EQUALITY UPDATES 25th February 2010 February is LGBT History Month: Scottish events and news at http://www.lgbthistory.org.uk View online at http://enf.org.uk/blog/ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ GLASGOW NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN and GLASGOW UNIVERSITY PALESTINE SOCIETY: International Women''s Day And Israel Apartheid Week: Talks By Hedy Epstein And Haifa Zangana: Tuesday 9 March, 7.30pm. Boyd Orr building, Glasgow University, room 407. Hedy is a holocaust survivor who was 8 years old when Hitler came into power. Her family was sent to Auschwitz and never returned while Hedy was sent to England. Hedy has participated in non-violent demonstrations with Israeli, Palestinians and Internationals and most recently participated in the Gaza freedom march in December 2009 when she went on hunger strike against Egypt''s attempts to prevent delegates from participating in the march. Haifa Zangana is an Iraqi author, novelist and artist. She was a political prisoner under Sadam Hussein and the founder of Women Solidarity for an Independent and Unified Iraq. She is a weekly columnist for Al-Quds newspaper and an occasional commentator for the Guardian among others. The event is organised by Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Glasgow University Palestine Society. All welcome to this event. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLASGOW COUNCIL FOR THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR: Equalities In Practice: Free Training Sessions: Complementing the full GCVS Mainstreaming Equalities Organisational Development Training Course we are pleased to be able to offer the following mix of half and full day training courses: 11th March: Equalities Practice in Community Engagement (10 - 12.30pm: Involving Disabled People: Tressa Burke, Glasgow Disability Alliance; 1.30 - 4pm: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Inclusion: Scott Cuthbertson, Equality Network) 31st March: Improving Your Organisation’s Equalities Practices 8th April: EQIA - Equality Impact Assessment (10 – 12.30) and Equalities Monitoring (1.30 – 4pm). Rosemarie McIlwhan All events will run at The Albany Learning and Conference Centre, 44 Ashley St, Glasgow G3 6DS. More info at http://enf.org.uk/blog/?p=1109 The Scots Italians: Thursday, 4th March, 7pm to 8pm. The third in the fascinating Glasgow in the making series of free talks from GCVS. Sergio Casci considers what it means to be a Scots Italian. Sergio Casci is a writer, filmmaker and journalist whose works include The Centurion, St Anthony’s Day Off and Rose. American Cousins was nominated for a BAFTA award. Sergio will be talking about why a wave of Italian emigration to Scotland began toward the end of the 19th century. He''ll look at some of the problems and challenges the immigrants encountered. Venue: The Albany, Learning and Conference Centre, 44 Ashley Street, Glasgow, G3 6DS. Places are free but please book in advance. The Scots Italians is the third event in the Glasgow in the making season, celebrating the contributions made to Glasgow life – and the city’s development – by the many cultural groups who have settled here. To book your space contact rogan.boon@gcvs.org.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MOMENTUM: Castlemilk Community Information Day: An Information Day highlighting services available to people living in Castlemilk is to be held in the Lesser Hall, Castlemilk Community Centre on Thursday March 25, 10am to 12pm. The event, which has been set up by Momentum, will provide information and advice on free local services including those working in the areas of employability, health and wellbeing, personal development and domestic abuse. Momentum will be joined by Glasgow South East Regeneration Agency (GSERA), SAMH, Action Towards Open Minds in Castlemilk (ATOMIC), Domestic Abuse Project, The Richmond Fellowship, Health Spot and Working Links. For further information, please contact Maureen Franks on Tel: 0141 333 0567 / Email: maureen.franks@momentumscotland.org ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLASGOW SOCIAL CARE PROVIDERS FORUM: Self Directed Support Experiences from Lancashire: 22nd March, 10am - 4pm, Glasgow. GSCPF are pleased to announce a second date with the Alternative Futures Group and Central Lancashire Commissioning Team. Tracey Bush, Divisional Head of Operations and Kim Haworth, Area Commissioning Manager will follow up their previous successful day held in November by exploring in detail provider pathways, staffing implications and considerations. This day ensures to be insightful and helpful for any individual or organisation wishing to develop and adapt. The workshops is aimed at Senior Staff and Managers from voluntary and independent service providers delivering care supports in Glasgow as well as Glasgow City Council Commissioners and Planners. Places are limited to 30 and are available on a first come first served basis. For a booking form email ElizabethMcKenna@gscpf.org.uk or call 0141 221 8769 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: Film Making & Human Rights - Youth Workshop: 10am Saturday 27th Feb, STUC offices, Glasgow. Would you like to know how to make films about the issues you care about? This is your opportunity to learn how, with the experienced documentary-maker Marie Olesen, of Autonomi Films. Autonomi Films, a Glasgow-based documentary film company, has teamed up with the Scottish Human Rights Commission, EthicalTV and Amnesty International UK''s Scottish office to hold a one- day film making workshop on the theme of human rights. Designed for 13- 19 year olds, the workshop will teach you all the practical skills you need to make films of your own, including camera skills, using editing tools and software, and exploring the ethics and rules of human rights film making. There will also be the opportunity to take part in a new film project for young people in Scotland - "Ten Wee Commandments" - where you can talk to the camera about an issue that you care about, and be included in a new short film about young people and human rights in Scotland. This is a great opportunity for any budding film makers or campaigners. If you''re interested in attending, please contact: SARAH@AUTONOMI.TV to register to attend. There are only 16 places in the workshop, so sign up soon! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From LEGAL SERVICES AGENCY: Training: Human Trafficking And The Criminal Process: A Practical Guide To Working With Victims Of Trafficking And The Criminal Justice System: Thursday 18th March, 10am to 4.30pm , Glasgow http://www.lsa.org.uk/humantraffickingandthecriminalprocess_1.aspx ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From GLASGOW COUNCIL FOR THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR and GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL 16+ PLUS LEARNING CHOICES TEAM: 16+ Learning Choices Voluntary Sector Meeting and Lunch: Tuesday 9th March, 11.30am - 1.30pm, Albany Learning and Conference Centre, 44 Ashley St, Glasgow G3 6DS. GCVS are inviting voluntary organisations working in the area of youth and employability to a lunchtime meeting with the 16+ Learning Choices Team, from GCC, to consider how the voluntary sector can contribute to the implementation of the Scottish Government 16+ Learning Choices agenda. The meeting will outline the team’s plans to commission and fund ‘needs-led’ person-centred support packages to disengaged school leavers across the city. The voluntary sector clearly has a significant role to play in the delivery of this agenda and the team are keen to meet with voluntary organisations to present their plans. The meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion, for the sector to ask questions of the 16+ Learning Choices Team, and for organisations to register their interest in becoming an approved provider for this programme. This is an essential meeting for any organisation that works with young people, who are in the transition from education to training and employment. Lunch will be provided. Book by 2nd March at http://digbig.com/5bbdcw ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY NETWORK: National LGBT Forum: 20th March, 1.30pm – 4.30pm, Mitchell Library, Glasgow. March 2010 sees new hate crime laws come into effect in Scotland. These laws, for the first time, will help protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people. Scotland is the first country in Europe to implement hate crime law which covers transphobic hate crime. But what does it mean for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Scotland? Join us for the next joint meeting of the National LGBT Forum and Scottish Transgender Alliance Forum to find out. Contributions from Police forces and victims of hate crime, as well discussions around the implementation of the new laws and the best ways of ensuring LGBT people know their newly established rights. If you would like to register for the event, or have a suggestion for something you would like to include please contact scott@equality-network.org or call the Equality Network on 0131 467 6039. Refreshments will be provided and a travel bursary scheme is in place where travel costs are a barrier to participation. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH CENTRE FOR REGENERATION: Tackling Multiple Deprivation In Communities: How do we continue to address the pockets of complex multiple deprivation which persist in our communities? This learning network workshop, delivered in conjunction with SURF, and taking place in Glasgow on March 17, will ask the following: What are the grounds for maintaining a place as well as a people focus to best fit local 2circumstances? What information is available to support this? What has been your experience to date and what are your local support needs? Download further information at http://digbig.com/5bbdcx or contact Gabriella Coia on 0141 271 3736 or email Gabriella.coia@scotland.gsi.gov.uk to book a place. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From INCLUSION SCOTLAND: National Strategy On Self Directed Support Consultation Event: 18th March at Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living, 117 – 127 Brook Street, Glasgow G40, 12.30pm – 4.30pm. The Scottish Government are currently consulting on a National Strategy on Self Directed Support. Inclusion Scotland are staging a consultation event in partnership with the Scottish Government. The Government says that the Self Directed Support Strategy’s values and principles are based on a human rights approach that emphasises the adoption of co-production in the planning and delivery of services. The Strategy is supposed to increase support for choice and control and it recommends a review of the resources available to support independent living. Progress towards independent living is to be monitored by measuring individual outcomes rather than outputs. This is your opportunity to hear the Government’s proposals; have your say on them; influence the final shape of the strategy; have your questions about the strategy answered. There will be speakers from the Scottish Government’s Adult Care & Support Team and the Independent Living in Scotland project. To book a place please contact Donna on 0141 887 7058 or e-mail information@inclusionscotland.org The event is free and has limited spaces. Lunch and tea/coffee will be provided. We may be able to reimburse travel expenses, please let us know when you apply if you wish to claim these. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From STUC: Have You Registered For The FREE One Day LGBT Conference?: Friday 26 February, 10am – 3.30pm, STUC, Woodlands Road, Glasgow. The STUC’s One Workplace Equal Rights Project are hosting a FREE one day conference for trade union reps, trade union activists and LGBT activists. At the conference delegates will be able to explore: the issues facing LGBT members and workers in Scotland; the role of union reps and activists in challenging homophobic and transphobic discrimination in the workplace; raise awareness of the role of unions in the workplace in protecting workers rights; and, how to organise LGBT workers in workplaces across Scotland. Key note speaker: Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, Unison, Unite, GMB, FBU, RMT and many more affiliated unions, Stonewall Scotland, Scottish Transgender Alliance, Equality Network, LGBT Youth Scotland, EHRC. To register contact Sandra Walker swalker@stuc.org.uk or post to STUC, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6NG ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ SCOTTISH NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH TRANSGENDER ALLIANCE: STA Engage... Trans Equality Events Taking Place In March: The Scottish Transgender Alliance is running a series of events for trans people over the next six weeks. The ENGAGE events aim to help transgender people to take forward trans equality work in Scotland through engaging with key public bodies and voluntary organisations. ENGAGE consists of volunteer training events and discussion events. Each ENGAGE event is self-contained so you can choose to attend as many or as few of the events as you wish. Some of the events only have a limited number of spaces available so it is vital to book in advance. Travel expenses are available but must be arranged in advance. For more information about the ENGAGE events and to book places please contact: sam@equality-network.org Mobile: 0774 704 0355. The ENGAGE events are: STA Forum: Engage with EUROPE: Saturday 27 February, 4pm – 8pm, Edinburgh Training: Engage with the MEDIA: Saturday 6 March, 10am – 4pm, Glasgow Engage with ENGENDER: International Women’s Day: Tuesday 9 March, 7pm – 9pm, Edinburgh Training: Engage with the POLICE: Saturday 20 March, 10am – 1pm, Glasgow followed by National LGBT & STA Forum: Hate Crime, Saturday 20 March, 1pm – 4pm, Glasgow Training: Engage with the NHS: Saturday 27 March, 10am – 4pm, Edinburgh ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From West Dunbartonshire, LGBT and Me: If you are LGBT and live, work or used to live in west Dunbartonshire please. Take the time to complete this survey. It will take you 2 minutes! Thanks! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X9WYLNK ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH REFUGEE COUNCIL: How To Use The Health Service In Scotland: New DVD From NHS Scotland: Scottish Refugee Council was involved in the development of the DVD. The DVD comes with a soundtrack in 17 langauges and is of particular use to people newly arrived in Scotland who do not speak English as their first language. There is also a supporting website , containing videos in all 17 languages: www.healthinmylanguage.com ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From INCLUSION SCOTLAND: Leonard Cheshire Disability Citizenship Academy In Partnership With Inclusion Scotland: “Active Citizenship And Disability Rights” Seminar: Monday 1st March, 10.30am – 1.30pm at The Forth Valley Sensory Impairment Centre, Redbrae Road Camelon, Falkirk FK1 4DD Monday 22nd March, 10.30am – 1.30pm at the Murray Owen Centre, 1 Liddell Grove, East Kilbride G75 9AD Thursday 25th March, 1.30pm – 4.30pm at the Concord Community Centre, Town Centre, Dumbarton, G82 1LJ HOT TOPICS for discussion include: Active citizenship and democracy; Voting in the next election; Disability rights; Campaigning and Lobbying…..Who should attend? Disabled people; Disabled people’s organisations; Anyone with an interest in disability issues. These events are FREE and lunch and refreshments will be provided. Reasonable travel expenses may also be reimbursed. Please notify us in advance if you wish to claim these. For more information or if you would like to book a place please contact Donna on 0141 887 7058 or e-mail donna@inclusionscotland.org ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ABERDEEN WOMEN’S ALLIANCE: Celebrate International Women’s Day At Our World Café Event: Monday 8th March, 6pm – 9pm, St Nicholas Room, Town House, Broad Street, Aberdeen. Guest speaker, Alison Morrison of WEA will share the Association’s recent work on celebrating the Women’s Suffrage Movement and what it means for us today. Hear about what its like to grow up in Tanzania and why we should vote in this year’s General Election. Crache will be provided at leaping Leopards, Shoe Lane. Register by phone or email by 2nd March: 01224 891149, contact.awa@btinternet.com ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY NETWORK and BLACK AND ETHNIC MINORITY INFRASTRUCTURE IN SCOTLAND (BEMIS): Everyone IN: Free Training Programme / Survey Of Needs: We have received funding from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to help achieve greater equality for people in Scotland from minority ethnic backgrounds who may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (ME/LGBT). As part of our activities, during 2010/11 we will be developing a free training programme to help boost the capacity and confidence of organisations to meet the needs of ME/LGBT people in Scotland. Our training will be FREE and designed to fill gaps in existing training provision. We will be running at least four training events during the second half of 2010. To help us plan and design this training we need to find out about your organisation''s training priorities. Please take a few minutes to fill in an online survey, by clicking on the link below and following the instructions: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/everyonein The results of this survey will directly influence our courses'' learning objectives and how our training programme is both designed and delivered. The deadline for return of surveys is Tuesday 9th March. For further information contact Tim Cowen timc@equality-network.org or Sam Rankin sam@equality- network.org ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From DISABILITY ARTS UK: New Gallery In Edinburgh: The ''gallery on the corner'', due to open in March, is an inclusive, fine art gallery situated in Edinburgh’s New Town (34 Northumberland Street). It provides artists who are disabled, have mental health problems or those from a disadvantaged background with a platform to exhibit and sell their artwork in a high profile location in the heart of Edinburgh’s gallery district. Beneath the commercial gallery space there are four studio spaces that will be rented to practising artists who will work with apprentices with ASC. The gallery is currently looking for artwork submissions, as well as practising artists to rent their studio spaces. Contact: Susie Anderson, Email: susie.garforth@aiscotland.org.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH WOMEN’S AID: A Contradiction In Terms? LGBT Domestic Abuse & A Gendered Analysis: Thursday 11th March, 11am – 4pm, SWA Offices, 2nd Floor, 132 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 3JD It has often been stated that a gendered analysis of domestic abuse is excluding to lgbt people’s experiences. But how accurate is this? This session will explore the links between sex, gender and sexuality, considering the part traditional gender roles, expectations and entitlement play in lgbt relationships. It will examine how intersectional theory may help in the development of a conceptual framework for the understanding of domestic abuse in same sex relationships. Trainer: Pamela Clocherty (LBGT Youth Scotland) & Nel Whiting (SWA) Cost: £50 per statutory sector delegate/£30 per voluntary sector delegate inclusive of buffet lunch. Emma.Sutherland@scottishwomensaid.org.uk Understanding The Dynamics Of Domestic Abuse: 25th March, 10am – 4pm, SWA Offices, 2nd Floor, 132 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 3JD This session is aimed at front-line staff who work directly with women, children and young people and who feel that an understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse will help them in their work. Participants need no prior learning or experience of domestic abuse related issues. Trainer: Nel Whiting (SWA) Cost: £95 per statutory sector delegate/£75 per voluntary sector delegate inclusive of buffet lunch. Emma.Sutherland@scottishwomensaid.org.uk Children’s Experiences Of Domestic Abuse: 14th April, 10am – 4pm, SWA Offices, 2nd Floor, 132 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 3JD This session is aimed at workers who have regular contact with children and young people and who are seeking an understanding of how living with domestic abuse can impact on their lives. Participants need no prior learning of domestic abuse related issues. Trainer: Sandra Paton (South Ayrshire Women’s Aid) Cost: £95 per statutory sector delegate/£75 per voluntary sector delegate inclusive of buffet lunch. Emma.Sutherland@scottishwomensaid.org.uk Scottish Women’s Aid Toolkit: We have a number of toolkits available to collect for free from our Edinburgh office. Alternatively they can be posted at a cost of £11.00 The toolkit was produced to help organisations develop and improve their services to women, Children and Young people affected by domestic abuse, in addition to raising awareness about the nature of domestic abuse. The toolkit was produced in 2003 therefore contact information contained in the kit may be out of date. If you would like to request a kit please email emma.sutherland@scottishwomensaid.org.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH CENTRE FOR REGENERATION: Poverty Profiling Workshop: Morning, 15th March, West Park Centre, Dundee. Due to the popularity of our first workshop - provided in conjunction with the Scottish Poverty Information Unit and the Poverty Alliance - we''ve added a second date. The workshop will explore practical techniques to profiling poverty and how to use poverty profiles to best effect locally. To book email Gabriella Coia: Gabriella.coia@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or call 0141 271 3736. It''s Inequality, Stupid: The Policy Impact Of The Spirit Level: …the paperback version of the widely acclaimed 2009 book ''The Spirit Level'', by Prof. Richard Freeman and Prof. Kate Pickett, received further substantial attention when it was published this month. The book continues to be a regular point of reference in mainstream poverty / equality policy debates and media articles. A series of high profile politicians, including Ed Miliband and David Cameron, have cited the importance of the book''s main thrust as concerns about the impact of inequality upon society becomes a central element of debate in the run up to the forthcoming UK general election. … In November last year, ''The Spirit Level'' co-author Prof. Kate Pickett presented the main lessons from the extensive research behind the book in her highly successful SURF Annual Lecture for 2009. In that presentation, she highlighted the substantial empirical evidence confirming that a wide variety of health and social problems are more likely to occur in less equal countries. A full transcript of this lecture, including references to the related studies, is at http://digbig.com/5bbdfr ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From PILOTLIGHT SCOTLAND: Are You Ambitious? Do You Want To Build A Sustainable Future For Your Organisation?: Pilotlight Scotland brings together skilled professionals from the business community and harnesses their talents to create growth and sustainability in small to medium charities and social enterprises across the Central Belt, Fife, Tayside and Aberdeen. We offer a uniquely managed capacity-building process, exploring your vision and giving you the skills to develop a strategic Business Plan…and it won’t cost you a penny because we are funded by donations from our business partners. Two years after working with Pilotlight, the charities and social enterprises we support: (The Pilotlight Effect ‘08) Increase the number of people reached by 57%; Increase turnover by 54% (6 times voluntary sector average); Improved services provided to individual and communities by 60%. To find out more, call the Project Manager Team on 0131 243 2768, email dsweet@pilotlight.org.uk or visit www.pilotlight.org.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MULTI ETHNIC ABERDEEN LTD (MeAL): Employment and Business Fair: Monday 8th March, 10am – 4pm, Music Hall, Union St, Aberdeen. This free event features over 20 exhibitors from the public, private and voluntary sectors. Local employers will be present at the event to give information on current vacancies available in the Grampian region. Also in attendance will be local organisations who are able to provide the public with support in their job search. In addition to this, UNISON will be on hand to provide advice about issues relating to fairness at work, and the Scottish Governments relocation service will be available to discuss matters relating to working and living in Scotland. If you are interested in having a stall at the event, please contact Liz Howarth – liz@multiethnic.co.uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT: Equal Opportunities Committee 23 February 2010 4th Meeting, 2010: 1. Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill: The Committee will consider its approach to the Bill at Stage 2. Proposed future business: At its next meeting on 9 March, it is expected that the Committee will take oral evidence on post-legislative scrutiny on the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. Access meeting documents at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/equal/index.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT: Scottish Household Survey 2009 Quarter 3 Data Release (25/02/10): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/02/SHS2009Q3 Children Looked After Statistics (24/02/10): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/02/24095030 Helping Disabled People Into Work (23/02/10): Support to help more disabled people into employment and live independent lives. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/02/23115350 A Working Life For All Disabled People: The Supported Employment Framework For Scotland: Main Report (23/02/10): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/02/23093849 Summary: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/02/23094107 Supported Employment Framework Launched (23/02/10): Plans to help more disabled Scots into employment and live independent lives. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/02/23102425 Move To Strengthen Law On Stalking (21/02/10): Ministers propose action at Stage 2 of the Criminal Justice Bill. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/02/19173653 Responses To The Consultation On Public Sector Equality Duty Specific Duties (19/02/10): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/02/17155035 Act Against Harm: Adult Support And Protection: Ensuring Support And Preventing Harm (15/02/10): http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/02/15091300 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ UK NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTRE: Your Help Needed! WRC Begins Survey On Power And Importance Of Women''s Sector: The Women''s Resource Centre has launched a quick and simple survey to demonstrate the power and inmportance of the women''s sector - and we need your help! We are planning to produce a report, based on the information we collect, which we shall use to demonstrate to the government the continuing need for women''s organisations, especially in light of the recession. But we cannot do this alone, so please tell us about your work, so that we can present the best argument. It takes 15 minutes and you can complete the survey by clicking here: http://digbig.com/5bbdgn Best of all, by completing the survey you enter our prize draw and can win up to £100 for your organisation of one of your choice! So after you''ve finished the survey, please pass it to your colleagues and other organisations. http://www.wrc.org.uk/news/default.aspx ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: New Public Sector Guidance For Providing Goods, Facilities And Services To Trans Users Published (22/02/10): The Commission has launched new guidance for all public sector authorities to assist them in meeting their obligations in regards to providing goods, facilities and services to trans users. http://digbig.com/5bbdgr Urgent Review Needed Of Allegations Of Torture Of Britons Held Abroad Says Commission (20/02/10): http://digbig.com/5bbdgq ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION: Globalisation And Poverty In The UK: Globalisation has been described as an unstoppable force; a fact of modern life; a great opportunity for global poverty eradication; or a source of growing inequality within and between countries. Whatever your perspective, globalisation forms an important part of the environment in which we work if we are going to address poverty, inequality and to build community well-being in the UK. http://www.jrf.org.uk/blog/2010/02/globalisation-and-poverty-uk ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From SCOPE: Scope Responds To Guidelines On Assisted Suicide Published Today (25/02/10): http://www.scope.org.uk/cgi-bin/np/viewnews.cgi?id=1267101460 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From MIND: Eating Disorders Are Not A Lifestyle Choice (24/02/10): The development of my eating disorder, as with the majority of sufferers, was not a vain attempt to lose weight in order to resemble skinny models or celebrities. www.mind.org.uk/blog/3007_eating_disorders_are_not_a_lifestyle_choice Do TV Hospital Dramas Reflect Reality? (19/02/10): Shows such as Casualty are full of portrayals of unprofessionalism and poor conduct. http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/3001_do_tv_hospital_dramas_reflect_reality Services For Servicemen (17/02/10): Figures from the charity Combat Stress suggest the rate of mental distress among veterans is on the rise. http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/2973_services_for_servicemen ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From LGBT CAMPAIGNS: The Times Has Given Its Backing To The Campaign To Remove The Ban On Registering Civil Partnerships In Religious Premises: www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/leading_article/article7036936.ece ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From FDA: Tackling Ministerial Bullying (22/02/10): FDA general secretary Jonathan Baume said: "The FDA does not wish to comment on the specific allegations of bullying of civil servants in No.10 Downing Street. However, too often politicians have little idea about what is acceptable in a modern workplace, and the behaviour of some ministers and special advisers does falls short of what is acceptable on occasions. http://digbig.com/5bbdck ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES: Teenage Pregnancies Fall To Lowest Rate For Over 20 Years (24/02/10): http://digbig.com/5bbdcm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From THE F-WORD: The Way We Were And Are Part: Celebrating The 40th Anniversary Of The First National Women''s Liberation Conference: 26th and 27th February, London. On February 27th 1970 more than 500 women met at Ruskin College in Oxford for the first National Women''s Liberation Movement conference. It was an extraordinary event, full of passion and energy and reflecting the radicalism, diversity, dissent and sisterhood of women at the beginning of one of the most transformative movements of the twentieth century, a movement that changed lives, all our lives. With men running the crèche, the delegates debated the issues facing women and the challenges ahead. Out of the conference came four key demands - equal pay, equal education and job opportunities, free contraception and abortion on demand and free 24-hour nurseries. The Way We Were and Are will reflect on forty years of the women’s movement, with women who were there at the Ruskin conference in l970 and those of later generations. The four panels will be around the themes of History, Ordinary Lives, Power, and Sex, looking at how things were and how they have changed. More info at http://www.freewordonline.com/events/?event_id=54 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From INSTITUTE OF RACE RELATIONS: Notes On The New Conservative Traveller Policy (22/02/10): Four leading campaigners on Gypsies and Travellers respond to the recently published Tory policy on Traveller accommodation. http://www.irr.org.uk/2010/february/ha000032.html Germany: Freedom To Speak On Racism Under Threat (23/02/10): In Germany, an anti-racist academic faces prosecution for questioning whether court negligence could have been a contributory factor in the case of Marwa al-Sherbini, who was stabbed to death in a Dresden courtroom in July 2009. http://www.irr.org.uk/2010/february/ha000033.html Five Years Of Control Orders (18/02/10)@ Frances Webber, human rights lawyer, examines Lord Carliles'' report on five years operation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. http://www.irr.org.uk/2010/february/ha000031.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From UK FEMINIST ACTION: WNC Single Sex Services Consultation – Take Part By 2nd March 2010: Women have been telling us that they are worried about their women-only services. We know that women value services provided by other women because their needs would not be met if women-only services did not exist. We wanted to ask you about your experience of women-only services: whether you would choose a women-only service, should you need to. Your help on this would be really valuable and enable us to tell Government how important they are for you. Women tell us that they are losing these services and sometimes this is through a misunderstanding of their value by funders and about the gender equality duty which they interpret as meaning money should go to general services for both women and men despite the specific needs women have. We would be really be grateful if you would take the time to answer the survey questions at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/7BGXQLQ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From THE MONITORING GROUP: Our Vision Our Future: Race Religion And Rights: Wednesday 24th March, Bradford. This cutting edge conference will be focusing on race, religion and rights in UK and the struggle to build an equal society. More at http://www.tmg-uk.org/?page_id=1395 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From STONEWALL: Stonewall Comment On Relationship Teaching In Schools (23/02/10): http://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/current_releases/3717.asp Stonewall Reaction To The PCC Ruling On Jan Moir Comment Of Stephen Gately''s Death (18/02/10): http://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/current_releases/3716.asp ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From UK DISABLED PEOPLE’S COUNCIL: CPS Issues Guidance On Assisted Suicide (25/02/10): The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has today issued fresh guidance on the policy of assisted suicide in England and Wales. This new information aims to set out clear guidance for the CPS to follow in assisted suicide cases. This new policy comes after the legal battle of Debbie Purdy, who has multiple sclerosis, to have the law clarified on assisted suicide www.ukdpc.net/index.asp?GetPress=TRUE&id=84&sid=44&ssid=0&sssid=0 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From VOLRESOURCE NEWSLETTER: Strengthening The Voice Of The Black Minority Ethnic Third Sector: A major national survey of the Black Minority Ethnic Third Sector is under way. It will inform the creation of a wide suite of resources and directories to help collaboration for funding and delivery, policy work and work with mainstream organisations. Complete ''Strengthening the Voice of the Black Minority Ethnic Third Sector'' on SurveyMonkey by 30th April, via http://bit.ly/svpsurvey Time Off For Religious Holidays And Observance: Sandy Adirondack''s Legal Update ( www.sandy-a.co.uk/employment.htm) points out that the autumn Employment Law Update from Bates Wells and Braithwaite has a good summary of the issues, law and good practice on managing time off for religious holidays and observance, http://preview.tinyurl.com/yazwrzr ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From PINK NEWS: Ed Balls Denies ''Watering Down'' Sex Education For Faith Schools (23/02/10): Schools secretary Ed Balls has denied watering down sex education laws for faith schools. Last Friday, the government was accused of performing a U-turn over an amendment to the Children, Schools and Families Bill allowing faith schools to teach about homosexuality in line with their "religious character". http://digbig.com/5bbdgd Bishops Call For Gay Civil Partnerships In Church(23/02/10): Senior clergy in the Church of England called today to lift the ban on gay couples having civil partnerships in church. They said that it was inconsistent and discriminatory to ban gay couples having their ceremonies in churches willing to accommodate them. http://digbig.com/5bbdge Government Accused Of U-Turn Over Faith Schools'' Teaching On Homosexuality (19/02/10): The government has been accused of performing a U-turn over an amendment allowing faith schools to teach about homosexuality in line with their "religious character". Some critics it looked like "another Section 28". http://digbig.com/5bbdgc ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EUROPEAN POLICY ACTION CENTRE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (EPAC VAW): The Nature and Extent of Human Trafficking in Northern Ireland: http://www.epacvaw.org/spip.php?page=article&id_article=497 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ECRE (EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON REFUGEES AND EXILES): Human Rights Organisations Urge EU Governments To Adapt Border Management To Ensure That Refugees Can Reach Europe (24/02/10): http://www.ecre.org/news/1522 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EUROPEAN ROMA RIGHTS CENTRE (ERRC): UN CEDAW Urges Ukraine To Eliminate Discrimination Against Romani Women (22/02/10): http://www.errc.org/cikk.php?cikk=3065 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From EUROPEAN UNION AGENCY FOR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS (FRA): Stakeholder Meeting On “Racism And Ethnic Discrimination In Sport And Positive Initiatives To Combat It” (19/02/10): On the 18 and 19 February, FRA hosted a meeting to discuss its upcoming report on racism and ethnic discrimination in sport. http://fra.europa.eu/fraWebsite/home/infocus10_1802_en.htm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ From ILGA: European Union Commissioners Confronted To Ensure Strong Fundamental Rights And Non-Discrimination As Key Drivers In The 2020 Strategy (24/02/10): ILGA-Europe expressed disappointment regarding the lack of fundamental rights and non-discrimination in the European Commission’s first assessment of the public consultation on the European Union 2020 Strategy. http://digbig.com/5bbdgm ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The EQUALITY UPDATES e-newsletter is produced on behalf of the Equality Networks Forum (ENF) The ENF: Glasgow Black and Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Network; Glasgow City Council; Glasgow Disability Alliance; Glasgow Women’s Voluntary Sector Network; West of Scotland Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum This message may contain information that has been sent to the ENF Communications and Resource Worker by third parties. 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