Up and Coming Events and Conferences:

To find our more about the past and current work being undertaken by the ARC BME Unit, please go to:

http://www.arcuk.org.uk/264/en/arc+projects.html

'Giving Us A Voice'
DCLG funds major joint project for tackling race inequalities for people with Learning Disabilities from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups

The Department for Communities and Local Government announced decisions under its Tackling Race Inequalities Fund. A joint bid made by ARC, BILD and Mencap to produce a Charter for Inclusion for people with learning disabilities who use services and their families from BAME communities as been accepted. 'Giving us a Voice' is an 18 month project working right across the country starting in October to involve users and carers from these communities in regional meetings to inform local policy makers about what they need and expect from services. There is clear evidence at present that services are not reaching these communities and their families, who are effectively excluded from local participation by lack of contact, language difficulties and the belief that no-one will listen. 'Giving us a Voice' is a systematic way of tackling this problem and challenging local statutory bodies and providers to sign up to the ‘Charter for Inclusion’ which the project will produce from meetings with users and families. 9 regional Summits will also inform future decision-making about services for this group and encourage participation in local consultations.

Speaking for the partnership of the three organisations, James Churchill the Chief Executive of ARC said:
“BILD, Mencap and ARC are delighted that DCLG have recognised the needs of these excluded groups and have supported our joint bid. We look forward to seeing all local authorities hearing clearly from the Giving us a Voice regional groups and supporting the Charter for Inclusion. This is a major opportunity to help local people who have historically been excluded join in and have their voice heard about what kind of services are needed. Here is a real opportunity to improve participation and the better understanding of exactly what some people really need in services.”

To find out more about the project and regional summits go to:

Giving Us A Voice

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Transitions for Young People from Minority Ethnic Communities
ARC/National Transition Support Team
Hallam University, Sheffield - 29th January 2010
PRESENTATIONS from the above event are available to download at:
Transitions & Best Practice

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NLDEN Annual Conference Reports:

NLDEN Conference 2008

NLDEN Conference 2006

NLDEN Conference 2005


Funding Opportunities:

MENCAP

Grass Roots Sport - The Football Foundation

sf Charity Group - For Disabled People

The ACT Foundation