Representing black and minority ethnic residents in community decision-making

North Norfolk District Council's Community Team is running a project called Branching Out in Your Community to increase the number and diversity of people involved in community decision-making through their town and parish councils.

Groups of people who tend to be under-represented include young people, people of working age and residents from black or minority ethnic backgrounds.

Councils are providers of many services and facilities and are key decision makers within the community. Good planning and decision-making requires an awareness of people's needs, aspirations and experiences of living in a community. One of the best ways to achieve this is by ensuring councils reflect the community they serve.

As part of the Branching Out in Your Community project, NNDC would like to talk to residents in North Norfolk who are black or from a minority ethnic background to learn about their experiences of living in North Norfolk, using council services and what would make it easier for them to participate in community decision-making.

To give your views or arrange an informal chat about your experiences, please write to Maureen Clarke at North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9EN or, email maureen.clarke@north-norfolk.gov.uk or call 01263 516340.

The Council has recently published its Race Equality Scheme - a three-year plan for how it will ensure people are treated fairly when accessing its services. - and the full version is available from Kate Sullivan, Community Liaison Officer, on 01263 516052, by emailing kate.sullivan@north-norfolk.gov.uk or at www.northnorfolk.org/council/5499_6120.asp

• North Norfolk District Council hosts a month-long exhibition celebrating Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month, in June 2008, in the foyer of its Holt Road office in Cromer. The exhibition will be opened by representatives of the Gypsy and Traveller community at 12 noon on Wednesday, 4 June, and will be open during normal office hours.

ENDS