Good afternoon, my name is Gareth Hicks. I am the Community Cohesion Development officer at the Ethnic Minority Communities Comm 1st Team in Cardiff.
Communities First is the Welsh Assembly Government’s flagship program to improve the living conditions and prospects of people in the most disadvantaged communities across Wales.
Unlike other Communities First areas which cover specific localities such as Butetown, Tremorfa or Llanrumney the EMC team cover the whole of Cardiff.
In my role as Community Cohesion Officer it is my duty to acknowledge and recognise community cohesion issues negative or positive.
In regards to the ‘Challenging Extremism’ DVD it is imperative that we all understand that the DVD is not only directed at young people who attend Youth Clubs or schools.
It is important that we do not miss out the 16 -25 year olds who do not attend youth clubs or who are in the NEET( Not in Education Employment or Training) category. There are also many young people aged 16 – 25 who are not comfortable attending youth clubs settings for reasons such as younger aged young people 11- 16 or the fact youth clubs are often set in schools.
Not all young people are comfortable in certain settings meaning they often miss out on opportunities such as this.
I believe this is where Organisation and Service Providers who work with young people such as the Youth Service, Communities First and so on can help by reaching young people who fit in to the category who are not engaged or who do not attend youth clubs.
Young people aged 16 – 25 are more likely to be groomed by extremists therefore its imperative that we do not leave this group out.
As mentioned earlier this DVD resource is not only an important tool but it is a necessary tool.
Its important that organisations and Service Providers who work with young people and youth groups buy into the DVD as it is important that as many young people have the option to benefit from this.
If any one has ideas or suggestions on engagement please forward care of myself at the contact email included in the folder.
Thank you.
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;
T. 02920 873560;
mobile 07530114352
