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Background to this
Research Project
It is generally recognised that the population of
Hastings & St.Leonards has a diverse, and growing proportion of residents drawn
from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities. Data collected in the 2001
Census provides a level of empirical data relating to the number of black and
minority ethnic individuals/ families, although it is widely believed the actual
numbers have risen sharply in subsequent years. However, no up to date data
exists on the present levels of the BME population, nor on any population
trends. The proposed research is intended to provide more in-depth data on both
population levels, as well as any trends in general/ BME sector growth/reduction
to enable effective service planning.
In addition, the 2001 Census data did not provide
any accurate data on the levels of the population drawn from sector groups not
covered within the Census. These include elements of any migrant population,
both permanent and transient, within the town, many of which come from Eastern
European countries as part of the National Resettlement Programme. The proposed
research would seek to identify estimated levels of these populations, their
specific needs and issues to ensure this often overlooked sector of the
population is incorporated into agency service planning also.
A wide range of both public and voluntary and
community sector agencies provide services to members of the BME community.
However, the way in which these services are delivered is not evidence-based,
but delivered more on the basis of perceived demand, or in response to specific,
or urgent needs. The proposed research would deliver, for the first time, an
accurate picture of the needs of and issues faced by these sectors of the
population, to assist all agencies in planning service planning also.
There is a specific target in the Community
Strategy – Target 10, Community Cohesion, which aims to “Increase the number of
residents who feel people from different backgrounds live harmoniously in the
town.” To oversee the achievement of this target, a Community Cohesion Action
Plan is currently being drafted by Hastings Borough Council Neighbourhood
Renewal Unit, which, once finalised, will be passed for approval to the
Equalities sub-group of the Local Strategic Partnership. The proposed research
would assist the Strategic Partnership, and all agencies party to it, to provide
improved services to assist in the achievement of this key target for the town
by addressing specific requirements within the Action Plan.
The role of the Celebrating Cultural Diversity Network
CCDN has emerged as a fast growing network
providing a range of activities and services to the BME and wider community. It
has now more than 2000 members. Its membership is made of a diverse range of
Minority Ethnic individuals and community groups. As a result, CCDN is in a
strong position to recognise and understand the needs of the BME community, the
focus of the proposed research.
As part of its membership development, the CCDN
invites members to provide a level of information about their backgrounds,
ethnic origin, family data and the priorities each member would like CCDN to
focus on. As a result, CCDN has identified a requirement to develop more
detailed profiles of its membership’s requirements in order to further develop
its own services to the community. However, the extensive membership database
CCDN has already developed provides an excellent and unique starting point for
any research as proposed in this report.
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