Mayor hails diversity as 'greatest strength' in keeping communities safe

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE have made a rallying call on inclusion and community safety.

They met today (20/11) in Wakefield with over a hundred partners from across the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSE) sector.

The theme of the event was equality and diversity, celebrating and reflecting on work over the last 12 months.
Speakers included the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Deputy Mayor, West Yorkshire Police, VCSE representatives and those with lived experience.

Diversity and inclusion is a golden thread in the Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan and ambitions around the safety of women and girls.

“West Yorkshire’s diversity is its greatest strength, and it is crucial that we champion that as we create a region that works for all.

“This is particularly relevant, as we approach the first anniversary of the launch of our Safety of Women and Girls’ strategy, which has equality and inclusion at its heart.

“We will continue working with partners right across the region to create a safer, fairer West Yorkshire.”

“The support of the sector is invaluable, and we must celebrate the work we do together in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

“They help people access key services, ensuring they are supported in the best way possible.

“We simply cannot deliver our Police and Crime plan without them.”

“The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector has long contributed to reducing health inequalities and improving population health in West Yorkshire and we value their contribution across all areas of our work.

“It is demonstrated in the integral role they have played in shaping local approaches like the West Yorkshire Police Race Action Plan, as well as volunteering practical support for those most isolated.

“These organisations are often rooted in communities, bringing an understanding of the issues faced and the trust and confidence of those least likely to access services.”