The National Youth Agency: Sharing cultures brings award successfor Redditch project

Redditch has long-established and sizable ethnic Chinese, Asian and African/Caribbean communities, along with a growing Polish community. Race relations are harmonious, but the town's young people tend to keep within their own ethnic groups, particularly in school. Redditch Student Council, with members drawn from the town's four high schools, noted an increase in tension between pupils from different schools centred on racial issues, and wanted to find a way of encouraging ethnic groups to mix. They applied for funding to organise a multi-cultural event at a local youth club. More than 200 people attended as each ethnic group shared its art, traditions and culture - from Bhangra music to Irish dancing and Cantonese food. There is now noticeably improved relations and they hope to replicate the event across Worcestershire.