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DIVERSITY NETWORK FOR CORNWALL
Carnon Building, Wilson Way, Pool, Redruth
TR15 3RS
www.dnfc.org.uk
NEWSLETTER
n
3rd. JUNE 2015
News, Views, and What’s On in Equality and Diversity Locally
OUR MISSION....
Equality and Respect for One and All
OUR AIM....
To work with the statutory, voluntary, community and private
organisations to achieve the positive changes necessary to make
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly a safe, inclusive and welcoming
environment for One and All.
THE NEW EUROPEAN FUNDING ROUND IS HERE.
You may recall that in our February newsletter we said that David Sillifant was
(temporarily) the Equalities representative on the “Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Shadow Integrated Territorial Investment Committee”, having been put forward
by the Management Group of Inclusion Cornwall. Following a vote by Cornwall
VSF members, David has been formally elected as the Equalities
representative, with Tarn Lamb of CN4C as the deputy. Thank you all who voted
for supporting us – it is important that the voice of Cornwall’s minorities is
heard and helps shape the way European funding is allocated.
What is this committee with such a short name? Briefly, it advises those
central government departments in charge of handling the new programme of
European funding for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly how best that money
should be spent for maximum benefit for the people of Cornwall. Membership
of the committee is quite large, and includes Cornwall Council, the Council of
the Isles of Scilly, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Cornwall Chamber of
Commerce, the Employment and Skills Board, the CUC Partnership, the Local
Nature Partnership, the Rural Cornwall Partnership, the Voluntary Sector
Forum; and a number of others including various government departments.
Much of the work of the committee to date has been concentrated on
processes and procedures, and in trying to establish the exact relationship
between central government (who in this round of European funding in Cornwall
will be the decision-makers) and the committee with its greater local
knowledge and experience. Until the extent of local influence is understood it
has been difficult to progress.
Why does this all matter to the Equality and Diversity sector in Cornwall; and
why does it matter at all if you are excluded, discriminated against, in a
disadvantaged minority, or just feel that it’s of no direct benefit to you? Isn’t it
just about big business getting financial grants; and Cornwall Council getting
money for big capital spending schemes? Isn’t it just about the usual “club”, in
fact?
It matters because over the next five years just over fifty million pounds is
available via the European Social Fund specifically to combat poverty and
promote social inclusion in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Unlike previous
European programmes, this one has a mandatory requirement to spend a
specific, and larger, percentage on social inclusion.
The first invitations to local groups and organisations to apply for some of this
money will be publicised very soon, and a large portion of it will be via the Big
Lottery which has been selected as the delivery partner to handle the process.
Cornwall VSF has already run an excellent workshop to prepare organisations
for the Big Lottery’s call for “Priority Groups”, and setting out the application
process: and Cornwall Rural Community Council is running a course on
“Prepare to bid for funding from the European Social Fund” at Fraddon on the
16th. June (more information from CRCC on 01726 821904, or
[email protected] )
PLEASE HELP . Questioning at the Shadow ITI Committee has revealed that
the likely “Priority Groups” named in the high-level programme document
against which applications will be assessed are currently those identified by
central government nationally, and DO NOT reflect the situation of
disadvantaged or minority groups as they actually exist in Cornwall. As we all
know, Cornwall’s minorities and excluded groups do not necessarily reflect the
national picture. Some statistics are available to show where we have a
greater incidence of deprivation, exclusion, or disadvantage, but it is important
that you supply the evidence NOW to depict a more accurate picture of
Cornwall’s Priority Groups. Any information, statistics, or evidence can be set
to [email protected] so that a more informed picture can be
presented to the Committee. It would also be useful to know if the intention
that applications must be made separately for each of four geographical areas
which will cover the County are likely to make bids easier where they are
small; or instead will make bids more complicated and cumbersome where a
specialist County-wide application is being contemplated.
ST.DAY GYPSY AND TRAVELLERS WOMEN’S GROUP OPEN DAY
LGBT PACT INFORMATION DAY THIS SATURDAY
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities
invited to information day in Truro
18 May 2015
Saturday 06 June 2015 sees the fourth annual Cornwall Lesbian Gay Bisexual
and Transgender, Partners and Communities Together (LGBT PACT) information
day at Lemon Quay, Truro (outside Marks and Spencer) from 10am to 3pm.
Simon Mould, Assistant Chief from Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service and the Chair
of the LGBT PACT says: “This is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the
depth and variety of work that is delivered throughout Cornwall by our LGBT
PACT partners. The information day is a great opportunity to chat informally and
find out what’s on offer. Please visit us on 06 June to find out more about our
LGBT History; current issues from around the world and access local sources of
information, advice and support.”
The LGBT PACT is made up of a collective of partners including: The Source FM,
The Intercom Trust, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG),
Cornwall Pride, Volunteer Cornwall, Cornwall Council, Coastline Housing, Devon
and Cornwall Police, Healthy Gay Cornwall, LGBTQ Youth Cornwall and Dementia
Action Alliance. Together they work closely to identify and promote the concerns
and priorities of the LGBT communities living in and visiting Cornwall.
This year they are supporting the Cornwall Pride theme of Solidarity,
supporting LGBT brothers and sisters around the world.
WE'RE LUCKY... to be LGBT and living here in the west – it's not perfect
and the battle for true equality goes on but it could be worse.
WE'RE LUCKY... that those who came before us through the sixties,
seventies and eighties laid down the foundations for the liberties we enjoy
today.
WE'RE LUCKY... that we can join together in a legal union and pledge our
commitment to the person we love.
Even now in 2015, it is still a crime to be lesbian, gay or bisexual in over 70
countries with punishments including life imprisonment, flogging and the death
penalty. In all regions of the world, to a greater or lesser extent, LGBT people
are denied the right to freedom of association, freedom of assembly and freedom
of expression. LGBT people continue to face hate-motivated violence and
discrimination in jobs, health care and education because of their real or
perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Cornwall Council cabinet member for communities Geoff Brown said:
“Cornwall is renowned for its caring nature and respect for all aspects
within our community. Everyone is welcome to join us at this event which
showcases many of our support services.”
For further information on the LGBT PACT please contact
[email protected]
and finally....
We continue to operate from the Carnon Building in Wilson Way,Pool, and can be
contacted by e-mail: Our email address is:- [email protected]
Our website is http://www.dnfc.org.uk/