Issue - items at meetings - 'One Voice': Communities Coming Together to Help keep People Safe

Verbal presentation by Fiyaz Mughal: Director of Faith Matters.

37.1    Mr Fiyaz Mughal: Director of Faith Matters gave presentation in relation to ‘One Voice’ Communities Coming Together to Help Keep People Safe.

37.2    In response to Dr Yagoub it was explain that influencing the press was difficult as they often sought negative stories to report, it was important that work continue in relation to positive role models in Islamic communities. There was work already underway to report on good news stories, and it was hoped the group ‘One Voice’ could continue to work with the press.

37.3    In response to Councillor Daniel it was explained ‘One Voice’ was a local organisation, as it was new its position in relation to the other BME groups in the city was currently being worked through. There was an opportunity to build a sustainable organisation that was led by the service users and create a proper platform to engage with communities. The Head of Community Safety explained that the group had originated from conversations with communities and grown, it now included the Racial Harassment Forum.

37.4    The Forum discussed the far-right marches that had taken place in the city in recent years, it was noted that there was no event planned this spring; however, in the past the law had not allowed the event to be banned, nor would this prevent people from coming to the city.

37.5    Councillor Mac Cafferty thanked all those that had been involved in the project, and stated it was vital communities and LATs work together to show that Islamophobia was not acceptable. In response Mr Mughal stated that local councillors could help put this message out in their wards through social media and press work and this could help shape how young people saw their own future.

37.6    Councillor Simson noted the role that positive press could make, and that this had been considered as part of the work of the Traveller Scrutiny Panel the previous year, it was also important that work be undertaken locally to try and engage with young people.

37.7    The Chair thanked Mr Mughal for this presentation and facilitating the discussion with the Forum.

37.8    RESOLVED: That the Forum noted the presentation.