York Racial Equality Network is a user-led group which was founded in 1992 yet its roots lead back to the 1970’s. Since then York residents have come together to help each other through difficult and challenging situations.
In November 1995 YREN became a registered charity. Our constituted aims and objectives are:
· To work towards the elimination of racial discrimination.
· To promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups without distinction of s*x, race or political, religious or other opinions
· To promote and organise co-operation in the achievement of the aforesaid purposes in particular but not exclusively in the area of York.
Our Voice Project recruits and trains volunteer BME community representatives to advocate for the needs and concerns of York’s BME population where services are being designed and decisions about service delivery are being made.
Our weekly Friendship Project held in Tang Hall aims to reduce isolation and loneliness amongst BME people in disadvantaged areas of the city and encourage community cohesion. Attendees of all ethnicities share and validate skills, experiences, personal and cultural history, build individual and community confidence, break down ethnic and cultural barriers, and play a part in planning future session content. Multi-cultural activities include celebrations of Eid, Diwali, Vaisakhi, Holi, Christian Festivals, May Day and Chinese New Year.
Our quarterly BME Open Forum provides a platform for BME groups and individuals to discuss issues affecting their lives with each other and with statutory and voluntary organisations. This service is also an information hub for voluntary, statutory and private organisations in York seeking advice and resources on race equality issues.
Our Outreach Service, provides raises one-to-one support, information and advice on local services (including housing, education, health and recreational opportunities)
YREN is a nominated York Third Party Race Hate Crime reporting Centre.
YREN coordinates annual social events to encourage community cohesion, including a winter musical concert called ‘Banish The Winter Blues’ and our International Shared Meal, a joint venture with Ba’hai faith and the York Interfaith Group
The recognition that YREN’s members are most able to reflect the voice and needs of York’s BME community, has led YREN to become a significant partner in many statutory and voluntary organisations. Through long term partnership and collaborative working, YREN holds a trusted position on key partnership bodies, including City of York Council, York Health Trust and North Yorkshire Police, amongst others.
