My role as EYST’s North Wales Coordinator is to gather the views and experiences of BAME people living across Wales in order to positively influence Welsh Government and other bodies so that policy and provision can better reflect and respond to the needs of BAME [Black, Asian and minority ethnic] communities in Wales. I am the sole coordinator for this project across Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham and North Powys. I utilize a network of stakeholders, community groups, individuals and organisations as well as partners from the public, private and third sectors for the programme. The practical tasks I implement/support include: – Quarterly Regional Forums. Bringing together stakeholders, involved in race issues across Wales, and BAME people to discuss issues, solutions and opportunities – Engagements across the North Wales counties. For example, speaking with BAME young people through Schools independently or alongside other organisations such as Show Racism the Red Card – Linking BAME people with specific opportunities through EYST. – Spreading understanding and awareness of BAME cultures, national identities, traditions and heritages.

Why are you drawn to this area of work, and how have you helped community groups take action in the past?

I have a personal mentality of minimising waste and a desire to leave as positive of a footprint on the planet as possible.

As part of a recent ‘recyclable/sustainability arts project’ at our Wrexham based youth club, we directed 5 weeks’ worth of sessions aimed at spreading understanding and awareness around renewable arts. We created a lasting arts piece made up of bottle tops, soft drinks cans and other re-useable rubbish. The project was in partnership with Arts Connect and we commissioned the piece to be a display upon entrance to the BAWSO building in Wrexham. This same youth club has a steering group that is exploring options for the club moving forwards. One of the trips out planned is going to be a visit to the local Brymbo Heritage site, where young people will discover more about the protected characteristics that have led to the site securing protected status and development funding. Such as; a recently discovered fossil forest, great crested newts and historic steelworks buildings.

I would relish the opportunity to positively impact the environment and planet. By encouraging as many people to change their behaviours and actions through Renew Wales. Some of the communities and people I work with daily can also benefit from the types of energy saving and cost effect learning available. So, whatever the result of this process, I would still offer my help and assistance wherever I am able to.

What’s your vision of the area where you live and/or work in 2050? What will have changed and how will we have got there?

I would like to spread cost-effective and energy saving ideas with families and individuals to benefit not only them but their environments. I also believe to change the way we as a country manage our resources and conserve energy – starts with people and communities. Shaping social paradigms that have led to wasteful behaviours.

I would like to reach more schools with this message and inform the next generation about the impact they are having. I see myself as a source of support to people and communities and would like to bring more people around a table to discuss, disseminate and solve issues that are affecting them. For a tangible initiative that people can take away share and use.

I am currently encouraging more BAME and female applicants into North wales Police and host events throughout the year offering opportunities for people.