I grew up in a small rural village. From a very early age, I knew I was different. Being different left me feeling like I had no place in my hometown of Solihull, West Midlands and at 16 I moved 20 miles down the road, closer to the centre of Birmingham. Three years later, I… Continue reading Reclaiming our place in rural areas of the country
Category: National Diversity Awards
A Care Leaver Called Ben
My name is Ben. I was taken into care after my mother abandoned us as kids a couple of weeks before Christmas. Not surprisingly, this was the single most important thing to happen in my life up to that point. Although my brother and I were initially placed together, we were separated after just one… Continue reading A Care Leaver Called Ben
Contemporary Outsider Art: the Global Context, Melbourne University, Australia.
23 – 25th October 2014 As Associate Artist with Project Ability, I recently joined forces with Elizabeth Gibson, Executive Artistic Director, Project Ability, Glasgow, to collaborate on a series of Conversations with contemporary outsider artists exploring a new critical language towards the definition of their practice. We were very excited when we got the call… Continue reading Contemporary Outsider Art: the Global Context, Melbourne University, Australia.
Challenging gender stereotypes in schools
Jess Day, Let Toys Be Toys Children are keen to fit in and quickly pick up ideas about what’s supposedly ‘for boys’ and what’s ‘for girls’ – but this can limit what they believe they can do. Many toys and books are marketed as being for one sex or the other and children may worry… Continue reading Challenging gender stereotypes in schools
Shabang! ….Live Love Laugh Learn
Shabang! is all about raising awareness, promoting inclusion and acceptance, and celebrating difference. To this end we build networks of families with children with additional needs, bringing them together under the supportive umbrella of our arts based projects – life enhancing and confidence building; and hopefully giving everyone a great time. As winners of the… Continue reading Shabang! ….Live Love Laugh Learn
You Made a Difference in My Life
It was such an honour to be recognised as an entrepreneur of excellence and represent the LGBT community at the National Diversity Awards. Sitting in the same room as so many amazing individuals and organisations who work tirelessly to support their communities, at the NDA Awards Dinner, was humbling. It is often easy to forget… Continue reading You Made a Difference in My Life
Educate OUT Prejudice
We care about diversity and, I assume, equality. That’s why we are on this site is it not? With an election looming we need to be on our toes. We need to be ready to challenge the lies and stereotypes that will unfortunately start to flow as the parties sink to the lowest common denominator.… Continue reading Educate OUT Prejudice
Supporting boys and young men: Is this the shift in mindset we’ve been waiting for?
This month we won the Community Organisation Award for Gender at the National Diversity Awards. I was genuinely surprised when they announced our name. At that moment I was sitting back in my chair getting ready to applaud the winner, when I realised they were playing our video on screen and saying our name. Chief Executive… Continue reading Supporting boys and young men: Is this the shift in mindset we’ve been waiting for?
Conquering Intolerance Through Peace
There is a breeze blowing in parts of the world today. In some areas it is gentle, a serene zephyr drifting in the peaceful azure skyline. In other places it blows fiercely, knocking people off their feet, causing houses to be demolished and lives ruined. In such areas of our planet this breeze has become… Continue reading Conquering Intolerance Through Peace
All for One & One for All Project
Since the National Diversity Awards 2013 when we were finalists in the ‘race, religion & faith category’, St Philip’s Centre has further developed its work with young people by working creatively to embed issues of religion and belief diversity into everyday life. Together with Leicester College, we developed the ‘All for One & One for… Continue reading All for One & One for All Project