Local centre for disabled people celebrates multi-faith partnerships
SOCIAL inclusion, equality and partnership working must be at the centre of social care services, according to Lancashire County Council's Executive director of Adult and Community Services. Richard Jones, who is also chair of the County Council's Equality and Diversity Officer Working Group, was speaking at a multi-faith celebration event this week at Ribblebank resource centre in Preston. The event, arranged by staff at the centre, was an opportunity for staff and users of the centre to celebrate multi-faith cultures within the Preston area and bring together multi-cultural communities.
(Media-Newswire.com) - SOCIAL inclusion, equality and partnership working must be at the centre of social care services, according to Lancashire County Council’s Executive director of Adult and Community Services.
Richard Jones, who is also chair of the County Council’s Equality and Diversity Officer Working Group, was speaking at a multi-faith celebration event this week at Ribblebank resource centre in Preston.
The event, arranged by staff at the centre, was an opportunity for staff and users of the centre to celebrate multi-faith cultures within the Preston area and bring together multi-cultural communities.
Ribblebank is a purpose-built day centre providing support services for 33 adults ( 16-64 years of age ) with a learning disability and complex needs. Around 13% of people who use the centre are from minority ethnic communities.
Over 80 people attended the event including adults with learning disabilities, their parents and carers, social care staff, and representatives from partner agencies and local community groups such as the Pukar Disability Resource Centre and the Unity Centre in Preston.
Richard Jones, Executive director of Adult and Community Services at Lancashire County Council, said:
“The range of services provided at Ribblebank centre is an example of how we are developing services that meet the needs of all communities.
“This event is a real example of how we can integrate our services and build essential partnerships with agencies and community groups. For example, here we are experiencing Henna painting and cooking with White and Asian people all mixing together. This is an opportunity to share cultures and promote community cohesion. We also offer services and facilities that respect and reflect different cultures such as a prayer room at the centre and dedicated groups for Asian women.
“We are committed to promoting equality and diversity across social care services. This is delivered by our staff valuing differences and ensuring we provide services that reflect the diverse cultural make-up of Lancashire.”
Lancashire’s 1.1 million population is made up of a culturally diverse mix of people from different cultural backgrounds and faiths.
It is estimated that around 5.3% of the population are from black and ethnic minority groups, with predominately Muslim communities of Bangladesh and Pakistani origin living within four main districts including Preston and Burnley.
In 2005, the County Council undertook massive refurbishment of the Ribblebank resource centre by installing new facilities and adaptations to cater for those with more complex needs who need extra care such as hoists, access for wheelchairs and a sensory relaxation room. The refurbishment was part of the Council’s development of Preston Day Services for adults with a learning disability.
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