Why we are stronger together
TAKING ON EXTREMISM
A CAMPAIGN designed to tackle extremist and divisive views by celebrating Newcastle’s “diverse and inclusive spirit” has been launched.
“Together We Are Stronger” features nine videos of local heroes who have made a contribution to the city – from a teenager who moved here from Somalia in 2012 and now coaches football at the Newcastle United Foundation Kicks, to a woman who helped found a community café in Shieldfield.
In their videos, each participant talks about what it means to be from Newcastle, their pride in the city and their efforts to help their communities. Posters of the local heroes will be popping up across the city from this week.
The campaign – a collaboration between Safe Newcastle and the UK government’s Building a Stronger Britain Together programme – aims to “stand against extremism in all its forms”.
It will be launched at Newcastle Civic Centre by Councillor Nick Kemp, chair of the Safe Newcastle Partnership, and Minister for Countering Extremism, Baroness Williams.
Coun Kemp said: “This campaign shows off some of the best things about our city – our spirit, our pride, our warmth, our sense of community. It is these characteristics, demonstrated beautifully by the people in these videos that make us strong.
“Newcastle is a great place – but we must never be complacent. We still face the same challenges as the rest of the country – groups who don’t believe in our values, who seek to divide Geordies from one another, who demean the contributions of our different people and groups.
“Our message to them today is simple: you are wasting your time. Together, Newcastle is stronger.”
Baroness Williams said: “Together We Are Stronger is all about what makes Newcastle great – its brilliant people and unique character. While some individuals may seek to divide us or hold extremist views, we must show how open, tolerant and diverse a society we are and the local people in this campaign, who represent the spirit of Newcastle, do precisely that.”
Over the coming months, the campaign will also be supported by initiatives run with schools and local groups. These include: A school linking programme – working with the Linking Network to create partnerships between Newcastle schools, helping young people forge bonds with different communities, as well as helping young people develop critical thinking skills when looking at content online.
No Outsiders – promoting inclusivity in schools by helping children aged four to 11 learn recognise and celebrate differences.
The Jewish Experience – an exhibition by the Board of Deputies of British Jews that celebrates and brings to life Judaism, which will be displayed in Newcastle.
A community exhibition that celebrates Newcastle’s “local heroes”.