Annual Report
2005 - 2006 and plans for the future
Director's Report
Heightened significance of the work of BEN
Influencing policy and action for social inclsion at
the highest level
BEN is a major voice in policy for social inclusion. We sit
on key statutory and voluntary sector committees and advisory
groups.We have received significant media coverage around
issues such as access to the countryside.The significance
of BEN's contribution to policy and community development
in terms of increasing ethnic participation in the natural
and built environment is increasingly recognised. New involvements
include: Environmental Funders Network, Society for the Environment,
MAB Urban Forum, DCMS/DFES Engaging Places, Welsh Assembly
Government Local Environmental Quality and Scottish Landscape
Forum.
Opening up the historic and natural environment
In England, our core work within the historic environment
sector, funded by English Heritage, has led to the formation
of the Beyond 2007 Forum.The forum highlights the fact that
the celebration of the bi-centenary of the abolition of transatlantic
slavery must be seen as a beginning for the focus on integrating
this part of history visibly into British consciousness. We
are optimistic that our project in Manchester will be funded
to continue building on it’s achievements of the first
3 years.This includes
participating in a European Partnership to share experience
in the creation of 'intercultural gardens' with 3 other countries,
Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.
In Scotland our Discover Heritage project, funded by HLF is
doing groundbreaking work across Scotland.It has reached out
to towns and cities far afield such as Irvine and Dundee,
working with key partners in the heritage sector.
Increasing opportunities for employment
The BEN EQUAL Project Round 2 has achieved significant work
in a new area - recycling as social enterprise. In Wales,
our two EQUAL projects GWLAD and Curiad Calon Cymru (CCC)
frame environmental and heritage activities as motivations
for learning and training, building skills, knowledge and
experience in relation to employment.
Increasing opportunities for employment
The BEN EQUAL Project Round 2 has achieved significant work
in a new area - recycling as social enterprise. In Wales,
our two EQUAL projects GWLAD and Curiad Calon Cymru (CCC)
frame environmental and heritage activities as motivations
for learning and training, building skills, knowledge and
experience in relation to employment.
Increasing actions for waste reduction,reuse
and recycling
The Swansea Recycling Scheme is now firmly established after
a period of uncertainty in relation to funding, and is working
on various fronts including the recycling of food waste at
home and within the catering industry.
International work
Internationally, this year sees BEN developing its relationship
with the City of Cape Town. Tanya Goldman was a guest at the
BEN Conference in Birmingham and visited a range of projects
in Birmingham, Cheltenham and London.A report will be published
on this mutual learning partnership. An exchange programme
is being developed.
Judy Ling Wong FRSA, OBE
Director BEN
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Annual Report | BEN News
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