Press Release - 22 November 2004

Celebration event to mark both Eid and Diwali

Members of West Yorkshire's South Asian communities will be urged to have a greater say in how their communities are run at a celebration event to mark both Eid and Diwali on 24 November.

The celebration will bring together members of the Regen Matters Network - a group of South Asian people who want to contribute to policy making in the region by joining the governing bodies of schools, health services, transport authorities and other public organisations.

They will hear from speakers who are already playing a part in public affairs, as well as from organisations seeking to promote the greater involvement of South Asian people.

The event is to be held at the Bradford headquarters of QED-UK, the charity set up in 1990 to promote the educational, social and economic advancement of the UK's two million South Asian people.

QED-UK has established the Regen Matters Network, with support from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, in order to support public-spirited individuals from the South Asian communities who want to apply for positions with decision-making bodies.

With a target of 80 such individuals, it already has a membership of 64, who receive advice on the opportunities available as well as coaching and mentoring.

At the celebration, they will hear from Mr NAP Raja of Raja and Co Accountants, Bradford, who is also a member of Bradford Chamber of Commerce. He will talk about his role at the chamber and the issues he faced when he first joined.

The other speakers are Alan Rye from Bradford Law Centre, who is looking for volunteers for the centre's management committee, and Fida Hussain, who is a Regen Matters network member in Wakefield.

"The government is increasingly emphasising the role that local residents can play in improving the quality of life of their families, friends and neighbours," said Mohammed Ali, OBE, chief executive of QED-UK. "Involvement by South Asian communities is very important.

"We are aiming to recruit 80 South Asian residents who have the willingness, if not the experience, to become involved with decisions that affect their communities. These people are educated and skilled but may lack the confidence of how to operate at strategic levels.

"QED-UK is highlighting the opportunities available to them and supporting them with training, advice and guidance to give them the self-belief to apply for these vital positions."

For further details please contact Mohammed Ali on 01274 483267 or m.ali@qed-uk.org