Equality projects win prizes

Oldham’s No Place For Racism in Oldham and Positive Achievement Communication into Education/Employment (PACE) projects scooped the awards for their multi-agency and community partnership themes.

The PACE project was developed in response to local issues raised by steering groups such as the Oldham Disability Alliance, and the Phoenix Centre worked to deliver it.

It targeted people over 16 who were unemployed, living in Oldham, and had mental health issues.

And it provided training and personal development activities to support them.

Anne Seville, day centre officer at the Phoenix Centre said: “It was great to see people take new opportunities and grow in confidence during the project.”

No Place for Racism in Oldham is an annual multi-agency and community partnership campaign, which highlights, challenges and combats the issue of racism across Oldham’s schools, workplaces and communities. The week-long event also publicises ways in which racist incidents can be reported which include the 24-hour Stop Hate Line (0800 138 1625).

Tariq Rafique, project manager for the race and hate crime support project, said: “I am extremely pleased that this project had been formally recognised.”

Chief Insp Eric Fegan from Oldham police said: “The police have been proud to take part in this project and understand the value of promoting messages against racism in Oldham.”