Communtiy Cohesion Competition

Calling all creative talent in Torbay…

Safer Communities Torbay and partners in conjunction with the Safer Devon Partnership have launched a competition across the Bay aimed at encouraging young people to explore issues around prejudice, extremism and active citizenship. Local Learning Communities will then use the work produced to help develop their Community Cohesion Strategies and the winning entries will be used as part of a county-wide media campaign.

Louisa Aiton, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement comments; “We are keen to affirm our commitment to fighting prejudice across Devon and Torbay and the intention of the project is not to create inaccurate perceptions that our region has tolerance and prejudice issues but rather to make it clear that we understand the damages that this attitude can cause and to put young people at the forefront of developing strong, inclusive communities.”

There are two main elements to the competition. The first is aimed at students from Torbay primary and secondary schools and is searching for interpretations of ‘Community Cohesion’, prejudice and extremism in the form of a poster for the primary school age group and a photograph for pupils of secondary education. The second is a county-wide (excluding Plymouth) competition running alongside the one being held in Torbay and is aimed at the older age group of 16 to 25s, namely in higher education or those from a youth group. This category must produce a short film that increases understanding of diversity, prejudice and violent extremism issues.

Students in all categories have been asked to think about practical ways of countering and preventing the negative behaviours and are encouraged to think about the effects these have on the community as a whole.

All schools and higher education centres have been made aware of the project and encouraged to enter their pupils and external youth groups are also invited to apply.

Entry forms, details of prizes and competition packs are available by contacting scatt@torbay.gov.uk or community.cohesion@devon.gov.uk closing date for entries is Friday 28 May 2010 and winners will be announced on Monday 28 June 2010.