruth entered the Scottish Parliament on the Glasgow regional list in 2011. Following the resignation of Annabel Goldie, Ruth was elected leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party in November of that year. In May 2016 she was re-elected as the constituency MSP for Edinburgh Central and now leads the official Opposition party at Holyrood. In October, Ruth was invited to Buckingham Palace where she was made a member of Her Majesty’s Privy Council.

Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin MBE

Dr Wali Tasar Uddin is the current President of the European Bangladesh Federation of Commerce & Industry based in Brussels, Belgium. Dr Uddin is the Chairman and Chief Co-ordinator of the Sylhet Women’s Medical College & Hospital (SWMCH), owned by Holy Sylhet Holding Ltd, Sylhet, Bangladesh, since July 2006. SWMCH provides the highest standard of medical education and health care.

He was the first Bangladeshi Justice of the Peace in 1984 and was appointed as the first Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Scotland in 1993. In 1995 he received an MBE for his services to race relations and in 2005 was named as one of the Asian Power 100. Junior Chamber voted him Young Scot of the year in 1992. Currently he serves as a Senior Adviser, BRAC UK Vision Bangladesh.

For his distinguished work in the area of business, Queen Margaret University College awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). ). In 2007 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) degree by the Heriot-Watt University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to community in Scotland and Bangladesh. Edinburgh Napier University awarded him Doctor of the University, D.Uni.

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Cllr Lesley Hinds Cllr Lesley Hinds congratulates ELREC on its second awards dinner. Lesley first became a Councillor in 1984 and currently represents Edinburgh’s Inverleith ward. She has held numerous positions in the Council, including Leader and Lord Provost and she is now Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee. Lesley has represented the Council in numerous public and private sector organisations, such as Edinburgh’s Telford College, Pilton Partnership, Dance Base, Edinburgh Fairtrade City, One City Trust and the City of Literature. A previous Chair of Edinburgh’s Mela, she has campaigned on equalities issues over a number of years and continues to be an ardent supporter of ELREC. Her commitment was acknowledged by an award at our first awards dinner in January.

Mohammed Aslam As founding member and ex-Chairperson, the well-being of ELREC has always been close to my heart. I recall past members who were involved at the time I was active at ELREC but who are no longer with us, in particular Lord Yousaf Inait and Ben Yuen. They are sorely missed.

I would like to congratulate the current Staff and Board for their hard work and dedication in carrying out their duties in supporting Edinburgh and the Lothians vulnerable communities.

When I was involved with ELREC its focus was primarily Race Relations, supporting the Migrant communities settled in the Lothians. We worked a lot with Edinburgh Council and the Lothian and Borders Police. Since then ELREC has expanded its remit to include the other Equality groups that have also been unjustly treated by those in positions of power and authority. The fight for Equality is a fight for Justice and must continue, more so now than in the past, especially as the political climate has changed since Brexit and the coming to power of more Right-Wing political groups.

As a representative of the ‘Pakistan Association, Edinburgh and the East of Scotland’, a long standing member of ELREC, I would like to wish ELREC all the very best for its future. ELREC has sailed through many turbulent waters overs the years and yet has managed to stay afloat. This is testament to the much needed and sterling work it has done over the years, supporting vulnerable individuals seeking redress and supporting organisations understand and implement Equality Law. Well done all and keep up the good work.

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Rohini Sharma Joshi

Rohini Sharma Joshi is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Manager of Trust Housing Association and manages the award winning EDI Programme.

Happy to Translate initiative spearheaded by Rohini as an innovative solution for helping people who speak little or no English to communicate more effectively with service providers.

She has been the Chair of Edinburgh & Lothian Racial Equality Council, a member of the Diversity Advisory Committee for the Crown Office, and is the current Chair of Nari Kallyan Shangho (an organisation for the welfare of south Asian women) and W1 Minority Ethnic Women in Scotland. She is also member of Equality Advisory Group set up by the Scottish Court Service and a member of the Scottish Commission on Older Women. She has been a member of the Advisory Group for the development of the Scottish Government’s Ageing Population Strategy and the Scottish Housing Charter Sounding Board. Currently she is a member of the Scottish Older People Assembly. She was selected by the British Council for the InterAction Leadership programme, Jordon, Egypt and Scotland 2008-09 as one of 25 representatives from Scotland.

In March 2012, she was awarded the “Robina Goodlad Woman Achievers in Housing Award”. She was also awarded (Feb 2013) “Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Society” award at the first Woman Association Awards ceremony.

Mohammed Shaffi MBE

Tanzanian-born Mohammed Shaffi is a well-known personality and respectable figure within the community. He is the eldest of 8 children and in 1961 at the age of 21, he set his heart on Scotland and embarked on this new chapter in his life. Over the years Mr Shaffi continued to establish himself in Scotland, setting up multiple businesses in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. During this time he continued to support his family in Kenya, creating a life here for his family to join him. Once his own 5 children had grown, he saw a need in the Ethnic Minority community. As a result in 1983 the Pakistan Society Advice and Information Services (PSAIS) was founded with his support. He was a Director of the Edinburgh Mela. His work was not only recognised and appreciated by the local community; in 2002 he was awarded a honour of MBE by the Queen as well as a Good Citizen Award in 1997. After being one of the longest serving chairpersons of the Society he decided to retire and spend time with his grandchildren. He is Honorary President of the Pakistan Society, providing guidance and support when necessary.

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ELREC: 45 years of fight against racism and discrimination

ELREC began in 1971. At first, it was called Edinburgh and Lothian Racial Equality Council. At that time the UK had just started to address racial discrimination by passing related legislation. In 1965 the Race Relations Act was enacted, followed by another one in 1968 that extended its remit to include employment and housing. Further development took place in 1976 through the Race Relations Act which established the Commission for Racial Equality with a view to review the legislation. This Act was amended in 2000 through the Race Relations Amendment Act, which included a statutory duty on public bodies to promote race equality.

Image: Board members & staffs at the ELREC AGM 2010 In the first 3 decades of its life ELREC focused on fighting racism and improving race relations. ELREC soon became a well-established organisation that promotes racial equality in Edinburgh and the Lothians. A turning point in ELREC history was the Equality Act 2010 which has consolidated all previous discrimination laws into one, covering nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. ELREC then changed its name to Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council and expanded its remit to cover all protected characteristics. Over many years a vast number of people across the characteristics have worked at ELREC or have received help from ELREC. ELREC’s staff and Board have remained one of the most diverse in the country. Because of the legal aspects of equality, ELREC has always worked closely with the police. Chief Constables such as Sir William Sutherland, Sir Roy Cameron, Mr Paddy Tomkins and Mr David Strang encouraged partnership relations between the police and ELREC which remain today. ELREC is a Third Party Reporting Centre, serving as a safe and confidential place for people who want to report a hate crime. Also, ELREC is

www.elrec.org.uk @ELRECUK /ELRECUK Page 14 Equality Champions Awards Gala Dinner 2016 presently working in partnership with SACRO and its CEO, Mr Tom Halpin, who was Deputy Chief Constable. ELREC receives funding from various sources. Funding from the Edinburgh Council ceased in 2015. However, as a result of the efforts of those who cared for ELREC, this withdrawal of funding did not stop ELREC from continuing to serve the community it has served since 1971. Current funders include the Scottish Government, Climate Challenge Fund, Big Lottery, Heritage Lottery Fund and the Robertson Trust. This important funding allows us to carry out a range of community work and projects. Since 1971, ELREC has increased the number of projects and expanded its remit, ranging from youth work to community engagement, heritage and energy advice. We currently have 20 staff members, 12 Board members and 40 volunteers, making the organisation as large as it ever been. ELREC has gone a long way since its formation, with many changes and periods of consolidation. It has gone through difficult times, but it has always come out stronger and has continued to serve the community. We are grateful to our funders and supporters across these years, and we hope to be able to continue our work for the community for many more years.

Equality , Diversity & Inclusion Programme

Promoting Equality Respecting Diversity Embedding Inclusion

Trust Housing Association Ltd, 12 New Mart Road, Edinburgh EH14 1RL Tel: 0131 444 4950 Website: www.equalityscotland.com

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Honorary Members Rt. Hon. Donald Wilson Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Honorary Patron

In 1999, Mr Wilson was elected as a City of Edinburgh Councillor. He has served on a range of Committees, and was Executive Member for Communications & Business Management (2001 to 2002), Modernising Government (2003 to 2005) and for Smart City (2000 to 2007), Chair of Edinburgh & Lothians Tourist Board and Edinburgh Convention Bureau (2003 to 2005), Chair of the Edinburgh International Science Festival (1999 to 2007) and Chair of the Edinburgh South West Neighbourhood Partnership (2007 to 2012). He is Chair of the Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and also President and Patron of many Edinburgh organisations, including ELREC. The Lord Provost has been instrumental in reactivating the theme of responsible business and corporate social responsibility. The Lord Provost is passionate about encouraging good citizenship and encouraging more businesses to do their bit for the city in addressing social exclusion and inequality.

Prof. Sir Geoff Palmer OBE Honorary President

Prof Palmer became the first black professor in Scotland in 1989 and then a Professor Emeritus after his retirement in 2005. He was knighted with New Year Honours in 2014. He has been involved with ELREC since 1978 and he is currently the Honorary President, supporting the organisation in administration and project-community work. He is also Board member of various organisations such as Hanover Housing, SACRO, MultiCultural Family Base, Age Scotland, Penicuik CAB and Jamaican Society of Scotland. He is Honorary President of the Association of Jamaicans- Birmingham and Patron of Reach Society. Professor Palmer has done a vast amount of work as human right activist. From 1969-1971 he wrote articles for the Times Educational Supplement in order to help the improvement of education for children from ethnic minority communities.

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Board Members Foysol Choudhury MBE Chair

Mr Choudhury is a British Bangladeshi. He moved with his family to Edinburgh in 1981 from Manchester. During the course of his University education he had to take over his ailing father’s business, being the eldest amongst his siblings. After taking on this responsibility he soon expanded and grew the business and is a successful entrepreneur with interests in catering, hospitality, finance and real estate with business operations in the UK and Bangladesh.

Outside his business interests, Mr Choudhury is a very active member of civic society in UK and plays a leading role in several charities. He has been involved with ELREC since he was a teenager and has been an active campaigner for equality and good race and inter-faith relations in Edinburgh and the Lothians. After having served ELREC in different capacities he was elected as its Chair and continues to lead the organisation through its transition from the race equality council to a pan-equalities regional council that is truly representative of those from a wide range of protected characteristics.

In recognition of his services to the community, Mr Choudhury was awarded an MBE in New Year’s Honours list 2004.

Shami Khan DL Vice Chair

Mr. Khan has been involved with ELREC in difference capacities since 1980 and now he is the Vice-Chair. He is the current Chair of Edinburgh Mela. He has chaired the Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Council (SAREC), Commonwealth Soceity Scotland, Streetwork Project, Edinburgh and many local and national organisations. In addition he is an ex Justice of the Peace. He contributed to the setting up of many organisations devoted to the promotion of welfare of the mainstream and minority ethnic communities. This broad base of experience has equipped him with a wide and diverse range of knowledge. As an ex Councillor and community activist, he has knowledge of national and local government structures, and an in-depth understanding of Scottish and local government jurisdiction. Mr Khan has experience in the areas of employment, health and wellbeing, housing, education and equal opportunities. He has run a community based advice and information centre that helped many Pakistani people to access various public services.

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Councillor Carl John Treasurer

Carl John is the Treasurer of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) and has been a board member for nine years. He is also an elected Councillor for the West Lothian Council and the diversity spokesman of his party group.

In the 1960’s, Mr. John contributed to the setting up of West Lothian Anti-Apartheid. He was also a founding member of the West Lothian Community Race Forum where he now is the Treasurer. Currently, as well as being the Treasurer for ELREC, he is also a board member for a range of different charitable organisations, both in Scotland and Africa. One of these includes AHSI, where he is both a board member and Trustee. Another project he is making a contribution to is helping refugees settle into Scotland.

Rajnish Singh Company Secretary

Mr. Singh has been elected on ELREC Board in 2016 and he is now the Company Secretary. He is a person from Indian origin based in Edinburgh since 1999. During the period he had been actively engaged in community activities through different organisations. Apart from the office bearer position at ELREC, he is involved with the following organisations: 1. Currrent President of Scottish Indian Arts Forum since 2. Edinburgh Mela - Board of Director since 2006 3. Edinburgh Hindu Mandir - Secretary since 2013 4. Edinburgh Diwali - Founder member started in 2015 He is an MBA and IT Project Manager by profession. He is married with two daughters. He is interested in Cricket and Bollywoods.

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Mohamed Amjad Chaudhry Convenor of the Education Subcommittee

Mr Chaudhry is a Board member and Convenor of the Education Subcommittee at ELREC. He previously served as Treasurer and helped organise charity events as well as events within the community. He also run an elderly group within Pakistani community. By profession, he is an engineer, specialised in water engineering. He worked for the Ministry of Overseas development in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malta. Mr Chaudhry was founding member of the West Edinburgh Multicultural Organisation which is now SCORE Scotland. He served as a Secretary for fifteen years. Mr Chaudhry is also a founding member of the Pakistan Society Advice & Information Services Ltd. He has been a Director, Vice Chair and currently Chair. He is also a Director of Edinburgh MELA.

Azra Sharif-Qayyum Convenor of the Volunteer Subcommittee

Mrs Sharif-Qayyum is Board member at ELREC, Convenor of the Volunteer Subcommittee. She is a Senior Biomedical Scientist and the Local CPD Officer for Lothians and the Borders for the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). She holds the position of Chair of the Lothian and Borders Branch of the IBMS and sits on the Scottish Committee of the IBMS. Mrs Sharif-Qayyum has been involved in several community groups such as Sisterhood and the All Pakistan Woman Association. She is a founder member of the Edinburgh Mela and has gained a lot of experience in her role in this organisation as Vice-Chair and Chair of Personnel. This role has provided Azra with a background in fundraising, events management and experience of cultivating partnerships with the wider community. She is a member of the External Engagement Committee for Edinburgh College. She also sits on the management board for Edinburgh College as non-executive director.

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Melanie Beaumont Convenor of the Membership Panel Melanie Beaumont is Convenor of the Membership Panel. She has been ELREC Board Member for a number of years. She works as a Spanish interpreter and translator all over Scotland and has been doing so since 1998. Ms Beaumont works mainly in the public sector which entails medical, legal and local government interpreting, although she also does occasional conference interpreting and written translations. Her work has given her a unique insight into several mechanisms within society and she has regrettably observed a lot of discrimination towards speakers of other languages. This is the principal reason why she has joined ELREC and she is also the President of SITA, the Scottish Interpreters and Translators Association. Until there is equality of opportunity as regards the accessing of services, there can be no true equality within a civilised society.

Irina Lazarenko Convenor of Finance and General Purpose Subcommittee Mrs Lazarenko is ELREC Board Member, Convenor of Finance and General Purpose Subcommittee. Throughout her student life in Ukraine, Mrs Lazarenko was involved in many organisations. She has lived in Scotland for about 20 years. There are many people in the ethnic minority communities who need help and support and there are many organisations around willing to help. There are many people who do not know where to go for the necessary help and support. As Board member, Ms Lazarenko would like to bring her experience and support to ELREC and raise awareness for those who still need it. ELREC is an organisation which brings ethnic minority people and local community together, helping with their diffrent needs. Her experience, knowledge and desire may give opportunities to shape and create awareness, may produce adequate support and bring more people close to ELREC.

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Neena Agarwal Board member

Mrs Agarwal is ELREC Board member since March 2016. She has worked for various voluntary organisations for the last 25 years in Edinburgh. Until her retirement last year she worked for Milan BME Senior Welfare Organisation as a Manager. Most of her roles involved support and engagement of minority ethnic communities in partnership with local and voluntary organisations. Mrs Agarwal served on the management committee of Edinburgh Indian Association. Currently she is a volunteer for Care Inspectorate & Edinburgh Hindu Mandir. In addition, she is facilitating a woman group in Nari Kalyan Shango (NKS). She has been recently elected as a Councillor for Craiglockhart Community Council. For the first time, BME women have been encouraged to become a member of Community Councils, thanks to Diversity in Public Life project.

Ijaz Nazir Board member

Mr Nazir is ELREC Board member and a businessman with a long record of services to communities of Edinburgh in the field of civic capacity. Mr Nazir plays an active role in the fields of community safety, race relations, art & culture, building bridges between Asian traders, police and local communities, creating long terms race and community relations. He supports communication amongst the police, traders and local community, and understandings of the issues related to Asian traders, minority ethnic communities of Edinburgh East. He is active in a number of other organisations: Chairperson- Edinburgh East Muslim Forum,Chairperson- Sangam Art Academy Edinburgh, Chairperson- Edinburgh Asian traders, Craigmillar, Vice Chairperson - The Pakistan Society Edinburgh, Vice Chairperson- Urdu Circle Edinburgh www.elrec.org.uk @ELRECUK /ELRECUK Page 20 www.elrec.org.uk @ELRECUK /ELRECUK Page 21 Equality Champions Awards Gala Dinner 2016

Dr Christopher Wigglesworth Board member

Dr. Wigglesworth was educated at Durham University, where he studied for his bachelor’s degree and later PhD in Geology. He then moved to Edinburgh where he got a BD in Divinity. He worked in India for 12 years in various capacities: as a geologist, as a rural water trainer and as church minister. He then returned to the UK, working for 8 years as Lecturer at Aberdeen University.

After that experience Dr. Wigglesworth worked for 11 years with the Church of Scotland as administrator on oversea matters. He also served as Councillor at City of Edinburgh Council for 4 years, from 2003 until 2007.

He has always been interested in cooperation between faith groups and social justice, which is why he has joined ELREC.

Promoting equal access by overcoming language barriers

www.happytotranslate.com www.happytotranslate.com

If you would like to know more, please get in touch: [email protected] 0131 444 4951/ 4997/ 4950 www.happytotranslate.com

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Staff members Dr. Elisabetta Spano Project Lead Officer/Fundraiser My name is Elisabetta Spano and I joined ELREC in August 2015 soon after completing my PhD at Edinburgh University. I’ve always wanted to work for a charity, as I am passionate about the idea of working to help other people. Here at ELREC I am the Project Lead Officer and Fundraiser, so I supervise all staff, manage the organisation and I research on funding opportunities. I get inspired every day by my colleagues, always hardworking and committed. In my spare time I like dancing salsa, going for a walk or staying home to read a book or watch a movie. I like all kinds of food, particularly Italian and Asian. My favourite movie is Dead Poet Society.

Email: [email protected]

Didem Kaner Ural Administrator Hi, my name is Didem Kaner Ural. I’ve been with ELREC for three months. To me, working in a non-profit organisation is a way of putting all my knowledge and skills into good use. As the office Administrator, I am supporting daily activities in our busy office environment. Being a part of ELREC gives me the opportunity to communicate with many people from different backgrounds. I get to help with activities and events and so I have a chance to participate in every project. It is definitely rewarding.

Email: [email protected]

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Adrian Barbascumpa Finance Officer My name is Adrian Barbascumpa. I chose to work in charity sector because I enjoy helping people and advising them into the right direction. I have worked for ELREC for a year, starting as a volunteer with the Support and Advice Service and from the end of August I am working as a Finance Officer. I have a solid experience in working in finance, consultancy and in managing accounts and administration as well. I am very happy that I can contribute to ELREC’s work by managing their finances and supporting staff with their projects. In my spare time I like spending it with my family. I like Chinese food and I am also happy to try other countries’ food. I always eat the local food in the country I am traveling to. My favourite movie is Equilibrium. Email: [email protected] Cristiana Nicoletti Youth Zone Coordinator My name is Cristiana Nicoletti and I have worked at ELREC since April 2016. My nature of realistic dreamer drove me to look for a job in the third sector. Working as Youth Zone Coordinator is very rewarding and it allows me to engage and work with young people from different cultural backgrounds. I explore with – and thanks to! – them the diversity of Edinburgh and they explore with me what opportunities are available for their future in terms of career, education or volunteering activities. During my free time I love to plan leisure and adventurous activities which I imagine myself doing… while I drink tea and read. My favourite movie is a hidden gem. It is called Shun Li and the Poet and it is really difficult to find out something about it! Email: [email protected]

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Jean-Matthieu Gaunand Project Coordinator, Communities for Conservation

My name is Jean-Matthieu Gaunand and I am a French environmentalist based in Edinburgh. I started working at ELREC in 2013. I am the founder and coordinator of the Communities for Conservation project. Alumni from Edinburgh University in Environmental Management, I have always been determined to work in a field which was directly tied to my love for the environment. Driven by a will to empower communities, I have put collaboration and partnership at the heart of my approach to success. This has resulted in the development of some excellent working partnerships including partnerships with Home Energy Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden. I enjoy the great outdoors, reading, and seeing friends and family. Email: [email protected]

Mizan Rahman Project Coordinator, Equality Engagement

I began working for ELREC in 2008. Since then I have worked in various roles in different projects. I am passionate about community development and engagement. I enjoy working with people and community groups from diverse backgrounds. I am highly motivated with regard to my job at ELREC. I am inspired by colleagues, volunteers and many community members to do my best. I believe in a fair society where everyone must have an influence with regard to any decision/ changes, which may have an effect on them. My current role involves increasing representation of Minority Ethnic people in Public life and the Democratic Process. I work with diverse community groups, partnerships and different organisations/public agencies around Edinburgh and the Lothians to foster community engagement. The feedback from the community is very positive because people are becoming more socially engaged. I enjoy travelling, reading, gardening and watching cricket. My favourite book is ‘River God’.

Email: [email protected]

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Mitra Rostami Outreach Officer, Bright Choices

My name is Mitra Rostami, and I am an Outreach Officer for Bright Choices. I have been with ELREC since 2013 as volunteer and as paid employee since June 2015. The Bright Choices project aims to tackle honour-based violence. I raise awareness about the issue and the support available through engaging with public and third sector organisations as well as developing and running capacity- building training for their staff and volunteers. I am inspired by the positive feedback that I receive from the community and stakeholders.

I like spending time with my family in my spare time and I like doing exercise. As films, I have watched Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels 6 times, so it must be my favourite movie. AND, I love Persian food, obviously.

Email: [email protected]

Neil Ogilvy Routes to Roots Project Coordinator

I chose to work in the charity sector because I have always wanted to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. In this field you are surrounded by people who all have a passion and dedication for what they do. I have been with ELREC since October 2013, initially as a volunteer and then various employed roles. Currently I am the Project Coordinator of Routes to Roots, a project that explores and highlights shared heritage between diverse communities in Edinburgh. In my spare time I love being outdoors. I play ultimate frisbee and head for the hills for a good walk whenever I can. My favourite film is the Prestige and I love South/South East Asian food.

Email: [email protected]

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Nicholas Greener Youth Development Officer

Hi, my name is Nick Greener, I have worked at ELREC for over two years and have loved it. I got into the charity sector to work with young people, and ELREC gives me the chance to engage with young people on topics that affect their lives. I am the Youth Development Officer, we train up volunteers and go into youth groups and chat to young people about racism, islamophobia, homophobia and migrant exclusion. In my spare time I like cooking and going to the gym to try undo what I just ate. Also I love movies, I am a big fan of science fiction films. I really enjoy working at ELREC, it gives me the chance to work with people who are willing to dedicate their time to help others and make me want to do more.

Email: [email protected]

Nicole Currie Bright Choices Outreach Officer

I started working as Bright Choices Outreach Officer in June 2015. We offer training, awareness raising and capacity building around issues related to honour-based violence and abuse. My motivation for outreach and engagement is to facilitate access to choice and opportunity, and ultimately break down barriers of isolation and powerlessness. I am inspired by social justice movements, liberation struggles, and transnational and intersectional feminism. My ambition in life, work and activism is to fight against borders, for a world where no person is illegal and has the basic right to live, breathe and move freely. I attempt to fill my spare time with reading, socialising with loved ones and learning Arabic. My favourite book is The Silent Minaret by Ishtiyaq Shukri.

Email: [email protected]

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Una Dosen True Colours Project Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator

My name is Una, I have been with ELREC from 2013 as a volunteer and since 2014 as a member of staff. I currently work in two projects, True Colours and Volunteering to Achieve. I am passionate about equality and social justice and working in a charity gives me the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the society. I enjoy listening to music and spending time with my friends in my spare time. I also love cooking and traveling and learning about different cultures. Email: [email protected]

Martin Krumins Caseworker, Support and Advice Service

My name is Martin Krumins and I am the caseworker for the Support and Advice Service. I chose to work in the third sector because the private sector is not as community driven and I love the people I meet. I have volunteered at ELREC with the Service for a year, and I started working a few weeks ago. As part of my job as caseworker, I help and advice people suffering from diffrent forms of discrimination at work or elsewhere. I also provide general support to those who need it e.g. communicating with government bodies and employers. I am inspired by the strength of people in difficult situations. In my spare time I like reading and thinking imaginatively. I’m trying to write a play, but it’s taking too long! My favourite film is Silence of the Lambs.

Email: [email protected]

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Asma Kassim South Asian Community Link Officer

My name is Asma. A. Kassim. As part of the Community for Conservation Project I am working as a South Asian Community Link Officer. In 2010 I participated in the BME Women’s Outdoor Leadership Project. The knowledge and experience of outdoors activities stimulated me to organise and facilitate forestry sessions, the John Muir Awards for families and activities led by local rangers as well as taking part in the Clean Up Scotland project. My involvement in Climate challenge projects as Climate Change Co-ordinator raised my awareness about the issues related to the climate challenge. I joined ELREC last year in November. In my current position I provide advice on various aspects of climate change and how small behaviour changes can contribute towards betterment of the environment. We facilitate workshops and home visits to advise on consumption of electricity and gas. The other strands of the project are to motivate and enable the community to grow food, to cycle and to recycle.

Email: [email protected] David Tai Chinese Community Link Officer

Hello, I am David Tai. I have been working as a Chinese Community Link Officer (Communities for Conservation) in ELREC for over two years. One of my duties is to conduct free Energy Advice home visit to the Chinese community. I am happy to help them lower their energy bills and improve the energy efficiency at home, therefore we can help them achieve the targets for carbon reduction. In my spare time, I like watching TV and films with actions. My favourite film is ‘Die Hard’. About the food, I like seafood such as lobster and scallops. I like working in ELREC because I love to meet and chat with the colleagues and clients from different countries and cultures.

Email: [email protected]

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Dina Ahmed African Community Link Officer

My name is Dina Ahmed and I work as African Community Link Officer for Communities for Conservation project. I have recently joined ELREC and I am very excited about my new job. Communities for Conservation project aims to help people reduce their energy consumption, carbon footprint and energy bills. I raise awareness about climate change and how to make homes more energy efficient. I am inspired to help people be more aware about their environment and be more conscious about what is going on. In my spare time I like swimming, walking, travelling and exploring new places. My favourite food is chicken but I would always like to try different food.

Email: [email protected]

Ewelina Lukaszek Polish Community Link Officer

I have been working with ELREC as Polish Community Link Officer since 2014. I have always been interested and passionate about issues regarding climate change and its impact on our everyday life. Working with members of the Polish community allows me to raise awareness and educate about climate change as well as give advice about energy efficiency and other aspects of eco living. Through our project we offer a range of activities: free energy advice, cycling, community gardens and we also organise eco-events in the community. I am very enthusiastic about my work and I really enjoy being a part of the team at ELREC. In my free time I enjoy reading good historical books and playing football with my son. I have recently decided to take up cycling in order to be more fit and eco-friendly.

Email: [email protected]

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Mariana Diaz Spanish Community Link Officer

I have been working with ELREC as a Spanish Community Link Officer for approximately 6 months. I have a strong connection with Spanish speaking families in Edinburgh and I organise different activities with them. I am passionate about climate change and environmental issues and I have a background in this field. Our project, Communities for Conservation aims to make more sustainable communities through different aspects such as energy efficiency advice, food growing and cycling workshops. Working for a charity gives me the opportunity to be close to issues relevant to the communities and participate in several projects surrounded by very enthusiastic people.

Email: [email protected]

Joan Coll Community Practitioner and Researcher

I am Joan Coll, Community Practitioner and Researcher for Communities for Conservation project. I have just two months experience in ELREC and this came as a great opportunity, because it makes me feel good to help people in my community and in my environment, and it makes much easier the endeavour of making a sustainable and equal society and do my bit. Through surveying the community, I conduct green energy advice home visits, and give the extra push to the undecided to make them switch to a green supplier.

ELREC also gives me the chance to engage with other staff and their projects which I find priceless. Email: [email protected]

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ELREC Projects Bright Choices Started in June 2015, in collaboration with SACRO and MCFB, it is funded by the Big Lottery and focuses on addressing honour based issues within the Black & Minority Ethnic community in Edinburgh. The project aims to support women, men, young people, families and community groups overcoming the problems arising from honour based abuse, and promote an understanding of positive, healthy relationships and informed choices. Over the last year, Bright Choices has evolved from a plan into an effective multi-agency platform for raising awareness on honour-based violence and harmful traditions and supporting the victims. We’ve watched how our project has filled the gap in services by offering support to both male and female victims of honour-based violence, while endeavouring to stay an impartial provider of information to the communities and the service providers in Edinburgh. We have taken a deeply culturally sensitive approach and have been striving to bridge between vulnerable, hard to reach communities and mainstream services. We’ve learned a lot, received postive feedback from our community and professionals we have collaborated with, which has boosted our drive towards working hard on fulfilling our mission. Looking to the future, we would like to see Bright Choices as an essential service connecting communities in Scotland, and to have more vulnerable groups from all layers of the society including LGBT, Roma and faith-based communities under the umbrella of support. Support and Advice Service The Support and Advice Service is a confidential service which provides free and impartial advice for individuals who: • Need housing and benefits advice • Have suffered from discrimination • Need assistance in working with public bodies • Need to report a hate crime This service is partly funded by the Scottish Government-Volunteering Support Grant. The Service works by appointment or through referrals by another agency. ELREC will consider all requests for assistance. If the inquiry falls outside of the scope of the Equality Act of 2010 and/or the Service is not inappropriate, the case, with the client’s consent, will be referred to a more appropriate agency. Last year, the Support and Advice Service supported 92 individuals, despite being available only once a week. The majority of the cases we supported were discrimination cases, involving Race and Employment and Human Rights. Other cases involved housing, benefits and welfare advice. The caseworker benefits from the support and expertise of some dedicated volunteers.

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Communities for Conservation

Ethnic minority communities take action on Climate Change. ELREC’s Their focus on climate change started in 2014 with the launch of the Communities for Conservation project. Funded by the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund, the project aims at inspiring minority communities to reduce their carbon footprint through climate change initiatives. The project team is composed of a project coordinator, community link officers, and volunteers. They run initiatives related to energy efficiency, community gardens, cycling, and climate change awareness. They offer energy advice home visits to help households lower their energy consumption and their bills; ‘‘Grow your own food’’ - workshops in different community gardens in Edinburgh; workshops, training and discussions on climate change; bike ability training, bike repairs and cycling activities; and many volunteer opportunities. The project mostly engage with people from Polish, South Asian, African, Chinese and Spanish backgrounds. To this date, the project has engaged with over 3000 people from BME communities by providing home energy visits, cycling activities, and food growing workshops. Over the last three years, the team has visited over 300 households to provide energy advice reducing CO2e by 1944.14 tonnes. The project has helped its users save over £150,000 through helping them qualify for grants to fund energy saving home improvements. The team has empowered over 100 volunteers to deliver activities whilst developing transferable skills; some of them have pursued a career in the environment. The team has organized 4 large community events gathering over 800 people from BME communities raising awareness of climate change, increasing community cohesion and participation in local environmental initiatives. The team has delivered over 70 workshops related to climate change, energy efficiency, upcycling, waste reduction, and healthy eating. The project was awarded CEMVO’s Environmental Award in 2016. Take part in our project to contribute to more sustainable communities. Facebook: ELRECC4C / Twitter: @ELREC_CFC

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Diversity in Public Life / Equalities Engagement

The ELREC Equalities Engagement project mainly focuses on increasing participation of BME community in public life and the democratic process across Edinburgh and Lothians. The project is funded by the Scottish Government – Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund until June 2017. Since May 2015, the project has undertaken various activities to meet its goals. Last year, we conducted a survey to identify the issues that limit the participation of BME community into public life. Current work involvs the provision of intensive support to the target community through a scheme, the Public Life Champion (PLC). Events and workshops jointly hosted by key public agencies have coincided with last Scottish Parliament election and the EU referendum. The project has supported 15 candidates from BME community in relation to their nomination in the recent Community Council election around East Lothian and Edinburgh Council. Ahead of next year’s local authority election, a number of initiatives are currently ongoing to get more BME people engaged in the election. Equality engagement project also supports public bodies to engage with diverse communities and community organisations to positively advance the Public Sector Equality Duty in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The project provides capacity-building support to the diverse community groups towards fostering their engagement with the mainstream organisations. For more information about our work please visit our project blog: www.diversityinpubliclife.wordpress.com . To enroll onto Public Life Champion (PLC) Scheme, contact us via e-mail: [email protected]. uk . The deadline is 30 Nov 2016. www.twitter.com/ELREC_EE , www.facebook.com/diversityinpubliclife

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Routes to Roots

‘Routes to Roots: Adopting Scotland as a Homeland’ is an exciting new two years project started in July 2016 and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. By working with the South Asian, African, Polish, Spanish and Chinese communities, the project aims to explore and mainstream the intertwining history and shared heritage of Scottish and diverse communities in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The project will work through three main strands. We will interview members of the minority communities and record their stories and experiences through video. A selection of these stories will be transcribed and published in a book at the conclusion of the project. The project will also produce a weekly heritage podcast on a variety of topics relating to heritage and shared heritage throughout the two years. Finally, visits a variety of heritage sites across Edinburgh and the surrounding region will be organised. All aspects of the project will be filmed and shared on social media, YouTube and the Capital Collected website run by Edinburgh Libraries. An exhibition on the project will be displayed at locations around the city at the projects conclusion. If you are interested in finding out more about the project please contact the Project Coordinator, Neil Ogilvy, at the office by phone on 0131 556 0441 or by emailing to: [email protected]

Young People Against Hate (YPAH)

Young People Against Hate project brings young people in Edinburgh together to raise awareness about Hate crime in their community and encourage others within the community to do more to tackle problems such as racism, homophobia and islamophobia. Our aim is provide the tools and develop the skills for young people to be able to challenge discrimination and become peer educators. Additionally, YPAH works with young perpetrators of hate incidents, attempting to develop greater empathy and understanding for their actions. The project is funded by the Big Lottery Young Start program. The Young People Against Hate project delivers free interactive workshops for young people between the age of 13-24, on topics such as: • Racism • Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia • Islamophobia • Cultural awareness • Immigration myth busting

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Hate Crime Campaign in Leith

This is a new project that will start in January 2017 and it is funded by Leith Neighbourhood Partnership through a Community Grant Fund for 6 months. The project will promote an awareness raising campaign on hate crime in Leith. According to a research that ELREC undertook in 2015, Edinburgh North has the highest percentage of recorded hate crime of any of the Edinburgh Police Command Areas. In total 446 hate crimes were recorded in Edinburgh North which accounts for 32% of all hate crime in Edinburgh. The project thus aims to raise awareness on hate crime and to liaise with other organisations and institutions which also work in the area to promote the campaign and to organise workshops for Leith residents on hate crime and equality. In addition, as a Third Party Reporting Centre, we aim to liaise with other Third Party Reporting organisations in Leith in order to exchange good practice, discuss ideas for more efficient support and for joint workshops open to the public to explain the role of third party reporting organisations and their importance for the community.

‘‘I started volunteering for ELREC in June 2016 to support the organisation’s great cause of promoting equality and fighting discrimination. Since I started I felt so welcome by the lovely multicultural team, I loved how each member is passionate about their projects. I mainly help out with research/ workshops of Young people Against Hate project, alongside with Nick who has been a pleasure to work with and always kindly gives constructive feedback. I also helped out Cristiana in updating the Youth Zone project social media; I particularly appreciate her time in giving me some tips in public speaking. Overall, I thoroughly enjoy my volunteering with ELREC as it satisfies my passion of making a positive change in society and in the same time gaining a number of benefits; training, meeting new people therefore learning many new things. To everyone in ELREC thank you for everything.’’ - Diline, ELREC Volunteer

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TRUE Colours (Tackling Racism, Uniting Everyone) TRUE (Tackling Racism, Uniting Everyone) Colours is a group founded by young people, which is encouraged and supported by ELREC. Our objective is to challenge bullying and discrimination in Edinburgh. We want young people to have their voices heard and to promote a regime which addresses the important issues like bullying, discrimination, racism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and gender equality. Our aim is to raise awareness of human rights, equality and diversity in schools and communities in the Edinburgh & Lothians area. The project is funded by the Scottish Government – Promoting Equality and Cohesion Fund until June 2017. Peer Education Our peer education programme is a way to educate and train children and young people. It’s aimed at tackling topical issues within schools today - namely bullying, prejudice and stereotypes. We firmly believe that young people learn more effectively from their peers. The programme workshops aim to raise awareness of these issues among primary and secondary school pupils. In the last two years, since its formation, our youth group TRUE Colours has been addressing inequality in schools across Edinburgh. We are always looking for new members. This is an opportunity for everyone interested in equality to gain the knowledge through training and workshops, and become a peer educator. It is also a great way to gain new skills, learn how to express yourself and make new friends. Please go to goo.gl/qcLQts for our Peer Education Toolkit. TRUE Colours Anti-Bullying Research The TRUE Colours Anti-Bullying research covers the topic of bullying and associated behaviours, produced in collaboration with schools across Edinburgh. Its aim is to provide teachers and students with the tools to tackle and raise awareness about bullying behaviours in schools. Please go to goo.gl/8JJQty to download the publication.

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Volunteering to Achieve Volunteering to Achieve project offers a wide range of activities to improve skills, experience and knowledge of ELREC’s volunteers. The focus of the project is to ensure that each role has a description clearly defining volunteer tasks and what skills they will develop during their time in ELREC. It is funded by the Scottish Government Volunteering Support Grant. The ultimate goal of the project is to provide a structured volunteer programme that is beneficial for both the organisation and volunteers in the following ways: 1. Skill boosting The roles differ from project work, administration, research, event support and outreach and support. These help develop the skills and interests of volunteers by matching them with the most appropriate work at ELREC. This approach treats volunteers as individuals as it recognises that each will have their own motives for volunteering and bring with them varying backgrounds, needs, ambitions and talents. 2. Training and knowledge exchange Within the project we have developed a standardised induction training programme for all new volunteers in order to introduce them to the projects and the work of the organisation. The aim is to create an environment of ongoing personal development for all volunteers. Additionally, we’ve devised a training strategy that involves structured training sessions on key skills and knowledge. The project seeks to enhance benefits of volunteering for ELREC, our volunteers and the communities.

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Youth Zone

The Youth Zone is a space created for all young people in Edinburgh with different cultural backgrounds who are looking for employment, higher education or volunteering opportunities. It is funded by the Robertson Trust and match funded by Big Lottery Young Start. We provide support and advice every step of the way in: • improving, developing or perfecting your employment skills (communication, critical thinking, confidence or self-esteem) • learning how to improve your CV • learning what to do and not to do at a job interview • meeting other young people in your community If you are looking for a job, volunteering opportunity, increase your work experience or choose an academic path, the Youth Zone is for you. If you are unsure about what you want or where to start, the Youth Zone can help. If you are thinking about College, higher education or entering a profession and need some guidance, the Youth Zone is here. If you are looking for training opportunities, the Youth Zone offers plenty of it. Since ELREC has become a Eurodesk UK Partner, during our drop-in sessions you will also have the chance to receive information about European opportunities for young people. Why not boosting the CV with some international experience? There are a lot of funded opportunities to be discovered. Join us! The drop-in sessions take place every Wednesday from 4 pm to 7 pm. To keep up to date, follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Barriers of Poverty and Inequality

Barriers of Poverty and Inequality is a research project that ELREC undertook for six months in 2015 and that was funded by Big Lottery Investing in Ideas programme. This study was based on work conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation which tells us that some ethnic minorities are disproportionately and consistently experiencing economic poverty. Barriers of Poverty and Inequality ended in November 2015 with a final report that highlighted the findings as well as recommendations. The report is accessible through ELREC website. The findings of this research have identified a number of elements in UK and Scottish policy that may adversely affect BME people’s integration and their potential. These elements include lack of proper support for those wishing to understand and access benefits and pension schemes, lack of proper advertisement of childcare subsidies, lack of interpreting services, minimal cultural awareness and sensitivity in employment and health centres, and unnecessarily complex paths to escape abusive or detrimental situations. In addition, this report gives voice to issues and needs of community organisations that struggle to provide efficient support to BME people. Finally, the report acknowledges the limitations of this research, but also provides recommendations of possible steps that could be taken to improve BME’s livelihood, as well as the services offered by the government and community organisations, and opens up new lines of enquiry for further work and research in this area.

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Our current volunteers

Thomas Sutcliffe Francisco Saura Carillo Stephanie Smith Keiran Turnbull Zach Allan James McDonald Christina Hellevik Choi Lin Lzung Yueyue Fitzgerald Arati Chavan Tuntiak Murray Amelia Ashby Prudence Foster Nagat Hamed Barbara Ena Ostrowska Henry Omorere Makhosazana Deborah Nombebe Sara Ridolfi Ratiba Kabli Marta Gordon Jenny Scholtysik Magda Sajnaga Katerina Taliatzi Russell Marlborough Mina Omarchevska Matilda Marshall Hazel Kapepala Makunku Rong Fu Marilyn de Santos Tamsyn Lonsdale-smith Paolo Cavaliere Rebecca Hutchison Alexander Slowman Laura Sinclair Katerina Apostolou Duncan Howard David Weir Kirsty Landale Larissa Engelmann Arran Imrie Wendy Tsang Christophe Brogliolo Aileas Pringle Roisin Bathe Diline Abushaban Sara Fitzsimons Emma Buchan Martina Massoli Holli Kerr Adithya Suriyapperuma Elle Bain Ewan Logie Alice Barker Leda Mappouridou Hannah Lawrence Ceri Strang

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