£100k funding to help tackle hate crime in Sandwell
More than £100,000 has been awarded to a charity that aims to tackle hate crime and discrimination.
Sandwell Council has agreed to back a new three-year deal for Rights and Equality Sandwell which aims to support community relations.
The authority will work closely with Rights and Equality Sandwell to help deal with hate crime, protect children and young people from exploitation, abuse and radicalisation, and support vulnerable migrant communities.
The two organisations have also promised to provide training for other groups on safeguarding, violence, exploitation and 'hidden crimes', including FGM and modern slavery.
As part of the new agreement, Rights and Equality Sandwell will need to attract funding from other sources to complement the council's support. It will also need to help other local groups and organisations develop local projects and attract investment.
The council's cabinet approved the plan at a meeting last week.
Deputy leader Councillor Syeda Khatun said: "We have a long history of strong community relations and partnerships here in Sandwell but we need to build on these and strengthen them further.
"We are responding to various challenges and threats – including hate crime and so-called 'hidden crimes' such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and modern slavery.
"We're also working with our communities to promote cohesion, protect young people and prevent the threat of terrorism and people being radicalised.
"Rights and Equality Sandwell has been established in Sandwell for more than 10 years. It makes an important contribution in supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities.
"Together with the police, NHS and local organisations, we can strengthen our response and further promote good community relations and equality."
Permjeet Panesar, chief executive officer for Rights and Equality Sandwell, said: "We are delighted to embark on a new three-year partnership with Sandwell Council to carry on playing a leading role in tackling discrimination and inequality and working together to support all communities across the borough."