Community Cohesion - BVSC Statement and Support

Brian Carr, BVSC Chief Executive provides a BVSC statement on Community Cohesion
BVSC offers support to the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector on Community Cohesion issues
BVSC to convene a conversation on the VCFSE sector's role in Community Cohesion
Wide ranging Community Cohesion resources shared to support the people VCFSE organisations serve

BVSC Statement on Community Cohesion

“Like many of you, we at BVSC have been deeply concerned by recent rising examples of anti-immigrant sentiment, protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, and the co-option of British and English symbols - such as our national flags - by racist groups.

We know from our own organisational experiences and from what we’ve heard from sector colleagues that many staff members, volunteers and beneficiaries within the VCFSE sector have been left feeling uncomfortable and tense as a result of recent events. These concerns are more than valid, particularly given growing concerns that racist groups may be co-opting grassroots activity and coordinating around it.

At times like this, it’s vital that we continue to listen carefully to our communities and ensure our shared spaces remain welcoming and inclusive. It’s also important to remember that equity, diversity and inclusion are bedrocks of Birmingham’s values and strength, and we all have the power to amplify those qualities together. We have a City-wide ambition to be a City of Sanctuary and an Anti-Racist City, and to build on our ongoing work to address race equality issues through initiatives such as the Birmingham Race Impact Summits, including the VCFSE Mini Race Impact Summit. I know from conversations with City Partnership colleagues that there is a collective will to profile and celebrate the power of our inter-community connections within the city.

Consequently, BVSC will shortly be convening a conversation around the role of the city’s VCFSE sector in creating and nurturing community cohesion, and supporting and including those who experience discrimination and exclusion. Your input to that conversation will be invaluable, and details will follow shortly.

In the meantime, we’d like to share a number of resources which you can draw upon to support the people you serve”

Brian Carr, Chief Executive, BVSC

Resources:

Hate Crime - If you become aware of any hate crimes, please refer to the guidance on how to report them here. The resources also include details of VCFSE based local hate crime reporting centres who can offer support, advice and ways to report the incident without having to talk directly to the police.

Birmingham Community Safety Partnership

West Midlands Police

Brummies United Against Racism and Hate Crime - Brummies have come together to create the 'Brummies United Against Racism and Hate Crime' initiative, and have developed a poster campaign for sharing across your neighbourhoods. For more information, see the Facebook group here:

Brummies United Against Racism and Hate Crime

National Hate Crime Awareness Week - 11 - 18 October - National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place each year. This is week of action to encourage the authorities, key partners and communities affected by hate to work together to tackle hate crime across the UK. Take part in local events or organise your own. For more information:

National Hate Crime Awareness Week

Violent Extremism- If you are concerned about violent extremism, please refer to guidance on how to report this through the Prevent Scheme here:

Report Violent Extremism

Birmingham City of Sanctuary – Birmingham is a City of Sanctuary, committing to include all refugees and migrants visiting, residing or working in the City.

Birmingham City of Sanctuary

Migrant Support - The Migrant Advice Portal is a hub to access support and to better connect asylum, refugee and migrant services across Birmingham and the West Midlands. This includes details of VCFSE migrant support services.

Migrant Advice Portal

Birmingham Race Impact Group (BRIG) – BRIG is committed to promoting racial justice in Birmingham. They lead on the Birmingham Race Impact Summits and on supporting Birmingham to become an Anti-Racist City.

BRIG

VCFSE Mini Race Impact Summit (MRIS) – BVSC worked with BRIG and VCFSE partners on the VCFSE Mini Race Impact Summit and Position Paper.

VCFSE MRIS

BRAP - A charity looking to transform the way we think and do equality.

BRAP

BVSC Directories Page – A webpage listing various VCFSE and partner directories, organisations and services across Birmingham City. Use this to search for wider information and support.

BVSC Directories Page

Be Well Wellbeing Toolkit – A toolkit created for all staff involved in, or responsible for, staff wellbeing in refugee and migration organisations. It will encourage inclusive conversations about staff wellbeing and help you create a wellbeing policy.

Be Well Wellbeing Toolkit

More Information/ Get Involved – For more information, to get involved in addressing community cohesion issues, or if you have any questions please contact [email protected]

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