Our Services
Policy Development
ELREC has a strategic role to work with and unify other organisations, groups and communities who share our aims. Together we seek to identify, challenge and redress all forms of racial injustice. Some of the partnerships ELREC is currently involved with are as follows:
- Race Equality Forum
- Community Safety Partnership Executive Group
- Edinburgh Partnership Community of Interest Support Network
- Children & Families Services Equality Monitoring and Implementation Group
- Voluntary Sector Strategic Group
ELREC can assist individuals/organisations for the following:
- Develop a race equality scheme or equal opportunities policy
- Deliver anti-racist or diversity training
- Assist with impact assessment
- Conduct consultations or focus groups with BME communities
Resource Library
ELREC has a wide collection of books, journals, research findings and directories on equality matters. Unfortunately we are unable to lend out any of the literature. However we welcome individuals accessing the library in person by appointment.
Complainant Aid
The Complainant Aid Service is a free and confidential service which offers advice and assistance to persons who experience racial discrimination and harassment. You can either approach us directly or be referred to us by another agency. ELREC will consider all requests for assistance. If your complaint falls outside of the scope of the Race Relations Act 1976 and/or our services are inappropriate for you, we will, with your consent of course, refer you to a more appropriate agency. e.g. in complex cases ELREC may refer to the Commission for Racial Equality. Whatever the circumstance we will provide all our enquirers with advice and information relevant to their specific case.
Before coming to see us, if you are able to, try to write down what happened and when. Dates are very important as there are strict time limits for bringing legal claims. We will listen to your case and make an assessment. If we are able to assist you then we will work together with you in helping you to prepare your case, identifying your options and deciding on your best course of action.
To report an incident or get more information contact ELREC .
Community Development
The Community Development Officer is responsible for facilitating communication between black and minority ethnic communities/groups and mainstream services. We are always looking for ways to work with a variety of minority ethnic groups and communities of interest, so if you have a group that you would like ELREC to come along to and let you know of our services then get in touch! We can also help if you would like to set up a community group or if you require assistance in community development work for your organisation.
Youth Zone
Thursdays : 4pm - 8pm
Fridays : 1pm - 5pm
The Youth Zone is a relaxing and fun, young people led, chill out space in central Edinburgh.
It is for BME Young People to
hangout
eat good food
get online
play pool
have a go on the PS2
and loads more......
Meet new people, develop skills at producing some music or editing videos and explore
issues & ideas that matter to you!
Young People can also access confidential support and advice on a HUGE number of issues that are important to them. Pick up information on jobs, college courses & get help with CV's.
Pop in and see us on a Thursday evening or Friday afternoon to access all this for FREE !
Youth Zone Members Comment On Their Space
I asked young people who come to the youth Zone how they felt about the Youth Zone and how it benefited them. Here is their response:
- "it's cool"
- "I use it 'cos I like to chill here and 'cos it’s a good place to chill."
- "…and 'cos I get help with other things from staff, people are so friendly."
- "I think the Youth Zone is cool and that I get help."
- "It’s a good place to chill and its better than home."
- "It was really good getting all the equipment and stuff in the room."
The Youth Zone is the only space in Edinburgh and Lothians that offers such a unique service. It evolved from suggestions made my BME young people through a needs consultation/research that was carried out a few years prior. The Youth Zone is cost effective, free from racial harassment or discrimination and young person led. These factors were also originally put forward by young people and given priority when establishing the project.
The BME Youth Zone aims to provide:
- A safe place in the city centre for BME young people aged 14 to 21 to meet
- Information and support around accessing mainstream services
- A focal point where BME young people can be consulted on issues that are relevant to them by ELREC and other organisations
- A programme of activities designed by BME young people
- Improve service provisions in the city for BME young people
- Youth practitioners forum where workers can exchange information and good practice
ELREC BME Youth Zone was awarded by Citizen Y Campaign for demonstrating youth-friendly practice. The Youth Zone was also nominated for the Empowerment Scotland Awards and winner of BME Achievement Awards 2007.