As one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the country West London has much to be proud of. In general terms a cohesive and inclusive community has largely been sustained. However, past experience tells us there could be challenges ahead.

The WLA are therefore pleased to have been successful in securing £600,000 of Home Office funds to promote "Community Cohesion".

As one of fourteen Pathfinders across the country, West London.s programme is the only sub-regional initiative, and also the only programme which involves all sectors . public, private and voluntary.

The Pathfinder will offer a unique opportunity to pilot activities and structures which reinforce best practice, encourage professionals to learn from each other, and promote a dialogue across all stakeholders.

The objectives are:

• to promote a community cohesion ethos across all sectors;
• to establish a better understanding of communities and strengthen the connections between groupings where they are weak;
• to positively influence the media.s portrayal of the region and its residents;
• to develop the capacity and confidence of local communities so they can interact effectively with the public sector; and
• to help shape the approach of Local Authorities, Police and the Five Service in relation to local communities;

The partners include: West London Alliance, West London Business, the Voluntary Sector, the Police, Fire Service, Health Sector and local newspapers (Trinity Mirror Group).

Three theme groups have been formed:

• Communication and Dissemination of Information
• The Public Sector meeting the Challenge of Community Cohesion
• Developing Communities through Strengthening Community and Voluntary Activities

Each theme group has representation from both voluntary and community sectors, as a demonstration of the strong commitment which already exists.

Individual projects within the theme groups have been designed to add value to other cross cutting initiatives, including Neighbourhood Renewal, London Development Agency (LDA) area interventions, Health Living schemes, recruitment and retention initiatives and other actions stemming from the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

The first key stakeholder meeting was held in July, with a half-day workshop which attracted representatives from forty stakeholder organisations.

For further information, please contact Claire Codling, West London Community Cohesion Co-ordinator email codlingc@ealing.gov.uk.