Zieda Ali – Project BME Lancashire

 

My name is Zieda Ali and I am the Operational manager/Co Founder for a community cohesion charity based in Darwen.image of staff members project bme

Our group is called Project BME Lancashire and we work with black minority ethnic communities in the Darwen area, but we hope to expand further. We started in September 2010 after I lost my job due to racial discrimination and victimisation. It was difficult to find work and this inspired me to think laterally about other opportunities that were open to me. I wanted to give something back to the community and use the skills and experiences I had gained.

I came up with the idea of starting a charity that addresses social injustice in the minority communities. I am very passionate about the work and am committed about empowering people who are less fortunate and less vocal than me.

I believe this part of Lancashire suffers from various disadvantages i.e. in employment, education, housing etc. As an organisation we challenge local policy makers when it comes to equality of opportunity for people from BME Backgrounds.

 

 

We provide culturally sensitive services to partner organisations and BME communities.

Our services include:

  • Various cultural awareness workshops and discussion forums
  • Drop in sessions
  • Focus groups and culture and diversity tours
  • BME Drug and substance misuse awareness training
  • Radicalization awareness
  • Interpreting service
  • Health awareness

 

One of our highlights has been meeting Prince William and Kate Middleton on a visit to our base at the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy. We were selected from 9 businesses based at the academy to meet the Royal couple and felt quite privileged to have had that experience.

We initially came across Lancashire BME Pact in June 2010 through an internet search for support agencies. We have received help regarding governance and policies and procedures. We also have a professional relationship which allows us to access support and guidance as and when needed. We have also accessed training, help with finding funding and networking though attending focus groups and events.

The networking has led me to feel positive that we can achieve our goals and speak to other members to share good practice and receive impartial advice concerning issues relating to commissioners and policy makers.