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Historically, Black and Minority Ethnic is a term used to describe anyone who is not from white or Caucasian origin. These include people from mixed parentage families and anyone who originates from a country outside Europe. However, there are many different terms used to describe ethnic diversity. An 'Ethnic group' are people of the same ethnic origin or nationality with 'a long shared history and a distinct culture'. While 'Ethnicity' refers to the invisible quality, or sense of being, which comes from that shared ethnic or cultural connection. There is also some debate as to which groups should be considered 'ethnic minorities'. Sometimes the term is taken to mean all groups except the three White categories used by the government, i.e. in the census ('White - British', 'White - Irish' and 'Other White Background'). While sometimes ‘ethnic minority’ it is understood to be all groups except those in the 'White - British' category. For the purpose of this website and the link between BME and safety issues such as bullying, hate crimes, victimisation and racism, the term BME includes all ethnic groups which are not ‘white British’. However, this should also include Scottish and Welsh people, as well as Irish, as being members of a minority ethnic group in the UK. Therefore, in England, the term BME should include all ethnic groups who are not white English. BME and safety Members of Black and Minority Ethnic communities have suffered from a lot of racism, prejudice and inequalities for many years, which can be especially hard for children and young people to experience. If you or anyone you know ever experiences, what you perceive, to be racism or prejudice based upon the colour of your skin, religion or ethnic group then you should always report it. These are serious hate crimes which the Police and Partnership Community Safety Team will always take seriously and support you through the reporting process. See the ‘Hate Crimes’ page on this website for more information. There are many BME groups in Brighton & Hove who provide specialist support and advice services for different communities and ethnic groups. BME groups have come about and exist in order to try and represent the communities and people they serve in the face of racism and prejudice. They create a safe space for people to visit, and create a place where they won’t have to talk or explain to others about who they are and where they come from. Within these groups, people from different BME groups can freely talk about any prejudice, inequalities or lack of awareness they have come across in their lives and try to influence and inform the development of a free and equal multi cultural society. If you are a BME young person If you are a young person and member of a Black or Minority Ethnic group living in Brighton & Hove then there are a variety of services you can contact for information and advice about a range of issues: from youth groups and activities (including closed and mixed settings) through to specialist support for various BME communities. See the contacts below for more advice and information. For more information about other youth settings in the city you can also visit the ‘Map of Services’ on this website for advice and contact details for the Young People’s Centre, Youth Advice Centre, Safe and Sorted or for information about a variety of Youth Groups and Clubs. BME young people’s Connexions Advisor You can also contact the specialist BME young people’s Connexions Advisor who provides support for BME young people aged 16-19 in Brighton & Hove. They can advise you about a range of subjects including services you can access, safety issues, education, employment, legal advice, health, relationships etc. You can also access 'Free workshops where you can learn something new - have fun, enjoy multicultural activities & celebrations. BME Connexions Advisor Young People's Centre, 69 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE Tel. 01273 887886 Email: aisha.lawrie@impact-initiatives.org.uk Black & Minority Ethnic Young People’s Project The BMEYPP provide safe spaces for black and minority ethnic young people aged 11 to 25. The project provide a range of activities including a football project, an after schools youth club, a dance project, newsletter, social events and a film making project. The Project is also developing a number of initiatives in local schools and provides opportunities for BME young people to get involved in volunteering and one to one work in the project. For more information contact: The Black and Minority Ethnic Young Peoples Project Intergen House, 65 Western Road, Hove, BN3 2JQ. Tel: (01237) 229381. Email: vannessa@bmeypp.org.uk Mosaic For information about groups for different BME communities in Brighton & Hove you can contact Mosaic, who can sign post you to specific groups. Mosaic (Black and Mixed Parentage Family Group), Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG, Tel: (01273) 234017 Email: info@mosaicbrighton.org.uk. BMECP For information and advice about other services for BME young people in Brighton & Hove you can contact the Black & Minority Ethnic Community Partnership. The BMECP can provide you with information about a range of other BME groups in Brighton and Hove. Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership (BMECP) Website: www.bmecp.org.uk/ Links Mosaic is a community organization in Brighton & Hove for Black, minority ethnic and mixed parentage families and individuals. They create safe, supportive, anti-racist and culturally diverse environments for their members and represent their interests. For more information visit their website. The Commission for Racial Equality website gives you information about race equality in the UK. It has information about what the law says, what schools should and could be doing to promote racial equality and gives you information about what the CRE are doing, working with others, to improve racial equality in our society. www.black-history-month.co.uk/ The Black History Month website aims to promote knowledge of Black history and experience, share information about positive Black contributions to British society, and increase the confidence of Black people in their cultural heritage and history. Black history month is held every October in the UK. More links to follow…. |
