Imagine a gender equal world.

According to The Law Society there are a significant number of words, phrases and acronyms that appear when talking about race and ethnicity which often change depending on the context of the conversation. Language is continuously evolving.

It's important to understand the meaning behind the terms we use to address people and to keep updated and willing to refresh our language, so we use appropriate and respectful terms.

It’s also imperative to remember that individuals will have their own particular preferences as to how they would describe themselves, and how they would wish to be described. Identity is extremely personal. You should listen, educate yourself, learn, and politely ask about preferences, if in doubt.

Exclusion.

Sadly, not everyone embraces these values, and this can lead to feelings of exclusion and problems with mental health for some.

The Mental Health Foundation recognises that different communities understand and talk about mental health in different ways.

In some communities, mental health problems are rarely recognised or spoken about. They may be seen as shameful or embarrassing. This can discourage people from talking about their mental health or seeing their GP for help. This is true of many people from BAME backgrounds. They have the same right as everyone else to access mental treatment and services but research shows BAME people can face barriers to getting help, read here to find out more.

The Diversity Study of England and Wales

What do we think of our neighbours? And what do they think of us? When it comes to race, religion and immigration, what divides us and what brings us together? Do we all share the same experiences of the diverse everyday world around us? Or is diversity something other people do? These are some of the questions that motivated the Woolf Institute to produce How We Get Along: The Diversity Study of England and Wales 2020.

Where can I find help?

There are various organisations across the country that work to improve the lives of people who are in need of advice or assistance; details of some of these can be found below.

Friends, Families and Travellers working to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life. Offering support for individuals and families with the issues that matter most to them, at the same time as working to transform systems and institutions to address the root causes of inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.

Access exists to help migrants settle into their local communities. Working in partnership with stakeholders to promote community cohesion, to offer multi-lingual advice services and to provide practical support to overcome language barriers for their clients.

Norwich Integration Partnership brings together New Routes Integration, English+ and The Bridge Plus+ to improve integration support to individuals and families navigating the problematic divide between arrival and living a full functioning life in the Norwich community. They offer pathways of support to address the multiple disadvantages and challenges faced by recently settled migrants with complex needs.

Black Minds Matter connecting Black individuals and families with free mental health services- by professional Black therapists to support their mental health.

CORE  (formerly the Coalition of BME VCS organisations) brings together many of the UK’s leading black and minority ethnic voluntary and community organisations for the promotion of race equality.

Gendered Intelligence a registered charity that exists to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve trans people's quality of life. They are a trans-led and trans-involving grassroots organisation with a wealth of lived experience, community connections of many kinds, and a depth and breadth of trans community knowledge.

Norwich City of Sanctuary is part of a national movement building a culture of welcome for refugees and asylum-seekers, many of whom have lost their homes, fled persecution, and now sought safety here. An amazing network of charities support refugees and asylum seekers in Norwich. They work with them and encourage sectors from across the city to get involved with the movement.

Norfolk Polonia is a polish and non-profit organisation working for the minority groups in Norfolk, especially Eastern Europeans. In 2021 they became West Earlham Community Centre ​managers, providing essential support (free general advice, English lessons or cultural events) to the local community and Eastern Europeans.

Events

Celebrate International Women’s Day – 8th March 2023

The theme for this year’s event is #EmbraceEquity
It's not just something we say or something we write about, it's something we need to think about, know, and embrace. It's what we believe in, unconditionally. Equity means creating an inclusive world.

If this is something you feel passionate about and you want to get involved, find more information here

UEA Refugee Week – 3rd – 10th March 2023

The University of East Anglia is a University of Sanctuary this accreditation is given to universities that show an ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming culture of inclusivity and awareness.​

UEA is proud to welcome people seeking sanctuary (asylum seekers and refugees) into their community, recognising the wealth of experience and knowledge they bring.

The Universities of Sanctuary initiative currently engages with sanctuary seekers, and the wider university and local community in multiple activities. These include learning and teaching, student support, delivery of events such as UEA Refugee week, research projects, partnerships with community organisations and through the UEA scholarship programme.