Hastings young people are hoping to tackle race and religious descrimination by setting up the first Youth Ethnic Forum in East Sussex.
The Forum met for the first time on March 4th and although they are an independent organisation, they will meet alongside Hastings Young Persons Council, who will continue to have links to the project.
With issues surrounding refugees, asylum seekers and overseas language students at the forefront of the news agenda, the establishment of the Youth Ethnic Forum has been welcomed by Hastings Council, Sussex Police and other agencies and organisations in the town, who hope that it will pave the way to racial harmony.
The YEF is open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 25 and aims to promote the integration, racial harmony, training and cultural heritage of young people in the Hastings and Rother District.
There is a clear need for people to begin to understand and embrace the diversity of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. At the moment, the cultural divide means that members of the community can be excluded from opportunities which should be available to everyone. The YEF will report to, receive advice from and consult with the newly established Youth Ethnic Service (YES). The group hopes to employ a Youth Ethnic Worker to take the aims forward.
YES aims to help the Youth Ethnic Forum by acting as a link between all the authorities and organisations and bringing issues to the attention of the wider community. It aims to raise public awareness of these issues and challenge those who do not take ethnic issues into consideration in their every day decision-making.
A YES representative said:
"This is the start of an exciting new development which will give young ethnic people a strong voice in their community."
If you would like to get involved with the Youth Ethnic Forum or Youth Ethnic Services please contact Sue Herriot on 781395 or email sherriot@hastings.gov.uk
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This page last updated: 04/04/2003