Community cohesion

In this section

How we work with others
Community Cohesion Programme
Tackling hate crime
Supporting EU citizens
Help and support

How we work with others

The Welsh Government wants to make sure Wales is an inclusive country in which people from all backgrounds are welcomed and there is zero tolerance of xenophobia, racism or bigotry.

We work with local authorities, the police and third sector equality and inclusion organisations to ensure that cohesion takes root in all communities. We also fund regional community cohesion coordination teams who play a vital role in supporting this work across Wales.

The EU referendum has created divisions in families, communities and society, which could take a generation to heal. In some cases it has led to increased tensions in communities. As we move closer to EU exit – with the additional uncertainty of no deal Brexit – these tensions could be further exacerbated.

Community Cohesion Programme

The Welsh Government’s EU Transition Fund has helped to expand the regional community cohesion programme and the network of coordinators to help identify potential problems and arising tensions. Their role is to engage with communities, offer reassurance and facilitate collaboration between public services. Additional funding from the EU Transition Fund will also be used to build on the existing network of coordinators to undertake specific work to mitigate community tensions relating to Brexit.

Tackling hate crime

The Welsh Government’s EU Transition Fund will go towards reducing the scale and impact of hate crimes in Wales. Funding is being provided to Victim Support Cymru, to increase the capacity of the National Hate Crime Report & Support Centre, which provides independent advocacy and support for victims. We are also providing funding to organisations who work with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and minority faith communities, through our Hate Crime Minority Communities Grant. The grant will help to tackle hate crime experienced by these members of our community.

The Welsh Government is also seeking to provide more messages of reassurance to EU citizens and encouraging the wider community to oppose intolerance.

Supporting EU citizens

To support EU Citizens, we have developed the EU Citizens’ Rights Project. This is funded through the European Transition Fund. The Project is delivered by Citizens Advice Cymru, and provides advice services to EU Citizens with regards to applying for Settled Status in the UK, assistance with social welfare issues, challenging any inequalities they may be experiencing, and providing specialist advice relating to exploitation in the workplace.

This project is also supported by outreach and community engagement activities supplied by Ethnic Youth Support Team (EYST) and Settled - a charity founded by The 3 million a grassroots EU Citizen Advocacy group.

Help and support

• If you are concerned a crime has taken place or is likely to take place, call your local police on 101 – 999 in an emergency;
• If you have witnessed or been a victim of hate crime call 101. Alternatively the National Hate Crime Report and Support Centre has a free 24/7 helpline 0300 3031 982 or email Hate.CrimeWales@victimsupport.org.uk

If you want talk to someone about community concerns in your area, consider contacting:

• your Assembly Member or MP
• your local authority
• the Equality and Human Rights Commission Wales
• your local Council for Voluntary Service
• residents association
• your local place of worship

Following Brexit, the rules about how personal data flows between the EU and the UK will change. Visit the Information Commissioner’s website to find out more about how these changes will affect you or your organisation.

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