New project celebrates diversity in Exeter

Published: 27 June 2019

A new community project is being launched in Exeter, which will see seven grass roots organisations come together to deliver an exciting programme of diverse and cultural events and activities run across the city and Devon.

Exeter Communities Together aims to improve health and wellbeing, build cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen community relationships. The project is backed by Natonal Lottery funding.

The partnership consists of Devon Bengali Association, Exeter Hindu Cultural Centre, Exeter Malayalee Association, Filipino Community Association, Italian Cultural Association Exeter and Ubuntu Counselling Services, as well as Exeter Mosque, which will be funded separately via non-Lottery means.

The project is being launched today (Thursday 27 June) at Exeter’s historic Guildhall and will be attended by Exeter City Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk, who along with Lord Mayor Cllr Peter Holland will make a speech and hear how the project seeks to give black and minority ethnic (BAME) residents in Exeter a voice and increased visibility in the wider community.

Each partner will deliver a range of activities together, including public cultural celebrations, school and hospital visits, language classes, produce growing and cooking workshops to name but a few. It is an Assets-Based Community Development (ABCD) initiative where existing resources, skills and understanding are used to maximise efficiency and output of community development – a model encouraged by Exeter City Council’s Community Strategy.