Latest news in Yorkshire: September 01, 2017 02:24:00 PM
A partnership between the council and local equality forums has led to increased engagement with diverse communities across the borough. The findings come from Barnsley Council's Equality Scheme annual report, published this week.
Successes include a month-long LGBT festival to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales, and a Purple Flag initiative which promotes a safe and inclusive evening and night-time economy.
The Equality Scheme aims to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity, and encourage good relations between all groups. The council is collaborating with local groups, such as My Barnsley Too Disability Forum and the Barnsley Deaf Forum, to deliver the scheme.
Councillor Alan Gardiner, Cabinet spokesperson for Corporate Services, said: "Barnsley is at its best when we all come together. Our collaboration with the forums is invaluable as we work towards delivering the equality priorities and objectives outlined in the scheme.
"The Destination Barnsley festival at Shaw Lane on Sunday 24 September is a great opportunity for people to find out more and integrate with the different communities making a home in Barnsley.
"We are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and will continue to tackle social exclusion throughout the borough."
Hate crime and harassment have been discussed in schools and colleges throughout the borough. Levels of incident reporting are particularly low amongst young people. The issues explored include stereotypes, prejudice and the impact of this kind of bullying on victims. Over 1,000 people took part in a last year's Hate Crime Awareness Week event and expressed messages of support and solidarity for victims of harassment.
The council is to receive a Home Office grant to help support the integration of new people into the borough. The funding will be used to improve poor-quality private rented accommodation and tackle rogue landlords.
Councillor Gardiner added: "Despite these achievements, we face a significant number challenges to achieve our equality goals.
"Further work is needed to ensure there are continued good relations between different communities in Barnsley. We have seen an increased number of new arrivals to the borough, mainly migrant workers from Eastern Europe who make a significant contribution to the local economy and community.
"It is one of our priorities to have strong and resilient communities and so we will continue as part of that work to welcome and to help new arrivals integrate with the local communities that they now live in."
The council's Cabinet will review the Equality Scheme annual report on Wednesday 6 September 2017.
Yorkshire Photography
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