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Residents' film helps stamp out stereotypes

Posted by Tony Flynn on 28th June 2011 at 12:50 PM
Residents' film helps stamp out stereotypes
Refugees and asylum seekers have joined forces with disabled residents to star in a film about challenging stereotypes.

The film debuted Friday (24 June) during national Refugee Week (20 - 26 June) and aims to raise awareness of the many different cultures and communities living in central Salford.

Housing company Salix Homes has worked with members of the Salford Forum for Refugees and Asylum Seekers and its disability focus group to produce the DVD.

In it, both groups talk about their preconceptions of people from different backgrounds to help dispel myths surrounding certain cultures.

An edited version of the film was shown for the first time at a joint event - 'Celebrating Diversity In Our Communities' at Pendleton Gateway.

Salix Homes is helping to host the event and, as part of its work with communities, it will take the full DVD into schools to educate young people about equality and diversity.

A total of 13 African countries, which represent some of the population in central Salford, will showcase their nationalities alongside the UK at the event.

Guests were able to sample food from each country, with cream teas being served at the UK stall and African dancing later in the afternoon.

The Mayor of Salford, Councillor Eric Burgoyne also attended the event.

Alison Hamnett ,Salix Homes' director of improvement and customer service said: "The idea of the film came from the work we do with our many residents' forums where we realised there was a general misunderstanding of different cultures among some tenants.

"We saw this as a good opportunity to bring two groups of people from different backgrounds together to learn from each other and get rid of stereotypes.

"Tenants have worked hard on the film and we hope it will help many other people to better understand the diverse communities they live in."

Photo - Esther, Esther and Rachael all from Nigeria.

Source: Salford Council



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