Fawad Qureshi – Race Equality Hyndburn

Race equality Hyndburn has an interesting story about how it was established but before we go into how, why and when, I would like to introduce myself, I am Fawad Qureshi and at present I am managing the project as Equality & Cohesion Manager. Although the organisation is new, I have had the pleasure of helping the community as a Racial Harassment Project Manager in 2001 during my work with Blackburn Racial Equality Council.

I have worked in both voluntary and statutory sectors. One aspect that is imperative towards the work of the organisations is my legal knowledge about related issues, I have attained during my Bachelors of Law and Community Justice studies as part of my Probation Officer Degree.

Racial Equality Hyndburn came into being as a result of a trustee experiencing first hand discrimination; I was approached as I had also suffered discrimination. We got involved in community research in Hyndburn to establish whether in fact there was a need for our organisation. As the trustees had a considerable amount of experience in Health, Community, Justice, Legal and Voluntary sector; it was decided that we should use our experiences to benefit the public. We provide emotional support and practical advice to try to bridge gaps in the community.

As racial discrimination in all its manifestations is despised by all, I promised myself that I will do my best to reduce the likelihood of tensions between communities. Luckily in one meeting with the local Government Councillors, I came across Lancashire BME Pact (Nisar & Jabien) who later invited me to the office, where I met Sally and the other staff who have assisted us with well designed training, funding and health checks and have advised us how to adopt and share good practice, I feel that Lancashire BME Pact is a necessary link that provides support and practical advice to us and I would recommend that other areas of the county would benefit from such a practical hands on organisation. The highlight for the past twelve months has been that we are able to secure funding for the next financial year and some of the credit goes to Lancashire BME Pact for their support.