Southend Community-in-Harmony Partnership Display

From 31st August - 6th September 2010, the town’s Central Library will host a display by Southend Community-in-Harmony Partnership (SCHP).

Initiated in 2003, Southend Community-in-Harmony Partnership (SCHP) has become a well established umbrella organisation which exists for the benefit of the range of communities in Southend-on-Sea, and represents many local organisations to help promote and create an inclusive and harmonious community.

Through partnership working SCHP aims to encourage and support the people of Southend to understand each other, celebrating the diverse social, cultural, religious and ethnic heritage of our community and continuing to work towards a harmonious, just and compassionate multi-cultural society where all are valued and respected.

Since 2004 SCHP has also delivered “The Big Event” – a free, annual, open air summer event which brings together local people from different ages, cultures, nationalities, races and religions. This high profile, flagship event typically attracts over 3,000 visitors, unites the wider community and reflects the social and cultural diversity of Southend-on-Sea. Around 100 contributors provide organisational displays, bouncy castles, multi-cultural entertainment, fringe events, ethnic food and sports events.
SCHP was aware of the possibility that the needs of newer ethnic minority communities, the socially disadvantaged, were not as well served as the more established Southend communities. So in 2008 SCHP undertook a new research project to establish the people within these “missing communities”, build trusting relationships, determine needs and, through partnership working, help to meet those needs. The “Missing Communities” Report was published in 2009 and has been used to inform a focussed and practical action plan to achieve the aims of the project.

Chris Sternshine, SCHP Marketing Officer said “SCHP has become well-known in Southend and it is always a pleasure to see so many people enjoying The Big Event each year. We are pleased to be able to work in partnership with so many organisations and to be able to initiate projects aimed at supporting and facilitating people in our “missing communities” adding “Membership is free and open to all in the Southend community, so I hope we can welcome more members and are indebted to those who already support us”.

For details about SCHP membership, please contact Chand Sood on 07753 458366 or visit www.southend-community-in-harmony.org.uk/

Registered Charity No. 1123266