The Guildhall will host the Foyle Race Equality Forum this Monday
DERRY City and Strabane District Council will host the launch of a new group to help promote greater inclusivity for local Black and Minority Ethnic Communities (BME) this Monday, September 19.
The Foyle Race Equality Forum (FREF) is being formed after members of the BME community came together from across the city and district to help give themselves a stronger voice and engage more with statutory agencies and elected representatives.
The launch will take place in the Guildhall as part of a larger programme of events being hosted by Council in support of Community Relations and Cultural Awareness Week.
DCSDC’s Community Relations Officer Carol Stewart urged anyone interested in hearing more about the new group, or playing in active role in their work, to attend the launch.
“We’re delighted that the Forum is launching quite a comprehensive and ambitious strategic plan,” she said. “It will be one of the key events to feature in this year’s Good Relations Week and we’re encouraging local groups and individuals to attend the launch.
“The aim of the FREF is to promote genuine inclusivity for the growing Black and Ethnic Minority community in our locality.
“The issues they face are often distinct and include education, employment, access to services and hate crime. This forum will hopefully offer a platform to address those issues appropriately.
“It also aims to achieve greater integration with the wider community in our city and district so the more local people who support it and get involved, the better.”
The launch event is open to the general public and will be hosted in the Guildhall’s Whittaker Suite from 4pm with refreshments provided.
For more information or to register your interest in attending, e mail kat@nicem.org.uk or call 02871 372235.
