Positive Images is a community-based education project which aims to eliminate racism in the community through celebrating cultural diversity, and promoting understanding and tolerance. It was established in 2001 and works in the Borough of Gateshead. Positive ImagesÐ lead organisation is Gateshead Interfaith Forum who have established a formal partnership with Gateshead MBC and Gateshead Voluntary Organisations Council (GVOC).

The project works with young people (11-25) in secondary schools and in youth groups, and also with adult learning groups. In 2005 they established Gateshead Black and Minority Ethnic Youth Forum in collaboration with Gateshead Council. Positive Images aims to engage with young people; empowering their involvement and participation in delivering this work as well as with adult groups from divergent local communities.

Following on from this, Positive Images works with local Black and Minority Ethnic groups and the wider white community in generating multi-media education and training resources. They have made three films, 'From Gateshead' (2003), 'Accents Live' (2004), and 'Diverse Works' (2005). They have also produced an audio music CD - 'Accents' (2003) with GEM Arts - which charts and promotes music from our diverse cultures in the North East of England.

The Project also works with youth offenders through Gateshead Youth Offending Team (for race-hate crimes), and carries out cultural diversity training with adults. The project aims to improve inter-community interaction and understanding, whilst also contributing to real community cohesion. Currently Positive Images is working with a range of strategic local partners, including the North of England Refugee Service, and is looking to expand to a wider regional, or even national, level.

Project type

• Conflict resolution

Region

• North East