Wokingham

Residents from different backgrounds and cultures living in the Wokingham Borough got together last week (July 11) at a special event aiming to explore new ways for locally diverse communities to integrate, build relations and celebrate individuality.

Under the theme “Action not words – making it work in Wokingham”, the conference aimed to identify ideas for helping to bring communities together and to tackle common barriers that might prevent interaction and good relations.

The event featured local facts and figures about Black Minority and Ethnic Communities in the borough, as well as entertainment from different countries and community presentations.

Keynote Wokingham speakers included Elise Clarke, director of cohesion and faiths from the Department of Communities and Local Government, who added that community cohesion cannot be forcibly imposed by external agencies but has to be achieved by community members working together for the benefit of all.

Other speakers were Vip Mair of the Thames Valley Police talking about community safety; Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera, formerly of the National Police Improvement Agency, and Josie Wragg, Wokingham Borough Council’s policy manager for social inclusion, highlighting initiatives and events held to celebrate individuality such as Black History Month and establishing new community groups.

Delegates had the opportunity to take part in workshops discussing key issues and put their ideas forward on topics such as affordable housing, employment and opportunities for young people.

Speaking at event, Cllr Frank Browne, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “In partnership with Thames Valley Police, we were delighted to host this event and to see so many people who all share a common goal of integration between different communities and backgrounds.

“Local people know their communities best and this was a great opportunity to hear views on how we all see ourselves successfully working together in the Wokingham Borough now and in the future.

“The day provoked some interesting debate about local communities integrating with one another towards common aspirations, goals and opportunities. The council is committed to helping local communities flourish and together with our partners here today, our joint aim is
to tackle challenges and to promote strong relations among people from different backgrounds in local neighbourhoods, schools and the workplace.”

The event took place at Shehnai, 75-77 London Street in Reading.

Wokingham Borough Council