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Breaking down community barriers.

09/02/08

People who've dedicated their working life to improving community relations in the West Midlands have been recognised in a special awards ceremony. 'Midland's Cohesion Project' workers were presented with certificates by the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Dave Batten and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Randal Brew.

Thanks to the 'Midlands Cohesion Project', hate crime, domestic and racial abuse and graffiti is on the decline in the West Midlands. Sponsored by Whitefriars Housing Group, Midland Heart Group and Orbit Housing Group, the scheme is getting diverse communities talking to one another. And it's this open and honest debate that's helping to reveal shared values, irrespective of ethnicity, age, sex or religion. By getting communities to work together, they're cracking down on problems that lead to social tensions.

Judith Ryder, Director of Organisational Development at Whitefriars, said:

"The Midlands Cohesion project allows our employees to better understand the importance of social inclusion and some of the problems which can lead to residents in the city feeling unwelcome."

To increase their understanding of diversity, 'Project' workers attended in-depth sessions and workshops. However, it's not all talk and no action. Armed with this knowledge, they've gone on to create practical schemes to tackle domestic abuse, urban graffiti and anti-social youth disorder. They're also helping non-English speakers to understand their tenancy agreements.

Professor Richard Tomlins of Cohesia Ltd, organiser of the project and Visiting Professor of Race and Diversity at Coventry University, said:

"Harnessing the potential of Britain's diverse communities is absolutely key to our future prosperity. This programme provides a space for local workers to make a difference by bringing different groups together through practical projects to work towards a common goal."

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