In February 2002 ‘A Survey of Minority Ethnic Communities and Services in the Lancaster District’ was carried out by Kusminder Chahal & Sue Edwards.

Their findings have been used alongside statistics from the 2001 census to compile much of the information on this section of the site. We would welcome more personal information from individuals living in this area to enrich our understanding of the different cultural currents running through our community.

The 2001 Census recorded a total population of 133,914 (47.9% men, 52.1% women).

The vast majority (97.8%) are white (higher than the England & Wales average of 91.3%) and most describe themselves as Christian. The biggest ethnic minority group (over 600 people) is Indian, and the biggest religious minority group (apart from people with no religion) is Muslim (nearly 800 people).

There are also significant numbers of people belonging to many other ethnic and religious minority groups, including Gypsy Travellers, the Polish Community, Chinese Community, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Jews and Baha’Is.

There are nearly 12,000 people (9%) in our district over the age of 75, and nearly 25,000 (19%) under the age of 16.

26.7% of people of working age have no qualifications, whereas 20% are qualified at degree level or higher. Nearly 6,000 people of working age are unable to work due to permanent sickness or disability. However, this is a small proportion of the total number of people with a disability or long-term ill health.

For further information about minority groups, issues, resources and support services see:

We are always interested in new volunteers for this busy & independent task group which links into a large partnership of local residents, statutory & voluntary agencies & groups (the Multi Agency Partnership for Eliminating Discrimination - MAPfED).

February to July 2004
Links to the local Chinese Community

After the February tragedy when so many workers lost their lives in Morecambe Bay, RETG was approached by members of the local Chinese community and has worked closely with them since.

The business of the task group is tackling racism & discrimination but the task group also sets out to connect with and get to know minority groups and communities so it can work in partnership with them to raise awareness to the rich contribution these communities bring to local life.

RETG activities include:

* Supporting the Morecambe Lodge Foreshore Ceremony & Dome Event on May 13th

* Facilitating 'Understanding & Co-operation Meetings' in June & July with the local authorities to discuss the aftermath of the cockle-picker tragedy and the human costs as migrant workers in the Lancaster District affected by the May 2004 legislation are unable to work to feed and support themselves.

Local support and knowledge of the issues surrounding the tragedy are increasing due to the support of many other organisations and individuals. In the run up to the Lancaster District Diversity Festival (October) the Min Qwan Chinese Monitoring Group and Signposts are helping to organise events to benefit the families of those who died.

The Race & Ethnicity Task Group currently has 15 members and always welcomes any interest in the group & its work. We operate a mentoring programme to help new members feel welcome, build on their skills & interests and consider taking key roles in the work of the group. Please tel: 01524 851191 for more details or email:

RACE + ETHNICITY

What is Institutional Racism?

Institutional racism was defined in the McPherson report resulting from the Stephen Lawrence inquiry as: “The collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their colour, culture or ethnic origin. It can be seen or detected in processes, attitudes and behaviour which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist stereotyping which disadvantage minority ethnic people.”

In order to tackle institutional racism, all public authorities are required by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 to publish, implement and monitor a Race Equality Scheme.

Race Equality Schemes covering the Lancaster District

Lancashire County Council

Lancaster City Council

St Martins College

Lancaster University

Lancashire Police Authority (pdf file download)

Lancashire Probation Service

Lancashire Combined Fire Authority

If you experience discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnicity or want to know more about the work of the Task Group please
e-mail: ,
Tel: 01524 851191,
or write to the
MAPfED Race & Ethnicity Task Group
c/o Lancaster Town Hall,
LA1 1PJ.

Local Ethnic Monorities Online

The Asian News
Part of the Guardian Media Group. Asian News isn't distributed round here - the closest place is Accrington.

MORE INFO/LINKS

PUKAR - Preston-based disability resource service for ethnic minority people of all ages and disabilities and their carers.

Guide on racial equality
The Commission for Racial Equality has produced a free CD-Rom, ‘Racial equality and the smaller business – a practical guide’. It offers practical advice on developing policies and procedures. Tel. 0870 240 3697 www.cre.gov.uk/gdpract/sme.html

Check out the CULTURAL GROUPS section in our Community Groups & organisations listings for contact details and links to local cultural organisations.