Cohesion and Integration And Religion Dec 2008 Anne McMaster

1. Cohesion and Integration And Religion Dec 2008 Anne McMaster

2. Contents • Vision • Demographics • Equalities Assembly • Equality and Diversity Scheme • Cohesion and Integration

3. Vision for the Council To bring the benefits of a prosperous, vibrant and attractive city to all the people of Leeds

4. Leeds Demographics • 715,000 residents • 15% of the population are over 65 and 20% are under 16 • 10.8% of the population are from black and minority ethnic communities • 51.7% of the population are female • 44,000 people of working age, are not in employment and claim related benefits • 7% of the working age population receives incapacity benefit

5. Leeds Demographics • 69.9% stated Christian as their religion • 3% Muslim • 1.2% Jewish • 1.1% Sikh • 0.6% Hindu • 0.2% Buddhist

6. Cohesion and Integration and Equality • Can’t have one without the other

7. Equalities Assembly Developing: • 7 equality hubs • Equality champions/representatives network • Engagement with champions/hubs

8. Equality and Diversity Scheme Involvement with faith communities indicated: • More equal funding for different religious groups and associated events • Hold multi cultural events in the community • Info and comms via religious buildings and community groups • Need to be positive about different religious festivals • Need to promote basic human rights • Recognise that 25% of people in Leeds state they have no religion

9. New Definition of Cohesion and Integration Our vision of an integrated and cohesive community is based on three foundations: • People from different backgrounds having similar life opportunities • People knowing their rights and responsibilities • People trusting one another and trusting local institutions to act fairly • And three key ways of living together: • A shared future vision and sense of belonging • A focus on what new and existing communities have in common, alongside a recognition of the value of diversity • Strong and positive relationships between people from different backgrounds

10. 6 Priorities • Leadership and community empowerment • Sense of belonging and opportunities for all • Preventing the problems of tomorrow • Children and young people • Communication and information • Supporting services to make cohesion and integration part of policies and practices

11. Elements of Cohesion and Integration . Promoting and celebrating equality and diversity Mapping communities, changing demographics, migration and new communities Strong leadership, developing a vision for the area, community empowerment and engagement Cohesion and integration Intergenerational and interfaith opportunities Preventing the problems of tomorrow through conflict resolution and planning for responding in a crisis - community intelligence monitoring, preventing violent extremism Meaningful interaction and “bridging” activities: Schools Sport, culture and leisure Work Housing Shared spaces Strong communications strategy, countering myths, working with local media

12. Thank you Any Questions Contact: Anne McMaster Phone: 0113 247 4191 E mail: anne.mcmaster@leeds.gov.uk