Philip Duncan – Spectrum Association

I am the organiser and manager of Spectrum Association, based in Preston. I have been involved in the local community for about thirty years. I run a carnival dance troop that engages all ages, races and religions, bringing everyone together to take part in a great community event. Spectrum provides activities and involvement projects for all. But over the last year or so things have become increasingly difficult with the main issue of funding and the feeling of becoming ‘stuck in a rut’, the feeling now is very much that you must run your community organisations as a business and therefore in need of support and guidance on all aspects of running a successful community group. Looking back this time last year I was extremely worried about the future of Spectrum Association,. Funding seemed uncertain, everyone seemed to be out for themselves and very protective over what they were involved in and finances etc.

But fast forward a year and we are celebrating some great achievements, we have secured two pots of funding as well as winning Carnival King and Queen contest and overall winners of Carnival Band 2011 and this would not have been possible without the support and focus that has been provided through the care and attention of Lancashire BME Pact. To know that an organisation exists to support us and develop our organisation is so reassuring especially in these difficult times. Whenever we have needed any questions answering or some general guidance and signposting, the staff at Lancashire BME pact has been there to help. Through Lancashire BME Pact we have been able to meet so many other organisations across Lancashire that we didn’t even know about and through this the opportunities for future and joint projects is endless. Although we have only been a member for a couple of months the support and dedication that we have received has been outstanding, Lancashire BME Pact is exactly what we as Black Minority and Ethnic organisations need to strengthen our sector, thank you to all involved.