SOUTH ASIAN CONSORTIUM KIRKLEES

KEY THEMES

There are six elements of this:

  • Community Safety
  • Education
  • Employment & Skills
  • Health
  • Social Exclusion
  • Youth Disffection

COMMUNITY SAFETY

ASIANS HAVE A TENDENCY NOT TO REPORT CRIMES.

FACTS:

  • Only 8% of the respondents to the Kirklees Crime & Disorder - Household Survey (2001) described their ethnic origin as Asian. The survey report does not specifically highlight the experiences and fears of the Asian communities.
  • The total results for the Asian sample were based on 42 returned questionnaires so the statistical significance is limited.
  • Experience of crime varied from the white population: 1. Racial Incidents, 2.Vandalism, 3.Theft from Vehicle compared with 1.Vandalism 2. Criminal Damage. 3.Theft from vehicle.
  • Fear of crime was significantly different to the white population: 1. Racial Incidents, 2.Violence in a public place, 3. Violence from a stranger & burglary from your house compared with 1. Burglary from your house, 2.Vandalism and 3. Robbery & theft from vehicle.
  • Compared to the other two groups Asian respondents were less likely to report fears to a voluntary organization (Kirklees 70.5%, Dews/Batley 71.1%, Dews/Batley Asian 68.6%) but appear to be more likely to report violent crime to the police (Kirklees 28.1%, Dew/Batley 31.6%, Dews/Batley Asian 66.7%).
  • Twice as many respondents under the age of 25yrs (40%) thought there was a problem of racism in their area compared with respondents over 60 (20%).
  • 42.9% of Dewsbury/ Batley Asian respondents thought there is a problem of racism in the area, similar to all respondents in Dewsbury/Batley (41.1%). Kirklees 30.2%.
  • Out of the 61 Kirklees respondents who had been victims of racist incidents only one quarter (26%) had reported it to the police. 78% of Talkback respondents who had been victims of a racist incident had not reported it.
  • Of all the respondents who thought that there was a problem of racism in their area only 10% were very confident that it was being tackled.
  • 38.9% of Dewsbury/ Batley Asian respondents thought that drugs affected their area compared with 43% of all respondents in Dewsbury/Batley and 40.9% all respondents Kirklees.
  • In line with the UK most actual victims of crime are between 20 - 49 but those who have the higher level of fear of crime are older.

  • Current available police crime statistics by victim ethnicity rely on a visual classification and there are a large number of cases where ethnicity is unknown.


ISSUES:

  • Lack of local (comparative) statistical data.
  • Crimes against Asian individuals and communities appear to be significantly under reported.
  • Cultural isolation, exclusion and language barriers
  • Racist incidents
  • The fear of crime and the fear of different crimes to the Kirklees population in general.


ACTIONS:

  • Need to carry out a local data survey.
  • Develop community awareness of local services, provision and crime prevention information.
  • Provide a means for, and encourage victims of crime to report the incident and receive support.
  • Provide a forum for people to voice their fears of crime and provide positive information.
  • Look at ways that communities can tackle, for example, offending behaviour and environmental factors.
  • Establish representation on bodies such as the Community Safety Forum, Community Safety Partnership Executive, Police Forums and local Police Authority.
  • Bring communities together and look at issues relating to community cohesion and social exclusion
  • Address issues around islamaphobia.

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EDUCATION

HEADLINE: BELOW AVERAGE EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

FACTS:

  • North Kirklees pupils aged 11 underachieve compared with the UK average. Percentage of age group that reached the level expected for their age (DFES figures for 2000):
  • Pakistani pupils achieve significantly less at GCSE and achievements deteriorated in 2001 from the previous year. 2000
  • Key Stage 2 results (2003) Pakistani Children underachieved in Literacy and Numeracy compared to its white counterparts in Kirklees.
  • GCSE results (2003) 38 per cent of Pakistani pupils achieved five or more A*- C grade GCSEs, where as 49 percent White pupils achieved five or more A*-C grade GCSEs in Kirklees, (Education Service)
  • Kirklees GCSE performance tables 2003 results. 47.2% for 5 or more grades A*- C, compared to the England Average of 52.90%. Kirklees is still under performing, (Education Service).
  • Both Pakistani boys (29.4%) and girls (49.5%) achieve less 5 or more A*-C grades compared to both White boys (44.1%) and girls (56.0%) in Kirklees (Fact Sheet 2003).
  • In 2001/02, only people from the Black Caribbean, Other Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups were less likely than White British people to have degrees (or equivalent). Among men, Black Caribbeans were the least likely to have degrees ((8 per cent). Among women, Pakistanis/Bangladeshis were the least likely group to have degrees (7 per cent).Pakistanis and Bangladeshis were the most likely to be unqualified. Nearly half (48 per cent) of Bangladeshi women and 40 per cent of Bangladeshi men had no qualifications. Among Pakistanis, 40 per cent of women and 28 per cent of men had no qualifications. (Source National Statistics)


ISSUES:

  • Lower levels of educational attainment at each level of the statutory educational process.
  • Cultural isolation, exclusion and language barriers.
  • Parents feel unable or are unable to help children to learn.
  • Lack of participation on school governing bodies.
  • No voluntary-aided faith school in the area.
  • Lack of quality pre-school provision.
  • Low take up on adult non-vocational courses.
  • Schools not fully engaging with their local communities.
  • Lack of awareness of educational developments.


ACTIONS:

  • Gather local information regarding local communities eg the need for English language support.
  • Provide pre-school learning groups.
  • Provide additional classes to increase levels of literacy and numeracy.
  • Provide a forum for young people to voice their concerns about education and involve them in developing solutions.
  • Work with parents to develop strategies and actions to support them in helping their children to learn.
  • Establish representation on educational bodies.
  • Become an authoritative and consulted body for those designing and providing educational provision that aim to serve the communities.

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EMPLOYMENT & SKILLS

HEADLINE: UNEMPLOYMENT RATES AMONG PEOPLE FROM SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITIES ARE HIGHER THAN FOR WHITE PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF QUALIFICATIONS, AGE AND GENDER.

FACTS:

  • Nationally unemployment is higher amongst minority ethnic groups (6-8%) than white people (3%), regardless of qualifications, age and gender.
  • In Kirklees unemployment rates are significantly higher among Asian people than white, 24.8% compared with 7.4% (1991 Census).
  • Different sub-groups suffer different rates of unemployment.
  • South Asian communities unemployment rates increase quicker and are slower to recover and therefore likely to be long-term unemployed.
  • Average earnings for Asian people are lower than the earnings of white people. The average gross earnings per week for all white people was £190, compared with £140 for Asian people (Kirklees and Calderdale Skills Audit 1991). Average UK hourly rates - White £7.22, Indian £6.53, Pakistani/Bangladeshi £5.15 (Labour Force Survey Spring 1995.
  • Different sub-groups within minority ethnic communities have different experiences, needs and attitudes regarding learning, skills and employment.
  • Basic skills are low/very low. The Basic Skills Survey (Kirklees 1996/7) did not carry out interviews with people who were not conversant in fluent English and therefore the findings are likely to be underestimations: low/very low literacy - UK 15%, Kirklees 17.5%, Batley and Dewsbury 22%; low/very low numeracy - UK 33%, Kirklees 37.9%, Batley and Dewsbury 44-46%.

ISSUES:

  • Lack of local information regarding the experience of minority ethnic groups in regard to learning, skills and employment.
  • Lack of statistical data regarding official unemployment records as information based on ethnicity is not computerised and the Labour Force Survey is too generalised.
  • Inadequate knowledge regarding the different needs of the different groups that make up the minority ethnic communities.
  • Education and training system not sensitive to the different needs of minority ethnic groups.
  • Significantly low/very low levels of literacy and numeracy basic skills.
  • Language barriers.

ACTIONS:

  • Acquire localised base line information regarding unemployment and other labour market information.
  • Investigative research into the different experiences (and attitudes to) of training, education and skills of the different groups that make up the community in Kirklees; develop strategies in accordance with these.
  • Sensitisation of education and training providers to the differing needs of minority ethnic groups and the sub groups within.
  • Strategies that would meet these differing needs, e.g. home based learning.
  • Advocate specific recommendations and flexibility in employment structures.
  • Assist in the removal barriers to learning, education and employment, e.g. language.
  • Identify growth areas of employment and skill shortage and develop strategies to exploit access to these.

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HEALTH

EXISTING HEALTH INEQUALITIES BETWEEN DIFFERENT GROUPS ARE OFTEN UNNECESSARY AND AVOIDABLE.

FACTS:
High levels of:

  • Coronary heart disease:The incidence of coronary heart disease among South Asian men combined was over 30% higher than for men in the general population.
  • CVD 60% / 70% higher than general population in Pakistani and Bangladeshi
  • Cancer: especially cervical and lung cancers, breast cancer, screening for testicular cancer for men is very low.
  • Diabetes: nationally people from Pakistan are 5x and India 3x more like to suffer from diabetes than the general population.
  • TB on the increase amongst South Asian Communities.
  • Accidents.
  • Mental health on the increase amongst South Asian Communities.
  • Drug and substance misuse.
  • High infant mortality (under 1 year).
  • Obesity 26% amongst Pakistani communities

ISSUES:

  • Health inequalities.
  • Cultural Awareness & competency.
  • Resources.
  • Prevention & health promotion.
  • Ethnic Monitoring.
  • Many of the variations in health status between groups are also related to socio-economic differences.
  • Cultural isolation, exclusion, language & communication barriers.
  • Lifestyles- a mixture of east & west cultures.
  • Knowledge of benefit and other entitlements


ACTIONS:

  • Acquire more baseline information through health and lifestyle surveys & appropriate research including needs assessment & needs analysis specifically for South Asian communities.
  • Race & Cultural awareness Training for all Health & Social care staff.
  • Recruit staff from Ethnic minority communities who can be involved in planning, commissioning & decision making.
  • Reduce risk factors and increase positive influences through education and awareness events, fitness and health programmes, increase physical activity programmes amongst the South Asian population.
  • Development of appropriate support mechanisms for those with Health & community care needs and their carers including families.
  • Become engaged & involved with Health agencies and Social Care organisations - from the setting of their agendas/strategies to assessing, monitoring and evaluating their provision - to meet cultural, religious linguistic & communication needs.
  • Gather information about who is doing what & ensure a better co-ordinated & cohesive approach to Race Equality.
  • Identify gaps where partner organisations that include Statutory/Voluntary & Community Organisations can provide appropriate culturally sensitive and supportive provisions to members of the Community.
  • Better involvement of patient & public in seeking views and opinions on health & health core standards.
  • To develop structured exercise programmes for South Asian men.
  • Recruit more South Asian staff into Mental Health who would look at Counselling, Advocacy, Interpreter Training and more Bilingual staff.

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SOCIAL EXCLUSION

SOUTH ASDIAN COMMUNITIES CONTINUE TO BE EXCLUDED FROM
PARTICIPATING FULLY IN SOCIETY OR IN RECEIVING OR ACCESSING SERVICES THAT ARE THEORETICALLY AVAILABLE TO ALL.

ISSUES:
In response to the social exclusion of South Asian communities in Kirklees most organisations have responded by developing policies and strategies regarding equality of access and opportunity.
However, there is a 'body of evidence' that either confirms or suggests that our communities continue to be excluded from participating fully or in decision making or in receiving or accessing services that are theoretically available to everyone. Social exclusion can cause deep and long lasting problems for individual families, the economy, and for society as a whole, children's life chances are affected by their parents' circumstances, such as their income and the place they live.

Below is a collated summary of some of the main factors that create or contribute to the multiple disadvantages of the South Asian communities. These are drawn from a variety of sources (national and local), which have primarily related to education, health, employment and housing.

The common belief that South Asian communities 'look after their own' results in a shortfall of services or inappropriate service provision from mainstream providers. Lack of baseline information regarding:
(i) the needs and issues of the minority ethnic communities.

(ii) the inequalities in service.

(iii) access to services.

  • Lack of awareness about services provided by statutory and voluntary organisations, and the lack of information in relevant languages has resulted in poor take up of services.
  • The failure to involve communities in consultation from the outset, including identifying need and determining priorities, has resulted in inappropriate service provision.
  • The failure to recruit widely among minority ethnic communities has resulted in under-representation in service organisations.
  • The 'colour-blind' approach to service provision and assessment has resulted in lack of confidence in the ability of mainstream providers to deliver culturally appropriate services.
  • Lack of bilingual professionals in many areas - and the absence of interpreting and translating services - has reduced the quality of services.
  • Language barriers have reduced the ability of service users to access and receive appropriate services from providers.
  • Lack of cultural and religious awareness among service providers has reduced the quality of services and therefore their take-up.
  • Mainstream providers have failed to address the diverse needs of the South Asian communities in their strategic plans, when developing services or when buying culturally appropriate provision.
  • Financial hardship because of poverty and ignorance of benefit entitlement.
  • Individual and institutional racism - overt and inadvertent.
  • Geographical isolation, difficulties in accessing provision and inadequate provision of outreach work.
  • Lack of capacity building with South Asian communities has led to being excluded from decision making structures and processes which have an impact on lives. Addressing social exclusion from early childhood with ambitious targets for tackling child poverty and investing in early years development and education.

    ACTIONS:

To research, collate and analyse baseline information focusing upon:

  • The needs and issues of the BME Communities.
  • The inequalities of Service Provision - cultural and religious issues.
  • Inequalities in access to Services.
  • To produce a Resource and Service Directory (translated in community languages) of services provided by the Statutory and Voluntary Agencies.
  • To enhance recruitment of South Asian community members by agencies through active publicity/advertising/in the local ethnic press, shops, community centres, mosques, gurdwaras, temples etc.
  • To lobby service providers with respect to the cultural and religious needs of the South Asian Communities, with a view to influencing Service Plans and Strategies.
  • To ensure active representation and engagement from the Consortium members on relevant decision making structures and processes.
  • To building the Capacity of Consortium members and the BME Communities through relevant training, conferences and information sharing from time to time.

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YOUTH DISAFFECTION

KIRKLEES: AN OVERVIEW


1. LOCATION
Kirklees is an area of marked urban and rural contrast. It is bordered by the pennines in the West and the former coalfields of Barnsley and Wakefield in the East. It takes in the Peak District National Park in the south and the communities that border Leeds and Bradford in the North. At 40,910 hectares it is the third largest metropolitan district by geographical area and with a population of 389,503 inhabitants, the seventh largest in terms of population. It is the largest metropolitan district not based on a single major city. The main towns of the district are Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley but, despite its metropolitan status, over two thirds of the area is protected rural landscape. A number of the towns in the district suffer from urban decay and dereliction caused by the decline of the traditional manufacturing industries, particularly textiles. In the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods these problems are compounded by high levels of unemployment, crime and poor health.


2. POPULATION

  • The total population from the 2001 census was 389,503 and forecast to rise to 406,800 by 2011 (source: Kirklees ONS).
  • The main centres of population are Huddersfield, Dewsbury (52,595) and Batley (37,715) and Heckmondwike (17,943) (Source: Kirklees Metro Council Ward Profiles 2004).
  • For the whole of Kirklees ethnic origin includes 6.8% Pakistani (26,536), 4.1% Indian (15,829) and 0.1% Black African (476) and 1.1% Black Caribbean (4,203) (Source: ONS Census of Population 2001).
  • There are approx 166,000 households in the district.
  • Forecasts predict that households will rise to over 172,000 by 2006, and to 179,000 by 2011 with the most significant growth in single person households.


3. LOCAL ECONOMY

  • Industry. Economic prosperity lies in the manufacturing industries with textiles predominant in the north and engineering and chemical industry around Huddersfield.
  • Deprivation. Three of the wards are amongst the 10% most deprived in the England and Wales - Deighton, Dewsbury West and Thornhill (Index of Multiple Deprivation 2000). A further seven wards lie within the 20% most deprived wards in the index.
  • Unemployment for Kirklees in January 2004 (claimant count) was 5,303 (2.2%) (Source: Kirklees Metro Council area profiles North & South Kirklees 2004).

BATLEY, DEWSBURY AND HECKMONDWIK - AN OVERVIEW

1. LOCATION

The six wards that make up Batley (East and West), Dewsbury (East and West),Thornhill and Heckmondwike lie within the North Kirklees area on the boundaries with Bradford and Leeds.


2. POPULATION
The combined population of these six wards is 108,253 (Source Kirklees Metro Council Ward Profiles 2004).

Ethnic breakdown:
Indian: 15,829 (4.1%)
Pakistani: 26,536 (6.8%)
Bangladeshi 388 (0.1%)

3. LOCAL ECONOMY
Major employers (excluding Local Authority):

Batley East

Fox's Biscuits (manufacture of confectionary) 1,340 employees
Dewsbury Civil Engineering (engineering) 1,200 employees
Lay-E-Zee Beds (manufacturer of beds) 490 employees

Batley West
Mid Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust (Health Authority) 2,500 employees
Carlinghow Nursing home 120 employees

Dewsbury East
Dewsbury College (FE Institute) 600 employees
S. Lyles Son & Co Ltd (textiles) 300 employees
Skopos Designs (manufacturers of textiles) 180 employees

Dewsbury West
Williams S Graham Ltd (carpet yarn) 350 employees
UPS Haulfast Ltd (Haulage Contractors) 300
J Sainsbury PLC (supermarket) 260 employees
(Dewsbury West is amongst the 10% most deprived wards in England and Wales).


Heckmondwike
Birkby Plastics Ltd (manufacturer of plastic products) 550 employees
Rieter Automotive GB Ltd (manufacturer of carpets) 490 employees
Wm Morrisons (Supermarket) 400 employees

Thornhill
Carlton Cards Ltd (Manufacture of Greeting Cards) 1500 employees
Arriva Yorkshire (Public Transport Operators) 375 employees
The Stanley Press (Printers) 135 employees
Unemployment for the area in January 2004 (claimant count) was 1,540 with 5 out of the 6 wards being above the Kirklees average of 2.2%: Batley East 2.4%, Batley West 2.5%, Dewsbury East 2.8%, Dewsbury West 2.8%,Thornhill 2.3% and Heckmondwike 1.5% (Source: Kirklees Metro Council Ward Profiles 2004).

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