WSREC Annual Report 2016 / 2017

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2016/2017 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCES

We see an inclusive society free from discrimination

SQA Approved Centre


HELLO THERE! West of Scotland Regional Equality Council (WSREC) is working towards a fairer society where people can live, learn and work free from discrimination or fear. WSREC has over 45 years experience of engaging with some of the most diverse communities in Scotland.

Our Aims • To work towards the elimination of discrimination in all forms in the West of Scotland • To reduce inequalities and promote a culture of human rights • To promote good community relations between all people of all communities living in the West of Scotland

What We Do

Our Vision We see an inclusive society free from discimination

At WSREC we have a diverse range of projects promoting good relations, reducing isolation and challenging discrimination. We run a drop in service and advice surgery for the Central and Eastern European residents. Through our training and consultancy we offer tailor-made community engagement packages, research in diverse communities within the West of Scotland and bespoke training on the Equality Act, diversity and human rights. A number of diverse organisations have accessed these services and highly praised the professionalism, quality of information and friendly staff.


Contents - Board Members 2016/2017...........................................03 - Board Members In Action..............................................04 - Chair’s Report .................................................................05 - Executive Director’s Report.............................................06 - Treasurer’s Report...........................................................07 Projects - Connected Communities Challenging Hate ...............09 - Good Community Relations Project .........................10-12 - Hate Crime .........................................................10 - New Migrants .....................................................11 - Renfrewshire........................................................12 - Let’s Cook, Grow & Sew Together...................................13 - Living Equality...................................................................14 - Minority Ethnic Employment Training & Support...........15 - Minority Ethnic Silver Survers ..........................................17 - Over To You.......................................................................18 - Qurbani Food Initiative....................................................19 - Roots Scotland.................................................................20 Other - Money Advice & QCHA Reports ....................................21 - SAREC ..............................................................................22 - Admin Report...................................................................23 - WSREC User Statistics.....................................................24 - Future Development.......................................................25 - Hate Crime Statistics ......................................................26 - WSREC Core Staff ............................................................27 - Project Support Workers & Volunteers .........................28


Board Members 2016 / 2017

Hanzala Malik Chair

Malcolm Green Vice Chair

Harriette Campbell Treasurer

Vince Chudy Personnel Commitee Chair

Sharon Schlesinger Secretary

Syed Jafri

Anne McTaggart

Cllr Rashid Hussain

Onkar Singh Jandu

Haji Mohammed Munir

Tunweer Malik

Dr. Javed Gill

Antony Kozlowski

John Service

Munir A Choudry

Co-opted Members

Sheela Mukherjee

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Board Members In Action

WSREC’s 45th Anniversary cake cutting ceremony by Bailie Liz Cameron, Cllr Archie Graham and Hanzala Malik

WSREC Board members Harriette Campbell, Mr Syed Jafri and Dr. Javed Gill at the WSREC AGM

WSREC Treasurer, Harriette Campbell with ACWA members at the Lets Cook, Grow & Sew Together Fashion Show

Antony Kozlowski speaking at the Integrated Festive Lunch

WSREC vice chair, Malcolm Green in discussion with a volunteer at the Integrated Festive Lunch

WSREC chair, Hanzala Malik speaking at the WSREC AGM

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Chair’s Report The production of WSREC’s annual report gives an opportunity to me as the Chair to measure and celebrate the impact of the work of the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council during 2016/17. With over four decades of programmes and lobbying work in the areas of:

‘Eliminating discrimination, inequality, promoting human rights and promoting good relations between all communities within West of Scotland and beyond’ We have much indeed to be proud of and celebrate. With a particular focus on poverty and unemployment, WSREC has provided 2 years of successful intervention in reducing the education attainment and employability gap. The project has only another year of funding, therefore, there is an ongoing concern regarding lack of resources to continue this very important work. Looking ahead as an organisation, we plan to go forward within the following areas: Supporting organisations including Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils (SAREC); Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER); Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure Support (BEMIS) and Council for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations (CEMVO) through policy and development. Challenging Local Authorities and Central Government to increase independent support for victims of hate crime and discrimination. Brexit and the impact for our service users and client groups. ‘Race Equality Framework for Scotland (2016-2030), developed to tackle racism and promote equality is welcomed and we will continue to track its progress and achievements. Increasing awareness of faith and cultural understanding.

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Once again as reflected in all my previous reports, WSREC’s Board of Directors along with our team of staff have taken great satisfaction in the achievement of our existing and new projects; such success reflects well on the organisation as a whole. These achievements have been the result of teamwork involving WSREC’s Board of Directors, staff and WSREC members. Therefore, I look forward to continuing to work with the Board, our staff, volunteers and the communities and organisations out there that genuinely wish to engage with us in the field of equality for all. In conclusion, I wish to record my thanks to the Board, staff and our partner organisations in yet again making it another successful year.

Hanzala Malik WSREC Chair


Executive Director’s Report Another successful year has passed and once again, I have the pleasure to report that it has departed like the past several years, very positively. As an organisation we have been successful in sustaining our services and adding new ones for our client groups. This is an incredible outcome in the face of austerity and backdrop of reductions by grant making bodies including Public, Charities and Foundations. One area of focus in the year has been the support (or lack of) for victims of hate crime. WSREC staff have been consistently and at every opportunity raising awareness of this issue with partner organisations, local Councils and to Scottish and Westminster Governments. Also as members of the Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils (SAREC) we, obtained resources and successfully carried out a piece of research on ‘how victims of hate crime are supported’ We are currently circulating this widely with the view to raising awareness with service providing organisations and using the report’s findings to improve/enhance their service or undertaking to provide a new service to victims of hate crime. Turning to our many achievements during the year, I have the pleasure to report that WSREC has responded effectively by meeting challenges and made excellent progress towards its organisational objectives. Indentifying and providing new services for additional minority communities has become a trademark for our organisation. Supported by the Scottish Governments Community Choices Fund, we successfully delivered a new project ‘Over to you-Be empowered’ raising awareness of the participatory budgeting process (part of the new Community Empowerment Act) within ethnic minority communities by: involving individuals as part of the planning and decision making process; providing a platform for empowering communities resulting in ownership and building capacity of local organisations and community groups. Part of this process was also to distribute £40,000 to 51 organisations and communities in North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Glasgow North and South. The funds will support community integration, positive dialogue and celebrate the diverse cultures in the West of Scotland. We have continued to tackle unemployment within minority ethnic communities for a second year of the three year employability project, ‘Minority Ethnic Employment and Training Support’ (MEETS), funded by the Big Lottery’s, which has for the 2nd year in a row exceeded expectations in its required outcomes, i.e. supporting in excess of 800 individuals to actively seeking employment. It is remarkable that this year has completed a decade of success within service delivery to 1984 individuals

with advice and information alone. Through community engagements, social and online media, events, activities, one to ones and dissemination, this figure is in the region of 10,000 individuals from diverse communities. A breakdown and analysis of advice and information is on page 24 of the annual report, demonstrating that there is a considerable amount of work being carried out. Also the analysis shows that the main communities accessing WSREC services continues to be the Central and Eastern European migrant communities. This service is vital for us going forward in the face of Brexit and continued uncertainty. Looking to the year ahead WSREC will continue to focus on prevalent issues such as hate crime and will endeavour to obtain resources to provide ongoing advocacy support which will provide one-to-one confidential, linguistic and culturally sensitive support within areas of general health & well being, welfare/ money/ debt/ housing advice and reporting hate crime/discrimination. We will also continue with our efforts in ensuring our communities are financially included, have access to mainstream services, challenge discrimination and promote equalities in all of our work. It goes without saying that we have a great team within our staff compliment, often over exceeding targets and outcomes. This is testimony to the success of ‘Team WSREC’s’ work ethos and commitment to the organisation and the communities served. My thanks to all contracted staff not to forget the invaluable contributions of our Sessional and Volunteer staff. Finally, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Board of Directors for their support and direction and our many funders; placements; partner organisations, and individuals for their support and assistance in making it yet another exceedingly successful year.

Mohammed Razaq Executive Director 6


Treasurer’s Report It gives me great pleasure to be giving the finance report as the treasurer for the eighth year running and to be able to report that we have been able to increase our income by 14.5% from the previous year from £582,674 to £667,234. We have more than maintained financial stability by securing funding for additional projects. The income and expenditure statement shows income for the year as £667,234 whereas total expenditure has been £620,027. Staff salaries and related costs account for £471,011 (76%) of total expenditure with the balance of £149,016 (24%) being administrative and running costs, this represents an increase of £11,141 (10%) from £134,875 last year. This increase is due to new projects started within the year. WSREC successfully completed its second year of the three year grant funding from Big Lottery totalling £427,925 (2015-2018) for our Minority Ethnic Employment and Training Support project (MEETS).

partnership with staff in seeking improved and better avenues of support and development to enhance our financial position.

Harriette Campbell WSREC Treasurer Summarised Statement of Financial Activities for the Year End 31st March 2017 Income Grants Other Income

2017(£) 665,557 1,677

2016(£) 582,063 611

There are a number of live applications awaiting decision on existing projects for 2017/20 totalling a value of £350,000 i.e. Good Community Relations Project, Living Equality and Connecting Communities & Challenging Hate. A new 15 month project to support ethnic minority women and girls to engage through sports has been submitted to Comic Relief for £239,000, others are being prepared in relation to Advocacy work, Stepping Into Diversity and Honour Abuse.

Total income

667,234

582,674

Expenditure Charitable Activities

(620,027)

(578,199)

Total Expenditure

(620,027)

(578,199)

Net Movement in Funds Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension scheme

47,207

4,475

88,000

70,000

This is the 3rd year that our income for the financial year has been in excess of £500,000 requiring WSREC to carry out a ‘full audit’ of its financial accounts.

Funds Balance brought forward Balance carried forward

(36,038) 99,169

(110,513) (36,038)

Also, I wish to report that WSREC is fully compliant with auto enrolment legislation since January 2017 for pensions Once again I am delighted to note the support of WSREC’s Board who continue to rise to the challenge in

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Abbreviated Balance Sheet at 31st March 2017 Fixed Assets Current Assets Current Liabilities Net Current Assets Less: Pension Reserve Fund Net Assets/(Liabilities)

1 128,939 (23,771) 105,169 (6,000) 99,169

458 65,702 (13,198) 52,962 (89,000) (36,038)


Projects

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Connected Communities Challenging Hate (3CH)

Dunard Primary School Workshop

This yearlong programme aimed to embed the ethos of challenging sectarianism, wider prejudice, discrimination and hate crime within our partner communities. Our activities equipped them with the skills and resources needed to continue engaging in dialogue to engender collective responses. From April 2016 we delivered and reached:

5102 people in our wider events and online awareness this year alone

6 participatory workshops designed for 8-16 year olds

A free Community Dialogue and Network Facilitation training course, which facilitated space for diverse communities to work together to form a community-led network and to instigate a community dialogue event. The group of 13 participants then curated a community exhibition, ‘On the Move’, reaching a further 50 wider community members and formed an online networking page:

www.facebook.com/3CHonthemove

2 training courses for teachers, youth workers and community workers. 30 participants increased their skills and confidence to effectively deliver antisectarian / hate behaviour work in schools and community settings

Community Dialogue Exhibition

Challenging Discrimination in the Media Workshop

Funded by

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Community Dialogue Training Course

Monique Campbell Project Co-ordinator


Good Community Relations Project Hate Crime

Hate Crime Awareness Session

From June 2016, this project has worked to: increase awareness of hate crime among minority ethnic communities; increase awareness and capacity to report hate crime, such as through third party reporting mechanisms; and to support individuals to report hate crime and discrimination through advocacy work. Our activities have included:

1489+ people reached by creating on and offline media campaigns to raise awareness on how to recognise hate crime

In addition we: continue to partake in Glasgow’s Hate Crime Working Group (HCWG) and Third Party Reporting Network; supported the HCWG’s Hate Crime Awareness Week Launch at the CCA in Glasgow; and form part of the Voluntary Action Fund coordinated Scottish Alliance

Against Prejudice and Hate Crime (SAAPaHC). We also contributed to the Glasgow Refugee and Asylum Network (GRAMNet) Project Advisory Group for their ‘Intimate Migrations’ research project on the experiences of Eastern European LGBT migrants in Scotland.

66 individuals from diverse communities being made aware of legislations and how to report crimes or incidents through workshops across the West of Scotland

20+ individuals from diverse minority ethnic backgrounds across all protected characteristics being supported in reporting hate crime and challenge discrimination

Crime Awareness Workshop with Engage Renfrewshire

Funded by

Monique Campbell Project Co-ordinator

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Good Community Relations Project New Migrants

Steps to Employment Workshop

The GCRP supports migrants in the West of Scotland from Central and Eastern Europe. This is achieved through the provision of surgeries in which service users can ask for advice/support on a wide range of matters. In addition, the project hosts events during the year on issues commonly faced by members of the CEE community. In the year 2016/17, GCRP delivered and responded to :

265 enquiries from members of the Central Eastern European community providing support on a range of issues.

The project also delivered a networking event for Central and Eastern European Migrant communities allowing link building for 15 individuals between these communities and service providers. The project also covered issues relating to Brexit. Maryhill & Possilpark CAB were present to answer questions relating to citizenship and permanent

residency. A further event which will cover Hate Crime, is being planned with Glasgow Community Safety and Victim Support Scotland present. The third networking event will take place in summer this year. Finally, the project recruited another mentor this year who took an active role in the co-delivery of the networking events.

2 “Steps to Employment� tailored workshops in partnership with the MEETS project to 14 people. These focused on CV writing skills and job interview skills, as well as providing participants with information on apprenticeships and volunteering opporunities.

GCRP Central Eastern European Networking Event

Steps to Employment Workshop

Funded by

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WSREC Chair Hanzala Malik with GCRP New Migrants Team

Joanna Kieran Project Co-ordinator


Good Community Relations Project Renfrewshire

Walk a mile with Paisley provost Anne Hall

GCRP Renfrewshire has continued to develop its capacity to positively influence the mainstreaming of equalities for diverse minority groups in Renfrewshire. The project has been delivering an advocacy pilot initiative dubbed, “Passage to Success�. The initiative seeks to address the current imbalances in representation in all aspects and levels of public life including education, and employment to better reflect the composition of the Renfrewshire community. Since its inception in June 2016, Passage to Success has supported:

26 people with employment support

The initiative continues to support people with diverse needs, through: employability; self esteem and confidence building; to understand the UK system to set up a business or charity, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes; volunteering and access to sporting opportunities and skills courses. The project has made its activities known to over 1000 people and has built important new networks with partners such as the Job Centre.

7 people into employment

3 people with language support

1 person to enrol into a 12 week construction course

Passage to Success advocacy with Syrian Community

The project is also part of a diverse strategic planning partnership through its involvement with the Diversity and Equality Alliance in Renfrewshire (DEAR) group. This association enabled the project to engage with over 300 council workers on Ethnicity Day during the Equality

Funded by

Modeling for Black History Month

Week festivities. The project supported the collaboration of 3 organisations, PACHEDU, Africa in Motion and Create Paisley for an event attended by over 60 people that showcased African Films, Arts and Craft and storytelling.

Johannes Gonani Project Co-ordinator

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Let’s Cook, Grow, Sew Together

Recycled herb planters in the Community Garden

Funded by the Climate Challenge Fund, the project in its current avatar supports new and existing migrant communities in Glasgow, Renfrewshire and North Lanarkshire with taking effective steps to reduce carbon and change behaviour. This is through measures such as energy efficiency, efficient cooking practices, upcycling textiles, pop up swap shops, growing food in urban spaces, and recycling. The project is supported in the delivery of the outcomes by grant managers Keep Scotland Beautiful, and delivery partners such as Home Energy Scotland, GHeat, Crossroads, Woodlands Community Garden, Govanhill

Baths, Rags to Riches, NG Homes, RSPB, TCV, Drive Sense, ASRA, CCDP, Shanti Bhavan Cultural & Social Centre, Hemat Gryffe & the Forestry Commission. Kids Summer Programme

Highlights of the work carried out over the last year are:

119.075 tCO2e

187

of carbon emissions reduced

Training / workshop sessions delivered

5846

850

made aware of project (face to face and social media)

participants supported through various measures

1381

ÂŁ15,632

community members engaged with on climate change through different activites

worth of savings made for clients through energy efficiency support

Upcycling Fashion Show 2017

Low Waste Cooking Classes

60 volunteers supported the project

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Funded by

Dilraj Kaur Project Co-ordinator


Living Equality

Dialouge with public sector event

Funded by the Scottish Government the project builds the capacity of Minority Ethnic (ME) women to participate in civic platforms. Participants are from a range of non professional and professional backgrounds and have shown an interest in different strands of civic participation, such as volunteering in a charitable organisation and public sector boards, setting up one’s own charity and participating in politics. The support has been provided through internal and external training as well as access to network and Forum meetings with representatives of public and voluntary sector organisations. Some of the key highlights for the project are:

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15

women attented a capacity building session

opportunities availed

240

partners in the project

organisations were given a copy of ‘community guide to the Equality Act 2010’

21 sessions were offered to members

150 individuals gained an understanding of civic participations through the project

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The project engaged with the following strategic stakeholders:Glasgow City Council, NHS, Scottish Prison Service, Police Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Scouts Scotland, North Ayrshire Council, Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire, Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector, Govanhill

Training on public speaking

and Govan Housing Associations and Woodside Community Council. An example of the project’s organisational impact is the recruitment of a MEWPP member on the board of Scout Scotland. Scout Scotland has been successful in making

their Board more inclusive in relation to diversity and equality, through recruiting MEWPP member Na on its board. On an individual level, in Na’s words ‘the confidence gained through the MEWPP project, enabled me to become a member of the Scout Scotland board’.

Funded by

Bushra Iqbal MBE Project Co-ordinator

40 opportunities signposted to members

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meets minority ethnic employment & training support

Minority Ethnic Employment Training & Support (MEETS)

Volunteers assisting clients at the weekly Job Club

The project supports individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds into employment through the provision of soft skills training as well as one-to-one intensive support. The project also works strategically with a range of partners including Glasgow City Council, Jobcentres, local colleges, training providers and regeneration agencies to support the pathways of target beneficiaries through provision of training, work placement and advisory services.The project

is represented within the Black and Minority Ethnic Employability Strategic Steering Group. MEETS staff have supported 10 young clients (ages of 1619) through referral to BEMIS to apply for Modern Apprenticeship opportunities.

Staff continue to build on their relationship with Police Scotland by raising awareness of career opportunities among ME individuals as well as supporting clients to attend candidate briefing sessions and mock fitness tests. The project also encourages potential applicants to join the Police Scotland Positive Action Facebook page.

Highlights of the work carried out over the last year are: Total over two years

1473 (1664 in 15/16)

3137

individuals made aware of the project

Total over two years

832 (522 in 15/16)

1354

Total over two years

1634

Total over two years

1015

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clients supported in actively seeking employment

1278 (356 in 15/16) people made aware of employment opportunities

646 (369 in 15/16) clients received intensive one to one support and soft skills training

Total over two years

130 Total over two years

39 Total over two years

3 Total over two years

63

65 (65 in 15/16) people supported to enter further education

26 (13 in 15/16) people supported into employment

Community Champion assisting client at the Job Club

2 (1 in 15/16) people supported into a placement

40 (23 in 15/16) people supported into volunteering opportunities Basic Employability Training Event


MEETS Project Manager Nadeem Hanif meeting Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

Through partnership working with Jobcentre Plus (JCP), the project has a regular presence within Maryhill, Partick, Anniesland and Springburn Jobcentres where we are providing registration and training sessions. These sessions have been adapted to the needs of each Jobcentre and have been very well received by JCP management and Work Coaches. The project has also been able to provide input at meetings organised by JCP in relation to employability for ME groups focussing primarily on refugees and asylum seekers.

CV and Interview Workshop

We have been working in partnership with Good Community Relations Project (GCRP), one of WSREC’s other projects and delivered some very successful

IT Training at AMINA

employability workshop to Eastern European communities based in Glasgow and Renfrewshire. As these events have been well received future workshops are being planned. The project is currently working with Hillhead High School to develop a case study on the needs of clients from Arabic backgrounds making the transition from school into the workplace. Two future school leavers have been identified as requiring additional support due to recently arriving in the UK. Both individuals have been receiving intensive one to one support in developing their employability skills. Further the project accessed Funded by

Workplace Tour to the Forestry Commission in Aberfoyle

funding from the South Adult Learning Partnership and have delivered IT classes to the ME community residing in the south side of Glasgow in partnership with Pollokshields Development Association, Youth Community Support Agency, AMINA and AlMeezan providing a total of 109 sessions to 44 individuals.

MEETS Employment Advisor providing one to one support

Nadeem Hanif Projects Manager

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Minority Ethnic Silver Surfers (MESS)

PDA Event with C44 TV

Minority Ethnic Silver Surfers developed on its successes from 2015 into 2016 by continuing to provide more one-to-one sessions with the emphasis shifting more towards smart phones as opposed to desktop learning. As technology advances, more of our senior clients are now in possession of a smart phone along with a few who have tablets, PC’s or laptops.

This year we have to thank:

76 clients who were given help in using a smartphone at one of the classes we delivered

3 were in the 80-89 year old range.

Highlights of the work:

27 individuals were provided with one to one support

4 silver surfer clubs were held during the course of the year

The ladies at the Hindu Mandir were also recently part of a BBC 1 program ‘Holding Back the Years’ with Bill Turnbull where the MESS team participated. Our work also allowed us to engage with and train new clients with regards to smart phone use, especially those who attended the Pollokshields Development Agency Lunch Club. “I attended the class at the PDA and quickly learned how to use my phone. I took a selfie and sent this to my daughter who was OMG expression while at the same time sent to my sister in Pakistan who greatly appreciated this.”

We also had to sadly say good bye to Anana Kayani, who has recently moved to the MEETS project. Thank you for your support and good luck in your new role. We would also like to welcome Rabeea Qureshi into the team, alongside Mohith Lakhanpal.

Mrs Shamshad Parveen MESS Client A week later at the next session Mrs Parveen with so much joy and confidence highlighted how wonderful it has been to now chat over Whatsapp using calls and voice notes. She went on to further say without this feature she would still be relying on her children.

Funded by

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As older people now use smart-phones, assisting them with understanding and utilising this technology will provide them with greater benefit within society and will allow them to be more self-reliant.

MESS Celebration Event Class with Certificates

Javed Sattar Project Co-ordinator


ds.

Over to You Be Empowered This six month project is designed to give local people decision-making powers over spending in their communities, to engage communities in participatory budgeting as part of a broader agenda of citizenship and participatory democracy. In doing so we brought much needed funding to small groups and community organisations working to reduce isolation and enhance community cohesion. WSREC is delivering four independent community budgeting projects with £40,000 available with £10,000 in each area to fund

small community projects or activities. The decision of which applicants receive funding is determined through a public voting process.

To date successful voting events in North Larnarkshire and Renfrewshire have engaged more than:

Participatory Budgeting is a system of community engagement through which ordinary people decide how to allocate part of a public budget. Originating in Brazil in the 1980’s it is now practiced around the world as a way to advance community empowerment and to challenge social inequality

450 people

Volunteers helping out at Over to You Renfrewshire’s Big Voting Event

14 of the 51 groups that applied to the fund were led by or focused on working with minority ethnic communities

2 further events to determine funding of £10,000 each will take place

Heart of Africa was one of the successful applicants to the Over to You North Larnarkshire participatory budgeting funding

This project is made possible through the Scottish Governments Community Choices Fund

Nasim Hussain and Louise Renicks (Scottish Judo Gold Medalist) presenting certificaties

Caroline McKoen Project Co-ordinator

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F O O D I N I T I AT I V E

Qurbani (sacrifice) Food Initiative

Glasgow Central Mosque

West of Scotland Regional Equality Council continues its work with Lodging House Mission (LHM) in Glasgow and Fusion Scotland in Edinburgh to help the destitute communities during the celebration of Eid Ul-Adha “Festival of Sacrifice”. Success of the project means positive partnership work in Glasgow and Edinburgh bringing communities together Qurbani means sacrifice in Arabic and the celebration of Eid Ul-Adha commemorates the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son (Ismail) as an act of obedience to God. Abraham agreed to follow God’s command, however, God intervened and informed him that his sacrifice had been accepted. This celebration takes part during the month of Hajj when millions of Muslims pilgrimage to Mecca.

“Our prime purpose in life is to help others....” Dalai Lama Successfully running for 7 years in Glasgow and more recently in Edinburgh, Muslim communities have come to support some of the most vulnerable and excluded individuals with donations this year

The meat from the sacrifice is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and onethird is donated to the poor.

1000 kilo’s (up from 346 kilo’s last year) donated this year. Challenges included storage capactiy therefore distribution was divided and was passed on to another organisation

Donated meat being collected with assistance from Mahmoud Ibrahim

4273 meals on average can be provided from the amount donated -

A huge achievement!

Partnered by

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Mohammed Razaq with LHM staff and Qurbani project volunteer Mehrban Akhtar

Funded by

“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you...” Mother Teresa

Mohammed Razaq Executive Director


Roots Scotland

Fabric Art Workshop

Roots Scotland - funded through Historic Environment Scotland (HES) - (formerly known as Historic Scotland) has been funded for 6 years and this year our 3 year project came to an end. The main aims of the project were to increase awareness of Scottish history and its environment to diverse minority ethnic communities. This year the main focus has been to create a community-led exhibition which was launched in Glasgow in September 2016. Over the last six months, the Exhibition has been on display in seven popular venues in Glasgow, Dumfries, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh.

We have also delivered a number of workshops and visits in Glasgow and through our partners. It has been an exciting year once again and we are pleased to announce that WSREC have secured another 3 years funding through HES. We look forward

to continuing our partnerships with the heritage sector, capacity building our service users through integration and intercultural dialogue and most importantly to recognise their own histories that celebrates Scotland’s diversity today

8,000 individuals from diverse communities came and viewed the Roots Scotland Exhibitions

The Roots Scotland Project Co-ordinator and Development Officer at the Roots Scotland Exhibition

Funded by

Curator in Glasgow Museum Resource Centre delivering a guided tour

Roots Scotland Exhibition in Mitchell Library

Guided tour of the fabric art workshop in the Burrell Collection

Suzanne Bingham Development Officer

Ghzala Khan Project Co-ordinator

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Money Advice Scotland & QCHA Reports

Money Advice Scotland Report 2016-17

Queens Cross Housing Association 2016-17

Our project working in partnership with Money Advice Scotland and CEMVO has been successful again this year. We are continuing to offer Financial and Debt advice every Friday morning for 2 hours and users are benefiting from this service. Financial gains in 2016-17 so far are ÂŁ8,050. This has also supported us to continue our efforts in working towards our National Standards for Information and Advice which we hope to achieve within the next few months.

Following on from the success in the previous year, our partnership with Queens Cross Housing Association (QCHA) has continued to ensure that we mainstream equalities when service is provided in all areas of information and advice. Our staff members that have been based within QCHA have offered cultural and bilingual support in the last year. Sadly this project has come to end in March 2017; however we will continue to seek ways to continue this service in the near future.

We are pleased to report that this project has received another 1 year of funding so this important service will continue to ensure that our communities are financially included.

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Our thanks to all the staff at QCHA who offered regular training and information to WSREC staff based there.


Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Councils (SAREC)

WSREC is one of the four founding members of this national organisation. Others include Edinburgh & Lothian, Grampian and Central Scotland

The main activities of SAREC include:Partnership:

People’s Choice Fund:

In the last year SAREC has prioritised research into ‘hate crime’ and its reporting, or lack of, which was funded through Awards for All. All of the RECs delivered and researched within their own area of operation. Subsequently the information collated was compiled into a report which has been circulated widely all over Scotland. SAREC is now in the process of deciding on how best to utilise this report in relation to the recommendations. The CEO’s of the REC’s are keen to identify a possible funder to submit an application for a Scottish wide resource to support victims of hate crime.

SAREC on the success of their application to Awards for All to carry out research on ‘victims hate crime’ were presented with an opportunity to apply to the People’s Choice Fund to assist with ongoing work on the subject of hate crime which they duly did through Dave Black, CEO of GREC and await result of voting which ends first week in April 2017. WSREC continues to provide the Secretariat function for SAREC

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Admin Report

The admin team has continued to work both efficiently and effectively in supporting all the projects within WSREC. The team compliments projects with HR, IT and general administration support. We have grown in strength, numbers and experience in the past year. WSREC has continued to build on existing partnerships with Community Jobs Scotland and HMP Greenock and had staff supporting the admin team on a regular basis. The admin team consists of the Office Manager, 3 Administrative Assistants and also a Resource and IT Officer.

WSREC is successfully auto enrolling members of staff as and when they become eligible into joining the

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pension scheme. This has been ongoing since January 2016. In 2016/17 WSREC has undergone a full audit due to an increase in income generation and this has meant additional support needed from the Office Manager and admin assistants. We are also pleased to report that there has been a continuation in the production of the annual report in-house and this has been ongoing since 2014. The team always welcomes additional support through volunteering and there has been a continuous flow of volunteers over the last year.


The data we gather within WSREC look at how diverse our service users are and

WSREC User Statistics

how we can improve on engaging with the wider community.

Within our data we look at: ethnicity, nature of enquiry, gender, age and local authorities within the West of Scotland. Scottish

14% 287

Chinese

Central & Eastern European

2.5%

22%

Other

15%

50

TOTAL

1984

445

304

Caribbean

0.1%

Pakistani

2

Indian

2.5%

ETHNICITY

Info on WSREC services have seen the biggest increase of 9%, compared to the last financial year. The amount of Advice & Information enquiries have decreased this financial year by 9%, compared to the last financial year.

3% (60)

>65

214

48

Last financial year Scottish users were the most prominent users, however, this term they have decreased from 22% to 14%. Currently our most prominent users are Central and Eastern Europeans with 22%. The biggest increase in Ethnicity has been in the Other category with 15%. Last financial year they were 4%. Our African users has decreased from 18% to 12% from last year. Our Figures show our service users are becoming quite diverse based on their ethnicity.

NATURE OF ENQUIRY

11%

Info of External Services

0.4% 5

Middle Eastern

African

12%

GENDER

76% 1512

Other

20% 3.6% 400

67

0.3% (5) <17

402

231

Advice & Information

Info on WSREC Services

20%

There has been an increase of 8% in males and a decrease of 8% in females in this category from last year

59% 1169

41% 815

0%

MALE

FEMALE

NOT DISCLOSED

0

AGE

2.1% (41) 60-64

20% (402)

10% (194) 18-24

45-59

The 30-44 range still dominates. The biggest increase in age range has been 45-59 year olds, with an increase of 7%, compared to the last financial year. 25-29, 60-64, and over 65 have all increased from the last financial year. The biggest decrease has been within the 30-44 age group, with a decrease of 6.5%.

23.1% (459) 41.5% (823) 30-44

25-29

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WSREC: Future Development Over the last few year years, WSREC Board of Directors and frontline staff have gathered to recognise achievements within service delivery and identify gaps that could be reduced further with the communities that we serve. In 2016-17 future development areas raised by all included: 1. Providing further support to tackle poverty and low income. 2. An increase in faith related work i.e. tackling Islamophobia 3. Support individual victims further experiencing hate crime and discrimination 4. Advocacy support to empower and enable ethnic minority individuals 5. To support victims and families of honor abuse and other areas of concern which are prevalent within minority ethnic groups WSREC has worked hard to bring resources to address the above issues and we are pleased to report that we managed to obtain resources to work towards addressing issues 1, 2 and 3 with our Money Advice Service, HLF funded Remember Me - Muslim Community and the First World War project and increasing awareness and supporting victims of hate crime and discrimination through our Good Community Relations Project. Our ‘Remember US’-Muslim Communities and the First World War project has been developed resulting in WSREC obtaining a sum of £10,000 through a successful bid to Heritage Lottery Fund. This 6 month project focuses on the Muslim community contribution to the First World War highlighting the often forgotten or untold stories and challenging stereotypes that are prevalent in mainstream media today. The Scottish Alliance of Regional Equalities Councils (SAREC) collectively obtained Big Lottery’s Awards for All fund to research into hate crime and discrimination across Scotland. The

25

results of this research and participatory project have now been published and further resources have been obtained to continue provision of much needed support to individuals who are targeted due to ‘protected characteristics’ which could be intersectional. Through 2016-17 we have applied for diverse funds to support areas of work across a number of strands. Many of our existing projects have been given further opportunities and we look forward to reporting results in the next year. Staff and WSREC Board members have again been looking at areas of concern or development for the coming year and the following has been identified: a. Continue to seek resources to support victims of hate crime and discrimination and our MEETS project as the present funding from Big Lotteries comes to an end in March 2018. b. Providie advocacy support to build resilient communities who can individually and/or collectively increase their voice within mainstream service provision ensuring an increase to equal opportunities. c. Continue building on partnership delivery to obtain resources to raise awareness of honor abuse with mediation support to victims and families. WSREC Board and staff remain committed to providing equal opportunities for all communities and we will continue to endeavour bridging the gap in service provision by meeting regularly and focusing on community needs and barriers.


Hate Crime Statistics for Scotland 2016-17 From the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service RACE

DISABILITY

SEXUAL ORIENTATION

Racial crime remains the most commonly reported hate crime. There were 3,349 charges reported in 2016-17. This continues the downward trend since a peak in charges reported in 2011-12, and is the lowest total since 2003-04.

In 2016-17, 188 charges were reported with an aggravation of prejudice relating to disability, 6% fewer than in 2015-16. This is the first year that the number of charges reported has fallen since the legislation creating this aggravation came into force in 2010.

Sexual orientation aggravated crime is the second most common type of hate crime. The number of charges reported increased by 5% in 2016-17 to 1,075. With the exception of 2014-15, there have been year on year increases in charges reported since the legislation introducing this aggravation came into force in 2010.

RELIGIOUSLY AGGRAVATED The number of religiously aggravated charges reported, at 673, is 14% higher than in 2015-16 and at the highest level since 2012-13. Including charges that are now reported under the Offensive Behaviour at Football legislation, there were 719 Religious related charges, up 12% from 2015-16.

TRANSGENDER IDENTITY Transgender identity (Table 5a, 5b) In 2016-17, 40 charges were reported with an aggravation of prejudice relating to transgender identity, 10 more than in 2015-16. This is the highest number of charges reported since the legislation came into force, although the numbers remain very small.

There is concern that hate crimes are under-reported and we want to encourage anyone who has been subjected to such appalling acts to come forward to ensure that perpetrators can be dealt with appropriately. West of Scotland Regional Equality Council (WSREC) can support victims of hate crime and also assist with reporting to the police as a 3rd party reporting centre

Note:

The figures quoted in this publication relate to the number of charges reported rather than the number of individuals charged or the number of incidents that gave rise to such charges. Where a charge has more than one hate crime aggravation, it is included in the overall figures for each type of hate crime into which it falls.

It is important that WSREC ensures that it has the resources to support victims from all characteristics above. Link to the report http://www.copfs.gov.uk/images/Documents/Equality_Diversity/Hate Crimes/Hate Crime in Scotland 2016-17.pdf

26


WSREC Core Staff

Mohammed Razaq Executive Director

Ghzala Khan Deputy Director

Farrah Rashid Office Manager

Caroline McKoen Projects Manager

Nadeem Hanif Projects Manager

Maymoona Awan Activities & Engagement Officer

Suzanne Bingham Development Officer

Monique Campbell Project Co-ordinator

Johannes Gonani Project Co-ordinator

Bo Hickey Outreach & Activities Assistant

Mahmoud Ibrahim Assistant IT Officer

Bushra Iqbal Project Co-ordinator

Dilraj Kaur Project Co-ordinator

Anana Kayani Employment Advisor

Tauseef Khan IT, Resource & Administration Officer

Joana Kieran Project Co-ordinator

Choi Tin Lee Clerical Assistant

Joe Makangu Sustainable Communities Assistant

Javed Sattar Project Co-ordinator

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Project Support Workers

Angela Aranghelovici

Umair Akthar

Manal Eshelli

Erik Gazi

Bininder Kaur Nat

Mohith Lakhanpal

Maryanna Law

Edith Ogen

Jurate Piepolyte

Karla Pérez Portilla

Rabeea Qureshi

Mira Waligora

Ghazala Ansar

Faisal Mohammed

Shabana Ali

WSREC Volunteers Our work would not be possible without the work of our dedicated volunteers. Volunteers have helped out in a great many ways; assisting our media team, providing translations, liaising with the public on our behalf, and many other tasks. Because of this invaluable contribution, we’re eager to say a big public “Thank you volunteers! We salute you!” to our volunteers - some of whom are listed below. Ambreen Hussain Ramute Lagunaviciute Javarea Imran Patricia Iredia Rukhsanah Ali Nassima Rahman Tahirah Alix Rothnie Deniz Uster

Marc Mazoyer Paul Watson Noemie Cherqui Percebois Richard Fedorko Rita Pacheco Svenja Meyerricks Leanne McAllister Gemma Love Rahul Hughes

Stella Phipps Izabella Merkowska Kenneth Merkowska Noemi Giupponi Douglas Cape Rohan Mehra Brioney Ogle

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FREE HOME ENERGY ADVICE SERVICE

0141 337 6626 cookgrowsew@wsrec.co.uk

You may qualify for up to £140 for your winter bills as part of the Warm Home Discount


Awaz FM supporting WSREC throughout the year.

Awaz FM 64 Darnley Street, Glasgow, G42 2SE Office: 0141 420 6666 / Studio: 0141 420 1072 info@awazfm.co.uk | studio@awazfm.co.uk

www.awazmedia.co.uk

Awaz - Voice of the Community Š Registered Charity No. SC04558

Awaz - Voice of the Community 64 Darnley Street, Glasgow, G41 2SE To find out more or register as a volunteer, please contact Guari at: Gauri Raje, Project officer, Our Journeys Project Phone: 0141 465 6198 Direct: 0141 420 6666 Email: gauri@awaz.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/awazheritageproject

Supported By:

JUMPSTART Project: To deliver group employability and personal development workshops at Awaz FM. The project will carry out 1-2-1 progression m eetings with participants and liaise with employers and colleges to broker opportunities and support young people in to education, employment or training. OUR JOURNEY Project: Many early South Asian migrants to Scotland are dying, taking their personal histories with them. The project will aim to record those important memories before they were lost and to celebrate the history and achievements of Scotland`s South Asian community. The project would like to collect memories of life in South Asia, experiences of migrating to the UK (Scotland) since the 1940's and adapting to life in Scotland. It will explore the different ways that migration affects personal identity.


Partners & Funders THE ENDRICK TRUST

THIRD SECTOR FORUM The voice of Glasgow’s Third Sector

COM M ON WEAL

West of Scotland Regional Equality Council The Napiershall Centre, 39 Napiershall Street, Glasgow, G20 6EZ

0141 337 6626

0141 339 2647

www.wsrec.co.uk

Scottish Charity No: SC025038 Scottish Company No: SC292009

admin@wsrec.co.uk