Diversity Awards Wales 

Wales has a rich history, identity and culture that has been enhanced by the migration, movement and presence of people and com­munities from diverse backgrounds. The Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) presence has been dated as far back as Roman times, and in the last century since the late 1800’s has seen a steady influx of BME individuals and commu­nities throughout Wales. In present times the population patterns and needs have influenced the whole fabric of Welsh society.

At times mainstream services targeting these communities differ in regards to their qual­ity, engagement, effectiveness and impact. In response to this, BME communities have con­tinuously developed grass roots community and voluntary organisations and specific cultural, religious and special interest groups. These projects, initiatives and activities at times pro­vide a key link between mainstream agencies and their respective communities.

Through our historical experience, BVSNW has become aware that contributions made by these special interest organisations , and/or mainstream agencies that respond to the needs of these communities has limited awareness, marketing and publicity in the public, private and third sector domain: in particular there are individuals who give their time voluntarily and those who go over and above their job descrip­tion that go unrecognised.

In direct response to this The Diversity Awards Wales has been designed to provide a national high profile platform to recognise and celebrate projects, programmes and the actions of indi­viduals that promote diversity in the field of race equality in Wales.

Last years event

Friday 31st October 2008 saw BVSNW host the Diversity Awards Wales 2008 at Cardiff County Hall.

The event provided a platform to showcase the vast and valued contribution to diversity and race equality that organisations, community groups and individuals have made throughout Wales during 2007/8.

Over 260 people attended this gala event reflecting and representing the rich diversity of communities throughout Wales. Guests were treated to an evening of fine food, entertainment, awards and individual accolades. The compere for theevening, Linda Mitchell (former Head of Diversity for the BBC), ensured that the evening was facilitated through mixture of humour, entertainment and seriousness. Key note speakers included: Dr Brian Gibbons AM, Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Cllr. Judith Woodman, Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council and Ex World Champion Boxer, Steve Robinson who all shared their thoughts on the importance of the equalities agenda’s message and also on the importance of recognising, rewarding and communicating good practice on the deliverance of services that recognise race equality.

The entertainment showcased the cultural diversity of Wales with performances of Jazz, African Drumming, Bhangra, Chinese folk song and Mongolian dance. We would like to thank our funders The Arts Council of Wales and Cardiff Council and the many sponsors who helped us put on the event. We would also like to thank all the award winners, runners up and all those who engaged in the nomination process. We look forward to a new year of work, activities, projects and programmes championing the cause of Diversity in the field of Race Equality.

RESULTS:

Community Group Award

Winner: Swansea MAS Carnival

Runners up: Butetown Education & Training Centre (BEAT) and Valleys Women Ethnic Minority Support Group (VWEMS)

Small Voluntary Organisation/ Charity Group Award

Winner : Black Environment Network (BEN) English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Recycling Unit

Runners up : Mayreau, Black and Minority Network for West Wales and Cardiff Multicultural Mela

Medium Voluntary Organisation/ Charity Award

Winner: Butetown History & Arts Centre

Large Voluntary Organisation/ Charity Award

Winner: Swansea Waterfront Museum “Everywhere in Chains Community Project”

Runners up: Spectacle Theatre Company for “A Lifetime on Tiptoes” and The Ethnic Youth Support Team (EYST) “Safe Project”

Small To Medium Sized Social Enterprise Award

Winners: Community Helps Itself (CHI) “Tiger Bay History Mural” and Believe II Achieve “Empowerment, Sports Development and Participation Project”

Public Sector Body & Department Award

Winner: Cardiff Council Leisure Department Team “BME Programme” with a special mention to Rajma Begum for the Children’s Play services

Runners up: Betws Workers Network for “Embracing Differences Week” and Shajneen Abedean for the Bonymaen Communities First “Celebrating Food, Faith & Fashion”

Partnership Award

Winner: Cardiff Honour Based Violence Stakeholder’s Group

School Award

Winner: Ysgol Gymraeg Lon Las “Cultural Diversity in a Box Project”

Runner up: Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Garth Olwg “Promoting and Celebrating Diversity Programme”

Young Achiever/Youth Leadership Award

Winner: Matthew Ricketts

Individual Award

Winner: Sarah Cheung

Runners up: Brenda Thompson & Alan Herbert

Information on next year's event will be posted in the near future - so please keep an eye out!