We contribute to: Safety Learning Living Inclusion and Community Cohesion Health Economic success " I remember in June 2005 , attending the very first BRING A DISH was a rare treat, highlighting local talent of people from diverse cultures and faiths. This had a ripple effect and I am proud that CCDN have sustained a consistent supportive presence that local communities can rely on." Cllr. Pam Brown, former Mayor of Hastings Monitoring report

July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 January 2007 February 2007 March 2007 April 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 Bring-A-Dish June 2007 BBC supports Celebrating Cultural Diversity Network in raising awareness of the impact of racism in local communities: Around 150 people danced to the powerful rhythms of South African/ Guinea band "TAMALA" at the networks May BRING-A-DISH. Everyone is welcome to the free community cohesion celebrations which take place every last Saturday of the month.   CCDN Director Patricia Knight, who had been honoured by an award presented by Lord Avebury in respect of her work on behalf of Traveller Communities, said: “The forthcoming BRING A DISH on the 30th of June, 4-9pm at 20 West Hill Road, St Leonards is dedicated to the plight of Gypsy & Traveller Communities, highlighting local artists, crafts & other people’s positive contributions to East Sussex - next to a unique outdoor- cooking demonstration of culinary delights. The event hopes to raise compassion and initiate positive action to help eliminate the suffering of a much discriminated people.”   CCDNs Chair Amber Karen Leafes said: “A wide range of local people from Diverse Ethnicities, Cultures and Faiths (DECF), currently report hate crime and racist incidents informally to CCDN, from a range of settings including local neighbourhoods and schools.    Such incidents are wide-ranging and CCDN & cSONIQ have now produced a documentary which allows a small sample of local Children, Young People and their parents to express themselves, sharing not only incidents, but also debating possible solutions.   The 30th of June BRING A DISH 4-9pm will feature a screening of the DVD, highlighted in the South East Today Evening News & BBC Southern Counties, raising awareness of the different types of Racist Incidents being experienced and witnessed by local people. “   The DVD highlights some recognised impact of Racism and as such presents a small jigsaw of evidence needed to point to the fact that the current budget of £30 000 for all HATE CRIME incidents in the whole of East Sussex is simply insufficient in   Implementing preventative strategies Raising awareness of new Reporting Scheme, due to be launched in September Implementing new Reporting Scheme Implementing meaningful Case work support (Both legal & psychologically).   Commitment is needed for the current budget to be at least trebled, with posts strategically situated divided based on needs, namely   Hastings/ St Leonards on Sea Eastbourne & Isolated rural communities    CCDN is part of the current multi-agency steering group, initiated by Mandy Foyster’s review of Hate Crime, commissioned by ESCC/ Safer Hastings Partnership – which confirmed the fact that the current Racist Incident Reporting Scheme is unsatisfactory, as it failed to work collectively with all relevant key stake holders, is geographically inconvenient to many urban communities, not well publicised and heavily under-resourced.   CCDN congratulates ESCC for succeeding in engaging with a much wider range of potential partners, valuing contributions from Voluntary & Community organisations, supporting plans for a new scheme, which will be debated in 5 forthcoming focus groups during June and July which are open to the general public.   If you wish to attend or contribute to your local focus group, please contact CCDN via www.celebratingculturaldiversitynetwork.org or info@celebratingculturaldiversitynetwork.org or call 01424 424 080.   Please click here for information about the International ROMA DAY.