Cheltenham Change Conference challenges equalities in culturally diverse communities

Named ‘Transforming diversity & inclusion: progressive actions for equitable futures’, this hard-hitting event brings leaders together online to listen and discuss ways that we can move forward in tackling some of the inequalities that culturally diverse communities experience locally.

Organised by Cheltenham residents and organisations from a variety of backgrounds, and working with Cheltenham Borough Council, the conference aims to see positive actions regarding Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

Over the last year the group has focused on issues affecting black communities - Black Lives Matter and more recently Black History Month. Currently BAME people are at a much greater risk from Covid-19. There is also a lengthy history of poorer outcomes in a number of areas from education, employment, physical and mental health, to policing and criminal justice. 

Florence Nyasamo-Thomas, of Lives of Colour, says, “This has been a long-awaited conference and we are excited to be working with Cheltenham Borough Council in taking a bottom-up approach to creating change.

“Being able to listen to our communities and understanding how best we can tackle systemic racism, bias and racial inequality in our town is the first step of many to ensure equitable futures for all in Cheltenham. This is important ongoing work that requires communities and services working together.”

Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles, continues: “We hope that this conference will encourage more positive change here in Cheltenham. Cheltenham Borough Council has made a commitment to work more closely with partners to challenge bias, both deliberate and unconscious and racism in all its forms. This is important ongoing work that requires communities and services working together.”

The conference presentations will be streamed live on Monday 30 November from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and will also be available afterwards at: www.youtube.com/user/cheltenhamborough.

For updates and further information on the conference visit @BLMChelt on Facebook.

For all enquiries please email [email protected].

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected]

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