96 UK Young People Meet for Tolerance and Peace

Welcome to the latest report from Encompass Trust on the progress of our UK programmes. Commonly known as 'Same Difference.'

In case you are unaware, there is a real need for community cohesion in the UK. It may be a multi-cultural country, but many communities live isolated lives. They may be living in the same towns, but not 'together' in any real sense. Some communities operate virtually in silo's. This is a classic reason for mistrust and fear to increase. This can often lead to hatred and the feeding of negative stereotypes. In 2005, the Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality spoke of how British cities are 'sleepwalking to segregation' (Philips 2005). In London alone, racist and religious hate crime rose by 28% in 2014. Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 138% and Islamaphobic attacks saw a 47% increase.

Our Same Difference programmes have been very succesful for a number of years in bringing young people together from diverse communities, cultures and religions in the UK. They can be aged 16-23. The programmes run over a weekend and involve activities and workshops specifically designed to challenge. We get the young people to critically look at their own views, and the views of the media. We also get them to think about what identity, community and culture means to them, and others. But the programmes are meant to be just the start of the community cohesion and during this time young people are skilled at programme development and supported to develop their own self esteem and project ideas. From this additional up-skilling, many initiatives have come about. This is how one project can become many!

For example, 'Diversitea' - which is a monthly social event in which young people meet new people and engage in dialogue on topical and pertinent contemporary issues over a cup of tea. Last month we held our first ‘Diversitea’ in partnership with Aik Saath’s 'Empowered.' It was phenomenal event with over forty young people in attendance.The theme for the inaugural event was ‘Refugee-hood’ and the event begun with a very warm Encompass welcome and a presentation by Slough Refugee Support for whom the event raised £50.

As people came in to the event they were given a quiz, which aimed to dispel negative stereotypes of refugees and highlighted the contributions refugees have made to the UK. The event attracted a host of talented spoken word performers and rappers from London, Slough and surrounding areas. Performances were complimented with a quiz by co-host Declan and ran throughout the evening; ensuring the event was more than just the sharing of poetry but also the sharing of knowledge. The event was serine and the array of delectable 'Ahmad' teas complimented the calm atmosphere.

Encompass alumnus Aisha was key in organising Diversitea, and says "It was a very worthwhile event, with much enthusiam and engagement. Given that it was the first one we achieved a great amount and are looking forward to the next one!"

The next Same Difference programme itself is currently in the planning process, and our programme team are in talks with a number of partner organisations to develop hubs of engagement, in areas that currently witness high levels of community mistrust. By building these relationships, Encompass then has a core of young participants and gains from the knowledge of partner organisations working on the ground in local communities.

Please keep your eyes peeled for the next Same Difference programme!

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