Council chiefs have backed a new three-year deal with Rights and Equality Sandwell to help promote good community relations and tackle hate crime and discrimination.
Councillor Syeda Khatun, the council’s deputy leader, said it was vital to invest in services to support people who are vulnerable, victims of crime or at risk of discrimination, exploitation, abuse and violence.
She said: “We have a long history of strong community relations and partnerships here in Sandwell but we need to build on these and strengthen them further.
“We are responding to various challenges and threats – including hate crime and so-called ‘hidden crimes’ such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and modern slavery.
“We’re also working with our communities to promote cohesion, protect young people and prevent the threat of terrorism and people being radicalised.
“Rights and Equality Sandwell has been established in Sandwell for more than 10 years. It makes an important contribution in supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“Together with the police, NHS and local organisations, we can strengthen our response and further promote good community relations and equality.”
As part of the new agreement, Rights and Equality Sandwell will need to attract funding from other sources to complement the council’s support. It will also need to help other local groups and organisations develop local projects and attract investment.
Key aspects of the plan include dealing with hate crime; protecting children and young people from exploitation, abuse and radicalisation; supporting vulnerable migrant communities; and providing training for organisations about safeguarding, violence, exploitation and ‘hidden crimes’, including FGM and modern slavery.
Permjeet Panesar, chief executive officer for Rights and Equality Sandwell, said: "We are delighted to embark on a new three-year partnership with Sandwell Council to carry on playing a leading role in tackling discrimination and inequality and working together to support all communities across the borough.
"Through this grant opportunity we are encouraged that the council has affirmed its confidence in working with RES at a time when we are seeing an increase in highly divisive rhetoric at national and international levels in relation to community relations, immigration and extremism.
"Sandwell has a long tradition of belonging, where people of different faiths and cultures share a strong sense of unity, empathy and solidarity with those who suffer injustice.
"Rights and Equality Sandwell, established in 2003, was formerly known as Race Equality Sandwell until 2011 when the organisation expanded its remit to promoting the rights for all of the protected characteristic groups (age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation) as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
"RES has developed a reputation as a champion committed to equality and working towards creating fairer and more inclusive opportunities for all.
"Looking ahead, working in partnership with the Sandwell Council and other partners, there is both significant opportunity and a challenge for all of us to strengthen anti-discrimination rights and protection for all our communities; increase advice, support and advocacy for those who experience discrimination and harassment; and target practical proposals for action to tackle hate crime and extremism."
