PROJECTS
ANTI-RACISM CAMPAIGN
In 2020, we were consulted on, and fully supported, proposals for Weston-super-Mare Council to formally adopt an Anti-Racism Pledge. In 2022, we were again consulted on a similar pledge that was then adopted by North Somerset Council.
Our Making Anti-Racism Visible project is a major focus for us. Working with national and regional organisations, we have developed an Anti-Racism Campaign strategy to be rolled out across North Somerset and as part of the Anti-Racism Working Group, we are working hard to encourage recognition and adoption across our region.
THE OTHER PLACE
The Other Place is a community hub with a difference. Created as part of a serious exploration into the needs of communities – especially those at the margins, or not catered for elsewhere, it utilises a Complex Systems Theory approach.
Effectively a ‘community laboratory for ideas and action’, it provides a unique experimental ‘safe to fail’ space for testing and hosting community ideas and activities.
A space that works as a public living room, meeting space, exhibition space and much more; run by, and allowed to reflect, the needs of its community of users.
WESTON COMMUNITY HUBS
The Weston Community Hubs project began as a central goverment Community Renewal Fund (CRF) project. This was part of a wider Community Hubs Network project across North Somerset, managed by North Somerset Council.
RENS was the lead partner in helping to develop and implement the CRF project for Weston with a focus on supporting community-led activities, particularly those led by frequently marginalised groups.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH NORTH SOMERSET
We introduced the first Black History Month programme of events in North Somerset. First with a pilot in WsM in 2021, and in 2022 with a wider remit and support from NSC that saw events take place in Clevedon and Nailsea.
THE CHAT ROOM
In pursuit of the need to promote diversity and inclusion and develop opportunities for greater interaction between minority ethnic groups and the wider community, the use of our single roomed office was adapted to create a free, flexible community space that could be used for meetings by all groups in Weston.
As the base for the Community Hub Action Team (CHAT) it became known as The CHAT Room.
DIGITAL INCLUSION
We created a programme of digital training workshops, funded by the National Lottery, for minority ethnic community groups across North Somerset. Groups were provided with new digital skills, including website building as well as laptops.