‘Assessing the Needs of Black and Minority Ethnic Residents of Ayrshire’

Launch of survey report

Ayrshire Race Equality Partnership (AREP) has carried out a ground-breaking survey of the needs of Black and Minority Ethnic communities in Ayrshire and is now set to launch a report of the survey.

The Ayrshire Race Equality Partnership (AREP) was established in 2003 by authorities in Ayrshire to help assist them in the development and delivery of their race equality schemes. It was established with support from the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE).

Partners are East Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, North Ayrshire Council, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, South Ayrshire Council and Strathclyde Police.

Work which has been carried out in completing the survey has importance for all public authorities both within Ayrshire and in other areas with small Black and Minority Ethnic populations.

The survey is to be launched at a special forum at the John Pollock Centre, Mainholm, Ayr, on Thursday 29 September 2005 (1.00 - 4.30pm).

The survey:

• Provides information about the needs of Black and Minority Ethnic residents in Ayrshire
• Explores some of the challenges facing public authorities in developing and implementing Race Equalities Schemes in areas with small Black and Minority Ethnic populations
• Identifies a number of lessons on engaging with small and dispersed Black and Minority Ethnic communities.

The launch event will explore the following issues through a number of presentations and workshops:

• What does this ground-breaking research tell us about the needs and experiences of Black and Minority Ethnic communities in Ayrshire?
• What can we learn about the most effective methods of engaging with small and dispersed Black and Minority Ethnic communities?
• How can areas with small Black and Minority Ethnic populations drive forward the race equality agenda?
• What are the implications for public authorities that are developing and implementing race equality schemes?

Scheduled to attend the launch event are community planning partners and community representatives from Ayrshire and elsewhere in Scotland, including elected members, officers and community members interested in promoting race equality within:

• Local authorities
• NHS
• Police
• Fire and Rescue services
• Procurator Fiscal
• Community and Voluntary Organisations
• All other organisations reviewing and republishing Race Equality schemes in 2005.

Councillor Andrew Hill, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, and Chair of the South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership is expected to welcome the speakers and invitees attending the launch.

For more information on AREP, please contact Adrian Shaw at South Ayrshire Council; telephone 01292 612134 or e-mail adrian.shaw@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

September 2005