The Race Equality Centre’s work assists in promoting racial justice and harmony in the city. The recent tensions highlight the necessity of our ongoing work which includes the empowerment of local communities to address matters in a manner which maintains the dignity and respect of all communities.

As a multi-facetted multi-cultural city, whose migrant communities have enriched the very fabric of Leicester it is in everyone’s best interest to ensure the violence between a minority of individuals does not escalate and further impact the majority of our peace-loving citizens.

The Nationality and Borders Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 6 July 2021.

It makes changes to the UK immigration system as it relates to asylum seekers and refugees. It does this primarily by introducing a two-tier system for asylum seekers arriving in the UK, differentiating based on method of arrival.

UK’s proposed changes mean

• Restricting access to asylum by introducing a two-tiered approach in which only those who come to the UK through so-called safe and legal pathways will have access to the full benefits of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Most other refugees may be denied many of their rights under the Convention, as well as the fundamental human right to family reunion.

• Declaring many applicants “inadmissible” and ineligible to claim asylum in the UK because of their connection to a country the UK deems safe, including countries where they have never been or where they were unable to apply for refugee status. Because the UK does not have any agreements to return refugees to other countries, the result is that their cases are placed on hold for around six months, significantly increasing backlogs and costs.

• Introducing the possibility of “externalization” (sending asylum seekers to other countries the Home Secretary designates as safe). 

• Introducing a new criminal offence of arriving in the UK without entry clearance. The maximum sentence for arriving without clearance, entering unlawfully, or overstaying will be increased to 4 years imprisonment. Those helping asylum-seekers come to the UK would also be criminalised, even when this is not ‘for gain’, and regardless of whether or not the asylum-seeker arrived irregularly. 

• Changes to asylum procedures and safeguards, including accelerated appeals processes, centralized age assessment, and higher standards of proof for. 

• Restricting access to the National Referral Mechanism for victims of trafficking. 

In the past four years, UNHCR has on average resettled 51,828 refugees per year globally against estimated needs for 1.4 million places. Because of COVID and other limitations, only 22,770 were resettled through UNHCR last year, with 829 arriving in the UK. 

Under resettlement, UNHCR and its partners (NGOs, religious and civic groups) seek to identify those most at risk or in need and submit them to potential host countries.

Refugees cannot simply apply for resettlement (the list would be unmanageable and run into decades), and people who are displaced or being persecuted within their own country are not eligible.  So, while most refugees and victims of persecution remain where they are, others take the risk of moving further afield, often to countries where they have family members or friends who can help them integrate and where they feel safe. hough important, pales in comparison to needs. In the past four years, UNHCR has on average resettled 51,828 refugees per year globally against estimated needs for 1.4 million places. Because of COVID and other limitations, only 22,770 were resettled through UNHCR last year, with 829 arriving in the UK. 

Under resettlement, UNHCR and its partners (NGOs, religious and civic groups) seek to identify those most at risk or in need and submit them to potential host countries. Refugees cannot simply apply for resettlement (the list would be unmanageable and run into decades), and people who are displaced or being persecuted within their own country are not eligible.  So, while most refugees and victims of persecution remain where they are, others take the risk of moving further afield, often to countries where they have family members or friends who can help them integrate and where they feel safe. 

No one would attempt to cross the Channel in a small boat if they had another choice. But refugees have no safe way to travel to the UK to claim asylum. The government knows this, and it could get to work creating those routes - such as a special refugee visa, allowing a person to travel from France to the UK for their asylum claim. Instead, it throws money at headline-grabbing, tried-and-failed policies intended to 'deter' refugees. The anti-refugee borders bill currently being debated in Parliament is a copy and paste attempt at these cruel, failed policies.

Source

UNHCR

JCWI

The Law Society

Executive member Learie Gonslaves has been honoured by Diversecity Surveyors. They said on their website “we want to focus on those within our talentpool, specifically from the Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority community, who we know and see as ‘actively supporting positive change within AND across the Surveying profession’.”

Learie said “I am absolutely honoured to be featured on the DCS website as a quit game changer across the global surveying profession. So proud to be recognised amongst such big hitters”.

The website highlighted Learie Gonsalves MRICS one of very few Black independent practitioners in the East Midlands.

Learie is a STEM Ambassador and has in excess of 25 years experience within the building profession, along with extensive knowledge in both professional surveying and project-based disciplines. He is well versed in various aspects of building pathology and has clients in both the private and public sectors; locally, nationally and across Europe.

Read more here:

https://www.diversecity-surveyors.com/single-post/dcs-honours-quiet-game-changers-across-the-global-surveying-profession?fbclid=IwAR2Eiq946jU2ItOuX-OnYmjBOL-b33uoJjkkb1ziI6521KIFWVF-4t7bre0

When people took the knee or stood up in solidarity with the world to say Black lives matter, it wasn’t an organisation that they were supporting but a whole mindset change, to highlight that Black lives are not mattering and they should and do matter in order to make the statement quoted by ‘all lives matter’ true, trust us when we say we wish we could say ‘all lives matter’ with the same conviction knowing they really do.

The football reaction in England yesterday almost certainly proved racism is not a thing of the past and reports such as the Sewell report saying ‘there is no such thing as institutional racism in the UK’ and those saying it is American issue as we don’t have the same level of racism here, Black equality movements are dividing things further, taking the knee is just a superfluous gesture, I sure hope ego does not get in your way today to understand that everything is so necessary and hold your hands up to say you were wrong.

Racism has no place in society and football is just a game, to go around with an absolute thuggish mindset, use racist language and beat anyone who is different in your path of destruction (forget after losing the game but even before a ball was kicked), has proven the taking the knee is the least people can do to raise awareness for equality, there is still so much work to do.

I am waiting to hear from those who said it is a meaningless gesture as it is not necessary, to apologise and if you are an MP who had this sentiment you need to publicly apologise and accept you are out of your depth.

PM Boris Johnson tweeted -

‘This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media.

Those responsible for this appalling abuse should be ashamed of themselves.’

I hold you responsible PM for this behaviour too because Brexit, Sewell Report, saying you don’t believe in gestures in relation to taking the knee and refusing to condemn those booing players who did, has had a direct impact on the racism you see today, you should be ashamed. You gave the green light.

To all the England team especially the three lions who stepped up and are being abused. We your true fans have the utmost respect for what you have achieved on and off the pitch, you have given young children and adults everywhere some hope by just seeing England in the final in our lifetime and achieved amazing things on and off the pitch.

Bounce back with a roar!

Statement from Wajeeda Yusuf - TREC Board Member.

It has now been a year since George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis, America

on May 25 2020. As we did at the time, TREC condemns the actions of the

Minneapolis police and the continuing oppression, and brutality towards Black

people and towards Black communities in America. Floyd’s death was a global

touchpoint for the fight against racism and discrimination. While the Black Lives

Matter movement already existed, his death led to an explosion in the number and

visibility of protests around the world against the excessive use of force by police

against Black people, and against the lack of police accountability. All around the

world, including here in the UK protests, marches and Vigils are being held to

remember Floyd, to celebrate his life and decry his murder.

This is a time to remember Floyd but it is also a time for us to take stock, and look to

the future. While over the last year Black Lives Matter protests have grown in

support and strength around the world, the question must be asked: how much has

actually been done? How much in concrete terms has actually been achieved? While

politicians have said some very solemn words about how Floyd’s death was a

tragedy, and corporations have fallen over themselves to tweet their support for

Black Lives Matter, the truth is institutional racism is still a problem, white supremacy

has not been dismantled, education has not been decolonised, and people of colour

are still being victimized and killed. It will not bring Floyd back but the hard work to

build a better future still needs to be done, uncomfortable truths need to be faced,

and racists need to be held to account. The road towards true equality for all is a

long and difficult one to walk. It is one TREC will continue to walk with our ongoing

work addressing issues with police policies and practices, the over policing of Black

communities, and the disproportionate use of Stop and Search.

RIP George Floyd

14 October 1973 – 25 May 2020

COVID19 Vaccination Scam

As of 7 January 2021, Action Fraud had received 57 reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for coronavirus vaccinations. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website. In the UK, coronavirus vaccinations will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a local GP surgery or pharmacy, to receive your vaccination. Remember, the vaccinations are free of charge and you will not be asked for a payment.

The NHS will never:

• ask for your bank account or card details

• ask for your PIN or banking passwords

• arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine

• ask for documentation to prove your identity, such as a passport or utility bills

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge. If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

 

Windrush Community Fund

The Windrush Community Fund is up to £500,000 of financial support available to charity, community or grassroots organisations across the UK to fund projects which raise awareness of the Windrush Scheme (documentation), the Windrush Compensation Scheme or both. This support is available to fund activities across the UK. Awards will range from a minimum of £2,500 to a maximum of £25,000.  Voice4Change England will oversee the Windrush Community Fund application process. They will process incoming applications and respond to enquiries about the application process. The applications will then be referred to the Windrush Cross-Government Working Group and the Home Office, who will make final decisions on funding.

 

For More Information Please Click Here

Covid vaccine: 72% of black people unlikely to have jab, UK survey finds

Advisers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) have raised fresh concerns over Covid vaccine uptake among black, Asian and minority ethnic communities (BAME) as research showed up to 72% of black people said they were unlikely to have the jab. Historical issues of unethical healthcare research, and structural and institutional racism and discrimination, are key reasons for lower levels of trust in the vaccination programme, a report from Sage said.

 

For More Information Please Click Here

Cultural Warriors Attacking "Woke" History Care Little For Truth. It's All Political Theatre

Historian David Olusoga has written an article about the recent trend both in the UK and USA to push against teaching a more inclusive view of our history. Olusoga characterizes these attempts by politicians who claim to want to protect "our history" as being political theatre intended to pander to notions of exceptionalism that have prevented us from confronting difficult facts and painful truths about what our nation has done and been and how those histories continue to shape our modern societies.
 

For More Information Please Click Here

Black Bosses "Shut Out" By "Vanilla Boys Club"

There are fewer black people at the top of the FTSE 100 firms despite long-standing diversity targets, research has found. For the first time in six years, there are no black chairs, chief executives or finance chiefs, the Green Park consultancy found. Green Park chair Trevor Phillips said talented black people did not stay at big firms because they felt they would be used as "window dressing". A "vanilla boys' club" of senior executives was to blame, he said. According to Green Park's research, just 10 out of 297 FTSE 100 chairmen and women, chief executives and finance chiefs are from an ethnic minority background.
 

For More Information Please Click Here

Ministers Promise Crackdown On Online Racism Against Black Footballers

Ministers have vowed to crack down on online racism levelled at footballers as Manchester police confirmed they were launching an investigation into the racial abuse a number of black players received during the last week. The Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford has described the racist abuse he received after United’s draw at Arsenal as “humanity and social media at its worst”. This came as the Chelsea defender Reece James, West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers and the Manchester United duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were also all targeted this week.
 

For More Information Please Click Here

Craig Small Killing: Police Officers Under Investigation Over Sharing Of CCTV Film

Two Metropolitan police officers are under criminal investigation for allegedly filming and sharing CCTV evidence of the moment a man was murdered, the Guardian has learned.Carol Campbell said that the video of the murder of her son, Craig Small, being uploaded to social media has compounded her trauma. Small, 32, was shot outside a shop in Wembley, London on 5 July 2019. He later died in hospital. The moment was caught on the CCTV of a nearby fast food outlet. Days later, his family discovered that a video was circulating on social media of the moment Small was killed.
 

For More Information Please Click Here

The Runnymede Trust is coordinating a shadow report assessing the government's implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) on behalf of civil society organisations. They are seeking evidence from civil society organisations, academics, and institutions to shape their report. The civil society report is crucial to holding the government to account for their legal obligations under CERD. To get this evidence they are holding a roundtable on 11 March 2021 at 1PM via zoom.

If You Would Like To Attend Or Have Any Questions Please Click Here To Send An Email

If You Are Unable To Attend, But Would Like To Share Written Evidence To Influence The Report Please Click Here

Leicester City FC will continue to take the knee in support of Black Lives Matter to give constant reminders of the discrimination black people face the world over. City skipper Wes Morgan, along with Watford’s Troy Deeney, pushed for the Premier League and its players to show support for the movement, with players taking the knee before kick-off in every game since football restarted in the summer. Morgan said he feels it’s important for players to continue to take the knee to make sure the message, and the racism suffered by black people, are not forgotten.

For More Information Please Click Here

Equality Action has an exciting opportunity to work on the delivery of our new 5 year project “Accessing Health for All” from April 2021. These posts will support the project working with the Black, Asian & Minority Ethic communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland creating pathways to mental health services delivered by Vita Health group on behalf of the NHS. It will be delivered by 4 part time staff (18.5 hours per week each) based out in the community at locations in the county and city. You may apply for more than one post. The role will require experience of working with or engaging with people from minority ethnic backgrounds.

For More Information Including Job Requirements, Duties, And How To Apply Please Click Here

Rumours and fake news are deterring some people from Leicester's communities from getting the Covid-19 vaccine. A rise in videos, viral messages and other fake news has seen unsubstantiated claims that the vaccines contain animal products including beef or pork, as well as alcohol, which are prohibited and unsuitable for people of some faiths. The rumours, which have also spread through word-of-mouth, have led to some refusing the vaccine. A study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that people from ethnic minority backgrounds were less likely to take the vaccine. Now community groups in Leicester are trying to tackle this spread of misinformation locally.

Read more: https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/fake-news-circulating-communities-putting-4895051#ICID=Android_LecesterMercuryNewApp_AppShare

New national restrictions announced

On Monday 4 January the UK prime minister announced a new lockdown in England, running from 5 January to at least mid-February. The lockdown measures are necessary to reduce levels of COVID-19 which are high nationally and locally and to protect against the new variant of COVID-19 that is more easily transmissible.

The measures mean that with few exceptions we must all now stay at home to protect each other and stop the spread of the virus. The COVID vaccination programme is underway, however, it will take time before this becomes effective at a community level. In the meantime, by following the Government guidelines we can protect our friends, families and communities. Our actions will also ease pressure on our NHS enabling them to treat both covid patients and those suffering from other conditions. We realise this will be difficult for many people but please be aware that support is available. We can help with advice on how to protect your mental health and wellbeing, help getting food items if you have no one else to turn to or financial support through government grants. 

Visit our website www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus/coronavirus-support-for-residents for advice or email c19support@leicester.gov.uk giving a contact telephone number if possible. If you are telling us about another person, please get their permission before giving us their phone number or address.

Protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay at home.

And remember to

wash ours hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water

always wear a face covering in enclosed spaces such as shops and where social distancing is difficult, for example when queuing

keep two metres apart from anyone you don’t live with.

Education

Schools and colleges have all closed with students (apart from children of key workers and those considered vulnerable) now being taught remotely.

The scheduled 2021 A-levels and GCSEs have been cancelled with guidance issued soon about how awards will be given.

Students studying certain degrees (e.g. medicine and veterinary science) will be returning for face to face lectures but other university students will access their lectures online.

Early years provision is unaffected, but you are advised to check with your childcare provider for individual arrangements

Places of worship

You are able to visit a place of worship for communal worship (social distancing and other measures will apply). You are permitted to attend a funeral or other event related to a death and attend a wedding (subject to guidance and maximum numbers). Please note that weddings are subject to strict guidance and permitted in exceptional circumstances.

Exercise

Gyms, leisure centres and outdoor facilities including outdoor gyms are closed. You may exercise outdoors but are only allowed to do so if you are:

·         On your own

·         With someone that you live with

·         With someone from your bubble

·         With one other person (if you are on your own)

Bubbles

You are only allowed to form a bubble under certain circumstances. You can only form a support bubble if:

• you live alone

• you are the only adult in your household who does not need continuous care as a result of a disability

• your household includes a child who is under the age of one (as of 2 December 2020)

• your household includes a child with a disability who requires continuous care and is under the age of 5 (as of 2 December 2020)

• you are aged 16 or 17 living with others of the same age and without any adults

• you are a single adult living with one or more children who are under the age of 18 (as of 12 June 2020) – if you share custody of your children with someone who you don’t live with then your children can move freely between both households. You do not need to form a support bubble to do this.

You must not form a support bubble with a household that is part of another support bubble.

You can form a childcare bubble if you provide or receive childcare from one other household if you live with someone under the age of 14 - you must not meet socially with your childcare bubble.

For more information visit the government’s website www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household.

Seeking medical help

If you need medical treatment, then please do not hesitate to contact your doctor. Your GP may offer a telephone appointment service which means that you will not have to leave your home. Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 for medical advice over the phone.

You must still attend your routine appointments.

For more information and details of all of the restrictions go to the gov.uk website www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home

New Strain of Coronavirus

As you will have seen in the media a new strain of Coronavirus has been identified.

There is no evidence to say that this new strain affects people more severely, but it is transmitted more easily. This is why it’s is extremely important that we continue to follow the guidelines and stay at home.

Remember the less contact with other people that you have the lower the risk of catching it and passing it on to others.

Testing

Testing is really important to help us find out who has coronavirus so they can isolate and reduce the risk of it spreading.

There are two types of tests available:

·         Rapid test (lateral flow tests) – these will give you a result in less than an hour. Some residents without symptoms are choosing to get tested at our rapid testing centre at Fosse Neighbourhood Centre. There is no need to book and you get your results within an hour. Please remember to wear a face covering if you go. If you get a positive result you will need to self-isolate along with the rest of your household.

·         PCR tests – these are the bookable tests for those with symptoms. You will get your results within 48 hours. You must self isolate whilst you are waiting for the test results, as must anyone that you live with.

There are many testing centres in Leicester – for more information about where they are please go to our website – www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus/coronavirus-in-leicester-latest-news.

Isolation

If you have symptoms of coronavirus, or you have tested positive, you must self-isolate at home, even if you are a key worker. Everyone you live with must also stay at home.

This is because if you have coronavirus there is a high chance you could pass it to other people. By staying in your home, and away from others (you must not leave your home for any reason at all this includes going to work, daily exercise or shopping), you reduce the risk of passing the virus on to other people. This is the most important thing we can all do to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

If you are self-isolating because you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus or who has symptoms, then you will be pleased to know that the isolation period has reduced from 14 days to 10 days. This is because you are at risk of having caught the virus from that person and need to reduce the risk of passing it on to others.

Current self isolation guidelines*

If you have  symptoms of coronavirus - Isolate  for at least 10 days or until you feel better – this may be longer  than 10 days (check the NHS website for latest guidance)

If you have  tested positive for coronavirus - Isolate  for at least 10 days or until you feel better – this may be longer  than 10 days (check the NHS website for latest guidance)

If you are  waiting for the results of a coronavirus test - If you  have symptoms you must self-isolate whilst waiting for the result. If the  test is positive you must isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms or  date of positive test

If you live  with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus - You must  isolate for 10 days from the start of their symptoms

If you live  with someone who is waiting for coronavirus test results - If they  have symptoms, you must isolate whilst they are waiting for the test  results.  If the test is positive you  must isolate for 10 days from the start of their symptoms

If you have  been identified as a close contact of someone who has coronavirus - You must  isolate for as long as you have been advised to by your school or workplace  or the NHS test and trace service

For the latest guidance visit the NHS website:  www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-long-to-self-isolate/

If you’re on a low income and cannot work while you self-isolate, you may be able to get a support payment of £500 and you may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (for more information visit the government’s website www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/what-youll-get); or you may be eligible for Employment Support Allowance www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/eligibility

If you need any help whilst you isolate you could ask friends or neighbours to help you; or, if you don’t have anyone to do this then visit our website or email c19support@leicester.gov.uk

Contact Tracing

If you test positive for coronavirus you will be contacted by the Test and Trace team (this could be either the national or local Leicester City Council team), they will ask if you understand what this means and if you need any support. They will also ask you for details of who have been in close contact with so that they can contact them and advise them to self isolate for 10 days.

The test and trace team will keep calling you for a period of time until they get this information so its really important that you give them as much information as you can. Your details will be kept anonymous.

Coronavirus Vaccine

The coronavirus vaccine continues to be administered in Leicester. The first groups to be vaccinated are people over 80, health and social care staff and care home residents. The priority groups for vaccination have been set by the government.

You do not need to contact your GP to arrange your covid vaccination - you will be contacted directly to book your vaccine. For more information visit the NHS website -  www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine

Care homes

We know how hard this year has been for those with family and loved ones in care homes and we know that you are anxious to visit them as soon as you can. Unfortunately, due to the high risks involved the majority of care homes are not able to have visitors just yet.

As elderly people and care home staff are amongst the first to be vaccinated, hopefully we will not have to wait much longer to see our loved ones.

For more information:

 Subscribe to Your Leicester and get the latest information weekly via email

Continue to follow Leicester City Council on social media Facebook Leicester City Council and Twitter @Leicester_News

There is a range of videos that can be shared on our Your Tube channel Leicester City Council

They continue to update our translated materials on the webpages here

For the latest data on the situation in Leicester go to their website here

Dear friends of the NHS,

Your local NHS is currently under immense pressure from the impact of Covid-19.

Within our hospitals we are currently treating double the patients with Covid-19 than we did at the height of the first peak. More than a quarter of all our in-patients have the virus. The number requiring intensive care is also significantly higher than we saw during the summer. These are people of all ages and all backgrounds, and not all of them have pre-existing conditions.

This is in addition to the normal increases in seasonal illnesses we usually see at this time of year, with pressure being felt right the way across the local NHS including GP practices and community and mental health services. It also comes at a time when we are working around the clock to administer the Covid-19 vaccine to as many eligible people as possible, as quickly as we can.

It is physically and emotionally exhausting on doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, porters and so many more who witness first hand the terrible effects of Covid. They have worked incredibly long hours, caring for people who are breathless and gasping for life. Too often they have witnessed the tragic death of someone’s husband or wife, mother or father, son or daughter.

We’re working hard to create as much additional capacity as we can, including intensive care, so that we can continue to care for as many patients as possible. But as the number of coronavirus cases goes up so does the risk of our hospitals and other local NHS services being overwhelmed.

We’ve been touched by the support and love shown for our NHS and social care heroes – as well as other frontline workers such our emergency services, teachers and shop assistants – throughout the pandemic. It has been genuinely humbling to see.

Many people have asked us what more they can do to show their support for our staff. Our message is simple: Covid-19 is spreading more easily and more quickly than before. It is vital that we bring infection rates down to curb the spread of the virus and protect patients and local services.

We know lockdown restrictions have been a burden and difficult for many people. We’re grateful that the vast majority have complied with the rules. And whilst we now have a vaccination programme, which offers us the best hope of beating coronavirus, the impact of this will take time. So, for now, we must all carry on acting as though we have the virus to protect ourselves and others.

Don’t think this virus cannot or will not affect you.

Please stay at home as much as you possibly can. Only go out it if it is genuinely essential. If you must go out wear a mask and stay as far away from others as you can, and at least 2 metres wherever possible. Keep on washing your hands thoroughly and regularly.

If you develop symptoms please book a test immediately and stay home until you receive the results. If you test positive you must isolate for 10 days.

We understand how tough it is. But following the guidance will help to keep you and your loved ones safe as well as helping to ensure that your local NHS can provide care to people who need it, whether as a result of coronavirus or another health issue.

Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives.

Andy Williams Chief Executive Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups

Angela Hillery Chief Executive Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust

Rebecca Brown Acting Chief Executive University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

The next CENSUS is on Sunday 21st of March 2021. Information collected in the census helps to decide planning of and funding for services. It is important that the census counts everyone. The Office of National Statistics is keen to ensure that they are able to engage with all communities ahead of the Census Day. To this end they have established a number of Census Community Advisors who can give information and answer your queries.
By filling in your census, you will help shape your community for the next 10 years. For the first time, it will be a primarily online census, making it easier to complete on any device. Online support centres and paper questionnaires will be available for those who need them.
Find out more at www.census.gov.uk and for further information please contact:

Census Engagement Manager Leicester - Robert Woodford
Mobile Number: +44 (0)7452 921442 Email: robert.woodford34@field.census.gov.uk for support and answers to your questions about the census.

Community Advisor Leicester: Arab community - Lolita Hardy
+ يرجى الاتصال برقم هاتف لوليتا هاردي: 7452938051 (0) 44 Email : lolita.hardy65@field.census.gov.uk
.للدعم والإجابة على أسئلتكم حول التعداد

Community Advisor Leicester: Black African community- Eric Waweru
+44 (0)7452 941958 Email: eric.waweru19@field.census.gov.uk for support and answers to your questions about the census.

Community Advisor Leicester: Chinese community - Guixiang Qin
关于人口普查的各种问题， 请联系秦女士 手机：（+44) (0)7452 945963， 邮箱：guixiang.qin13@field.census.gov.uk， 她将为您提供支持和帮助。

Community Advisor Leicester: Indian community - Iftikhar Ghanchi
મહેરબાની કરીને સંપર્ક કરો +44 (0)7452 940341 iftikhar.ghanchi99@field.census.gov.uk વસ્તી ગણતરી વિશેના તમારા પ્રશ્નોના સમર્થન અને જવાબો માટે.

Community Advisor Leicester: Somali community - Nawal Hassan
La xariir mobilka: +44 (0)7452 939447 iyo email: nawal.hassan22@field.census.gov.uk, waxaad ka heleysaa caawimaad iyo jawaabaha su’aalaha oo ku saabsan Tirokoobka.

The Race Equality Centre will be hosting 'The Colour of Injustice' conference on the 20th April 2021 marking the 40th anniversary of the Brixton Uprisings (10-12 April 1981). The conference will investigate, challenge and present solutions to the ongoing disproportionality rates of Stop Search in Leicester and Leicestershire. This event will bring key stakeholders and impacted communities together to discuss disproportionalities in policing, drug law and enforcement. Further information will be released on the 21st March 2021 marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Due to the current pandemic and following government revised instructions regarding Leicester, The Race Equality Centre is closed to the public. We are providing a restricted service via the telephone numbers below until further notice. For anyone struggling financially we are running a foodbank every Wednesday between 2-3pm in the Sports Hall of the Highfields Centre. Please note and use the telephone numbers below between 10am - 1pm and, 2pm - 4pm, Monday to Thursday only in an ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY.

• Immigration emergencies: WhatsApp MESSAGES only 07391 817 007

• EU Resettlement appointments: 07535 693 795 (no appointments currently being booked)

• New refugee clients: 07776 904454

• Housing emergencies: 07494730489 (please leave a name and contact number)

• All other emergencies: 07776 904473

The Race Equality Centre sends a BIG THANKS to the Covid-19 Community-Led Organisation Recovery Scheme for the vital financial support awarded to the organisation.
This scheme is being delivered by Power to Change, Locality, the Ubele Initiative and,
Social Investment Business, on behalf of the National Lottery Community Fund. We are now able to extend our reach (without flouting the current Covid19 restrictions) into the communities, families and individuals who need the services of The Race Equality Centre, enabling service users to meet their legal deadlines which is not a consideration within said restrictions. A separate thank you goes directly to The National Lottery Community Fund for seeing fit to support us further.

1.    Introduction

1.1   Our vision as the Racial Minority Voluntary Sector Assembly, was to provide a service where Leicester’s racial minority organisations, through membership could make applications for funds to maintain and support their individual organisation staff or clients suffering the effects of Covid-19.

2.    The Call

2.1   As there was a total of £17,000 a decision was made to approach the 150 plus members of the assembly through an initial e-bulletin followed by an email inviting them to make their application for the funds ranging from £500 to a maximum of £1000.

2.2   The funds were initially advertised on the 15 October 2020. Interest was effective with responses and requests for applications and membership.  On the 22 October 2020 telephone calls were made from A-Z through our contact list advising Assembly members directly of the grant availability.

2.3   At this stage it was realised that although a lot of our members had access to email (via smart phones), they did not necessarily have access to a laptop or computer to complete the grant application form and return it.

2.4   We recognised this as a barrier preventing organisations from applying for the funds. For this reason, we slightly adjusted our outreach style allowing applications to be made via post, zoom and telephone (using the same form, which would be filled in at the time) which we found the members were very responsive too.

2.5   This allowed the service we were providing to be more deliverable to our target market, reaching multiple organisations that may not have been confident to applying through the email application process.

3.    The Process

3.1   Once the process was amended, we decided to lower the amount that could be applied for (allowing more organisations to be helped). We ensured the application form was basic with very few questions.

3.2   The returned forms were reviewed weekly enabling those who made application to receive the funds the following week (or immediately thereafter). Funds were on a first come first serve basis (which was shared from the outset).

3.3   Once the outreach telephone/zoom applications were completed a deadline was set for the 13 November 2020 and all zoom and telephone applications were completed during this time.  The applications were then reviewed, and funds allocated in accordance with the Covid-19 relevance.

4.    The Outcome

4.1   Generally, we found that the maximum fund amount was applied for in most applications.  Whereas some organisations were asking for funds to purchase laptops and equipment to enable them to work from home during Covid-19 other organisations were asking for funds to support purchasing PPE equipment.  The distribution of funds was therefore allocated to reflect this, regardless to the amount applied for.

4.2   TREC believe the overall outcome of the project was successful as all funds were distributed to 24 racial minority organisations ranging from £150 - £1000 to aid them during the uncertain times of Covid-19.

4.3   Once all the funds were finished a grant evaluation form was sent out to a selection of grant receivers (10). The feedback suggested the application method was positively adaptable and smooth from the start of the process to being awarded the funds.

5.    Observations

5.1   Were TREC to engage in a grant giving process again some of the improvements that would be made is as follows:

·         Multiple options to submit a grant application to enable a fair process for all applicant made known from the outset

·         One application submission per organisation

·         Deadline for application process, fund acceptance deadline and, funds used by deadline would be stated in the application. (This was stated only in the guidance).

·         Request for TREC logo to be added to any publications outreach, expressing TREC’s grant assisted in project delivery

5.2   The need to be adaptable when working with racial minority organisations is paramount when it comes to being inclusive in reducing inequalities.

5.3   There are many barriers to form filling that prevent racial minority organisations from obtaining funds. This process clearly highlighted this fact.

·         The ability to confidently read and respond to application questions

·         Language

·         Literacy

·         The complications become more obvious when the forms are lengthy, wordy and when answering and expressing needs may be difficult due to language/cultural differences.

5.4   It would be beneficial for assembly members to have a course/workshop in completing grant application forms which may be something that TREC could host in the future or if not host, signpost to organisations that may be able to provide this service.  The added complication here is that most of our newly formed racial minority organisations may not have English as their first/second language, this is where TREC would be best delivering the workshops due to the bilingual staff members/volunteers and the current level of trust between TREC and the said organisations.

5.5   The benefits of workshop(s) would be to provide confidence in completing grant application forms, as TREC are aware that not all funders will make adjustments to their application process to suit the needs of applicants with language limitations and for those organisations, it is fundamental to be able to proactively apply for appropriate funds to keep going.

5.6   This would be done to encourage organisations to correctly answer the questions being asked, understand the requirement to apply the needs of the organisation to the criteria of the fund, ensure synergy of what is being applied for with the funders’ objectives.  This assistance will give confidence to those organisations to make applications to larger funders.

We at TREC are putting a renwed focus on growing our twitter page and expanding its reach. As such we are asking if anyone reading is interested please give our twitter a boost by following us. All it takes is a few clicks and it would help a lot. We are @TREC1967.

During the height of the pandemic when staff were either furloughed or working from home, ‘Diverse Minds’ provided staff with a much needed ‘Health & Wellbeing’ workshop.

Diverse Minds is a holistic consultancy with a solutions-focus, bringing a wealth of experience from higher education, private and public sectors.

Diverse Minds supports organisations to invest in their staff to create an open, healthy, happy, and productive workplace. Their founder and CEO Leyla Okhai is the former Head of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre at Imperial College London and wanted to ‘give back’ to the staff and volunteers of TREC who have been working hard to maintain their services to the most vulnerable.

The ‘gifting’ didn’t end there. Leyla surprised staff when a box of ethically sourced gifts was delivered to the office containing toiletries, teas, chocolates and other items. She also provided all the staff and volunteers with a personalised gift bag of goodies. Knowing that someone outside of the organisation appreciates our work and commitment to our clients, especially under the current circumstances, is a very special feeling and we would all like to send a massive ‘THANK YOU’ to Leyla and Diverse Minds.

https://diverseminds.co.uk/about/

TREC has received funding from Leicestershire & Rutland’s Community Foundation in association with the Co-op Fund to provide a foodbank for it’s most vulnerable refugee and asylum seeker clients. It began on the 9th December and will run every Wednesday 2:00pm to 3:00pm till the end of March 2021. We will take referrals from external organisations for clients who fit the criteria. Please ensure clients bring their own bags and wear a mask.