Sep 4, 2017
Listen in Silence was the title of HVA’s 1996 research project into the needs of Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities. Recommendations led to HVA receiving funding for a BME project to develop links between individuals, community groups and local services. We are currently leading a multi-agency practitioners group to co-ordinate BME work across the borough, produce the ‘Cultural Voices’ newsletter and website, advise on Community Cohesion matters and support the development of groups such as Hastings Ethnic Minority Advisory Service.
When the Borough was first identified as a dispersal area for refugees and Asylum seekers, HVA worked with other services to develop the LINKS one stop shop service. Using Home Office Funding it also developed one of the pilot Purposeful Activity Programmes to develop sports and learning activities and support the engagement with local community members. Delivered in conjunction with Chapel Park Online (the nearest community centre to the Adelphi Hotel which housed many Asylum Seekers) the programme was independently evaluated as one of the fastest to provide a response to an identified need.
