Minutes:
A Youth Forum representative provided an overview of the results received from recent research looking at the experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic young people living In Belfast, titled ‘Minor Choices, Major Voices’. She advised that over the past 2 years, members of the diversity sub-group had been involved in a number of visits and activities in order to better inform themselves on issues such as migration, immigration, refugee status, ethnicity, racism, culture, diversity and religion.
The Members of the Committee were advised that, whilst it had been their intention to gather information via face to face focus groups, Covid-19 related restrictions required the survey to move online, and despite widespread promotion, just 23 responses were received.
She confirmed that the survey featured four main themes: a sense of belonging, community safety, school life, and, changes you would like to see, and that the findings were being analysed by Forum members and Dr. Byrne at the University of Ulster. Some initial data for the survey was presented:
· 39% of respondents were male, 57% were female and 4% preferred not to say;
· 46% stated that they followed Islam/Muslim beliefs, 26% followed Catholic beliefs, with the remaining categories split evenly (4%) between Protestant, Hindu, Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist, none, and those who preferred not to say;
· 44% described their ethnic background as Black African, 9% as black other, 9% as South Asian, 9% Filipino and 9% mixed ethnic heritage;
· 96% stated that they were in full time education;
· 91% of people stated that they expressed their culture through what they eat, 65% through faith, beliefs and practices and 61% through their spoken language;
· 70% felt that there were some opportunities in Belfast to express in a positive way their culture and tradition, 13% felt there were no opportunities and 4% felt there were a lot of opportunities i.e. Culture Night, Belfast Mela;
· 61% felt that there were opportunities within the community to contribute to the decision-making processes that effected their lives;
· 83% stated that if given the opportunity in the future, they would leave Belfast/Northern Ireland to live in another country. Reasons for this included:
- Feeling that they were not welcome and feeling like an outsider, despite being born here;
- Not having the same opportunities in Belfast as in other countries;
- Being at a disadvantage in securing employment due to the colour of their skin;
· When asked what kind of place they wanted Belfast to be in the future, responses included:
- A more accepting place which doesn’t revolve around the conflict of Protestants and Catholics and rather the various ethnicities and cultures;
- A place where I don’t have to think if my outfit or general appearance will cause me to be subject to prejudice;
- A lively and accepting place that has a focus on being progressive;
- Somewhere that all nationalities can feel welcomed and feel free to walk anywhere without the fear of racism.
The representative advised that this would be just the first step in exploring the topic of diversity in Belfast and that it was hoped that the next cohort of Belfast Youth Forum members would supplement this research with some face to face focus groups in order to gather more in-depth qualitative data, with the ultimate aim of making Belfast a welcoming, safe and tolerant city for all young people, regardless of race or religion.
The Members of the Committee welcomed the research and suggested that, even with limited responses, it highlighted the challenges facing the city in terms of inclusivity for those from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Discussion ensued regarding the concerning number of young people who did not feel that they belonged, or were welcome in Belfast, and how diversity could be supported and celebrated. It was pointed out that many cultural events were focused towards families, and that perhaps events specifically for young people were lacking. The role of education in reducing racism and ignorance and was considered, as was parental influence.
The Members of the Committee and Youth Forum also discussed the benefits of presenting the information to Belfast’s Policing and Community Safety Partnerships ((D)PCSPs), and whether it would be possible for BYF members to be represented on the Partnerships. The Neighbourhood Services Manager agreed to explore the options available through the PCSP governance mechanisms alongside the Good Relations Manager, whilst asking that the Members remain mindful of the workload of the Youth Forum volunteers.
Following further discussion, the Members of the Committee recommended that, in accordance with the Council decision of 4th May, the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to:
· Note progress in relation to the current research undertaken by Belfast Youth Forum around diversity in Belfast, newly titled ‘Minor Choices, Major Voices’.
· Recommend that the research is presented to the Belfast (D)PCSPs.
· Recommend that consideration is given to how the Belfast Youth Forum could become involved in the (D)PCSPs.