42 minute read
African Marriages And New UK Divorce Law
BRITISH NEW DIVORCE LAW IS BAD FOR AFRICAN MARRIAGES
IN THE UK- By Peter Makossah
The silence is deafening. A pair of inquisitive hazel eyes stares down at him as he fiddles idly with a strand of his dreadlocked hair dangling across his forehead. He takes a deep breath and sniffs loudly: “Oh, my God!” He curses himself as he saunters down the Upper Parliament Street past a shabby red brick building with a sooty roof. James Mashingaidze, 46, of Bulwell in Nottingham but originally from Mutare in Zimbabwe, is noticeably lost, in his mind. And on his face. His spirits are visibly low, and despite the early morning sunlight, Nottingham City Centre looks tired and unwashed. The pale sun seems only to accentuate the yellowing net curtains, cobwebby windows, and faded paintwork - a quick reminder that the legendary ‘Robinhood City’ has existed for centuries. He looks above, but the shops’ rooftops have nothing else to offer; the stucco and brickwork were scarred and scattered. His wounds, suffered in the marriage blitz, still startlingly clean and fresh in his heart. “Why can’t I be free from this bondage?” he yells at himself. Mr Mashingaidze, who is a psychologist, is aware that whatever he decides, it would lead inevitably to further decisions and actions - and most importantly some legal complications - each creating a ripple effect through his life. “Love hurts. And when it does, the best way is to move on than being a prisoner,” he considers. “Living with someone you love is sweet but being in a loveless marriage is hell.” Mr Mashingaidze complains that he is trapped in loveless marriage as the previous archaic divorce law compelled him to stay on with his wife because she has no fault in the eyes of the law. Under the previous family law, Mr Mashingaidze would have to wait for five years before divorcing his wife of ten years and mother of his three children but under the new law it will take just a short time. “I expected the court to understand that the only reason I married my wife was that, at that time, I loved her. Now, the reason I want to divorce her is that I no longer love her. It is that simple”, he claims. “If love was the reason I married her, then lack of it should be a reason enough to ‘unmarry’ her,” says Mr Mashingaidze in a matter of fact-tone. Mr Mashingaidze’s wife (name withheld) 43, is challenging the divorce arguing her husband is incapable of interpreting her needs accurately. “My husband’s neglect of me through unexplained prolonged absence from home continues to produce indescribable solitude and a sense torture. I have done nothing wrong to be divorced”, she said. She exclaims, “James told me in my face he did not want to be with me anymore. I asked him; ‘what has happened to our ‘until death do us part’ vows.’ He didn’t reply.” The Family Court district judge dismissed Mr Mashingaidze’s divorce petition because he has failed to satisfy the court with set reasonable grounds to warrant a dissolution of the marriage. However, divorce laws in England and Wales are set to change. The new divorce law, which came into effect in May this year will sweep away the legal principal that one should be at fault for adultery, unreasonable behaviour, and desertion. The reforms to change family laws in the UK follow years of campaigning by legislators, lawyers, and judges. Under new legislation, brought forward by the “Conservative” Government in 2020, a person will be able to simply walk away from their marriage, no reason given. Vitalis Ngadi, a family lawyer based in Derby says, “in an African setup, when one marries, they marry the whole family, the whole church or mosque and the whole community and, therefore, you cannot just wake up one morning and decide that you don’t want your wife or husband anymore”. Nottingham North Labour MP Alex Norris says, “I’ve listened to both arguments and firmly think a no-fault divorce is much safer and easier.”
Pastor Emmanuel Mbetewa, a senior minister at Citadel International Church in Nottingham City Centre says marriage is commissioned by God and the vows people make during wedding ceremonies, they make them with God and not the courts.
Sheikh Ibrahim Khadri Bin-Omar, a Muslim cleric based in Mapperley says, “divorce should not be made easier as this will make people walk away from their families and in the end, it will be the children who will suffer the consequences.” Please follow the link to read more: https://mojatu. com/2022/11/02/british-new-divorce-law-is-bad-forafrican-marriages-in-the-uk/
7mojatu.comNews & Sports8 Nottingham connected News & Sports FGM Global Ambassadors Training Programme
AIM:
Develop a team of community embedded and based volunteers to help end female genital mutilation (FGM) by helping Mojatu to work with communities at all levels.
TARGET: Community members from or working with BAME communities whose girls and women are living with the consequences of or are at the risk of undergoing FGM
OBJECTIVES:
1. Recruit and train ambassadors to to tackle FGM 2. Empower and support the ambassadors to act as agents of change in ending FGM 3. Equip ambassadors to counter religious & cultural views sensitively
SIGN UP
mojatu.foundation mojatu.foundation MojatuF 0115 7846 668 | 07759927671
www.mojatufoundation.org info@mojatufoundation.org Unit 7, Howitt Wing Building, Lenton Blvd NG7 2BY
CITY COUNCIL’S STREET CLEANSING AND STREETSCENE SERVICES ARE OFFICIALLY THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY -
Edited By Pa Modou Faal The teams were recognised for their efforts working with volunteers and partners, such as supporting our volunteer-led herbicide-free streets programme and Nottingham Clean Champions programme, as well as urban rewilding which helps to make our neighbourhoods greener and more bee-friendly at a national awards ceremony held in Swansea organised by The Association for Public Service Excellence.
Nottingham City Council’s Streetscene Teams were recognised for “developing innovative partnership work with Nottingham Clean Champions, Community Protection, Community Payback Service and Nottingham City Homes as well as developing more biodiverse neighbourhoods.” The City Council Deputy Leader Cllr. Adele Williams said she was pleased but not surprised to hear that the Streetscene teams were recognised as the best in the country. Cllr. Williams said, “I would like to pass on my thanks to our frontline staff as well as to all the partners and volunteers who work with them to keep our streets and neighbourhoods clean and tidy – you really are the best!” City Council Portfolio for Environment, Energy & Waste, Cllr Sally Longford, said, “I’m delighted that the outstanding efforts of our workers and citizens have been recognised on a national stage at these prestigious awards. Our dedicated teams work hard to ensure we provide the best service to our citizens and respond to their needs to make sure we increase satisfaction and maintain our Grade A standard of cleaning.” She said she is proud of the work around making our neighbourhoods greener and more bee friendly, as this all helps us achieve our CN28 pledge, plus the outstanding contribution of our Clean Champions. Paul O’Brien, APSE Chief Executive, said, “this year we received an overwhelming number of submissions for the Awards, with each one demonstrating a clear commitment to the goals of continuous improvement and the delivery of excellence in public services. From parks to school meals, from collecting bins to caring for older people, it is a real honour to recognise the fantastic work local councils do at the frontline.”
https://mojatu.com/2022/11/15/city-councils-streetcleansing-and-streetscene-services-are-officially-thebest-in-the-country/
NOTTINGHAM UNVEILS £9.5 MILLION SCHOOL WORKS PROGRAMME - By Peter Makossah
Nottinghamshire County Council has unveiled a major and ambitious programme of school infrastructure improvements to the tune of £9.5 million which will see 23 primary and infant schools get a massive uplift. Over the next two years, 23 primary and infant schools in Nottinghamshire are scheduled to benefit from a multi-million-pound investment from the council’s School Building Improvement Programme (SBIP), designed and delivered by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between the council and SCAPE.
Each Nottinghamshire Borough or District has at least two schools receiving infrastructure improvements, with all works scheduled for completion by the start of the 2024/2025 academic year. The improvements for each school are variable depending on requirements – but the programme includes replacing ceilings, installing air source heat pumps, and upgrading lighting and electrics. In a statement Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Tracey Taylor, said “this council is committed to having fit-for-purpose schools, and the £9.5 million school building improvement programme for the next two years will deliver them. I’m delighted we’ve now set out our plans to enhance the buildings of more than 20 schools across Nottinghamshire – every borough or district will receive a slice of investment from the programme.” Councillor Taylor added, “we pledged in our ten-year council plan to provide sufficient school places and to give parents a greater choice and getting our schools’ infrastructure up to speed will help towards this ambition.” The council is also investing in the creation of a new primary school in Rushcliffe and expanding two current schools also designed and delivered by Arc Partnership. https://mojatu.com/2022/11/15/nottingham-unveils-95-million-school-works-programme/
MAGISTRATE OPPORTUNITY FOR ETHNIC MINORITIES IN NOTTINGHAM -
By Pa Modou Faal With support from magistrates in the East Midlands, a new marketing campaign launched by the Ministry of Justice seeks to boost numbers by 4,000 across the country, with recruits expected to help tackle the backlog of criminal cases caused by the pandemic. It represents the largest recruitment effort in the 650-year history of the magistracy and could increase the workforce by up to a third in the coming years.
The Ministry of Justice is keen to tackle misconceptions about magistrates and increase interest in the role in East Midlands. Research shows 28% of people in East Midlands are interested in becoming a magistrate but this jumps to 45% when they learn more about what is involved.
Currently in the Midlands over half of magistrates (56%) are women but only 15.5% are from a Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority background. The Ministry of Justice is keen to continue to attract and increase the number of diverse candidates to ensure the magistracy reflects the diversity of the region. The MoJ is also looking to attract a younger wave of volunteers, with less than one in ten magistrates (7.7%) in the Midlands currently under 39.
People from all walks of life in the East Midlands are encouraged to consider becoming magistrates in a £1 million national recruitment drive to increase the number and diversity of those fulfilling this essential role. Each day magistrates across England and Wales make life-changing decisions in cases as varied as fraud and sexual assault. The work is voluntary with individuals expected to dedicate a minimum of 13 days a year service, meaning many magistrates often fulfil this crucial role easily alongside full-time employment and caring responsibilities.
Research shows that many in the region do not realise it’s a parttime role that can fit round other commitments, with 28% thinking it is full time. 41% are unsure if they are eligible for the role, while 18% believe it requires a degree in law.
The campaign aims to attract people from a wide range of backgrounds – from teachers to bricklayers, to stayat-home mums, and any individuals who can display reason and sound judgment. It seeks to make the magistracy more representative of the communities it serves and will specifically target younger people – with anyone over 18 encouraged to consider the role.
Pete Dexter (65 years old) from Nottingham is a retired engineer who has been a magistrate for sixteen years. He took on the role having previously been a school governor and wanting to find another way to serve the community. “Being a magistrate is very rewarding, and most applicants have the right qualities – all you need is a sense of fairness and integrity – and you’ll also develop new transferrable skills. If you’re unsure whether it’s for you, come and observe some proceedings and ask questions. If you decide it’s something you’d be interested in, you will be given all the training you need. After seventeen years of service, I’ve never looked back”, said Pete.
Pete said: “If you care about your community and want to give back then I would encourage you to apply to become a magistrate. There are few other opportunities that can make such a difference in people’s lives. Alongside our plans to double their sentencing powers from six months to a year, this recruitment drive will ensure magistrates can play an even greater role in restoring the swift justice the public deserve.”
Tom Quarton-Manuel from Nottingham works in the energy sector and sits on the board of trustees for a charity that provides housing and support to refugees and destitute asylum seekers. He was sworn in as a magistrate on his 22nd birthday.
He said: “I applied to be a magistrate because I wanted to find a way to support the city I had moved to and to do something that would allow me to learn new skills. Becoming a magistrate married well with my passion for justice and fairness. I am now the Chair of the Magistrates’ Association’s LGBT+ Diversity & Inclusion Network. It’s really important we have a diverse group of magistrates to bring different experiences and opinions to the courtroom. Whatever your background or level of education, you can be a magistrate.”
All magistrates are given robust training and an experienced mentor in their first year to develop their skills and legal knowledge. The top qualities that MoJ and the Judiciary look for in potential candidates are good communication skills, a sense of fairness and the ability to see an argument from different sides. Candidates are being sought to fill positions across all jurisdictions including criminal work, youth cases, as well as certain civil and family proceedings.
https://mojatu.com/2022/11/15/ magistrate-opportunity-for-ethnicminorities-in-nottingham-by-pamodou-faal/
IMPACT OF FGM ON MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
- By Lubna Mushtaq
The term “FGM” refers to all nonmedical treatments that include the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other harm to the female genital organs. Social obligation and marriageability are the two main motivations that continue FGM.
FGM/C affects both women and men and that men may play a more important role in the decision-making process regarding FGM. Men in their roles as fathers, husbands, community, and religious leaders, may have a significant impact on the persistence of FGM. It has been observed that in most FGMaffected regions, men may decline to marry a woman who has not had FGM. Few men say it persists out of social duty. Interviews with men in Northern Sudan demonstrated that they had a poor understanding of FGM as it was not until they were newly married that they experienced the unavoidable effects of their wives’ FGM, they too felt that they were victims of FGM’s aftereffects. Men discussed their own issues such as their sexual unhappiness, empathy for the pain of women, and perceived challenges to their masculinity. Most of the men have trouble in vaginal penetration, wounds or infections on the penis and psychosexual problems. When men witness their wives’ sexual unhappiness, they think that they are to blame and experience depression, disappointment, and a decline in confidence. Most of the young men today want to marry uncut women but are forced to marry a cut woman because of societal stress and sometimes cultural pressures. Men’s opinions vary on FGM, many people would prefer for it to end but are unable to express their support for its termination due to social pressure and cultural obligations within the society. Communities must be the source of change, and opportunities for men and women to discuss the practice among themselves must be provided. https://mojatu.com/2022/11/15/ impact-of-fgm-on-mens-mentalhealth/
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER ATTENDS NOTTINGHAM CARNIVAL 2022 - By Pa Modou Faal
The Nottingham Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Caroline Henry and her team were at the Nottingham Carnival 2022 held in August, to meet and greet people and show their readiness to work with various communities in Nottingham to bring about effective change especially with those from ethnic minorities. They were well received at the Carnival grounds on the embankment.
Commissioner Caroline Henry was also accompanied by her husband Darren Henry, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Broxtowe constituency, Nottinghamshire. Penny Cooper and Angela Wathoni of Mojatu Foundation met with Caroline Henry for the first time, since the PCC agreed to fund the Mojatu Foundation Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Clinic in Nottingham, for the past three years. This funding comes at a time when survivors of FGM needed somewhere as a safe haven to discuss issues affecting them and sharing their lived experiences. Mojatu Foundation greatly appreciate the PCC role in the community especially for vulnerable people and their families. This is a great step forward for our local communities in the campaign to end FGM in Nottingham. The carnival hosted a great display of cultural performances, costumes, and other forms of entertainment. Families and children from across Nottinghamshire turned out in large numbers to grace the entertaining atmosphere. Carnivals and festival are beginning to shape back to normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged such euphoric entertaining moments. The Chairperson of Mojatu Foundation Penny Cooper expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Police and Crime Commissioner for her office’s continuous support to Mojatu Foundations projects in ending FGM for a number of years. https://mojatu.com/2022/11/17/police-and-crimecommissioner-attends-nottingham-carnival-2022/
12 News & Sports mojatu.com
The world’s largest gathering of Shire horses is coming back to Nottingham next year for the second bounce after a huge success this year. The Shire Horse Society’s National Show trotted into Nottinghamshire for the first time in 2022 – held over two days at Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire.
Tickets are now on sale for the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses which returns to Newark. Mojatu Magazine understands that after being impressed with this year’s success of the event, the organisers have decided to return for next year’s show, with the show being held on 11th and 12th March 2023. Tickets to visit the show are now on sale through the Shire Horse Society’s website and are discounted if bought in advance. Secretary of the Shire Horse Society and Show Director Victoria Clayton said in a statement, which Mojatu have seen: “We are pleased to announce that we have put on sale the tickets for the Shire Horse National Show 2023 and are excited to be returning to Nottingham. We are building on what we achieved at Newark Showground in 2022 and have lots of plans to make it an even better day out for families and Shire horse enthusiasts. We look forward to welcoming lots of visitors to what is our flagship annual event.” The show, which is the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses, is believed to be one of the oldest, almost continuous horse shows in the world, having been held for the first time at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London, in 1878, when the charity was named the English Cart Horse Society.
WORLD’S LARGEST GATHERING OF SHIRE HORSES RETURNS TO NOTTINGHAM IN 2023 - By Penny Cooper
For more information about the Shire Horse Society and the show, and to buy tickets visit www.shire-horse.org.uk https://mojatu. com/2022/11/15/worldslargest-gathering-ofshire-horses-returns-tonottingham-in-2023/
Nottingham connected Community 15 pandemic, who told him: “Nurses are like curry leaves to food. We lend the essential flavour, but have no recognition beyond that.” Today, however, Kenya’s resilient nursing community certainly has a reason to feel seen. Anna returned to her home country alongside fellow Kenyan finalist and MCRH colleague Dida Jirma Bulle, who was awarded £4,000 for his efforts in fighting Ebola and improving maternal and health outcomes in the country. “I feel great to have reached this far because, at one point, I never expected this to happen,” Dida said. “But it happened because of our commitment and the sacrifices we made in service delivery at all levels.” “My message to nurses is this,” he continued. “Nursing is a calling, and the services we normally give as nurses are services to humanity – and that supersedes everything. So, we have to serve and be encouraged – not fatigued – because at the end of the day, we are going to make it.” Marsabit’s Governor, Mohamud M. Ali, was among the exuberant crowds that gave both of the winners a warm welcome upon their arrival back in Kenya. “As Marsabit, we feel a deep sense of accomplishment,” the Governor said, congratulating Anna and Dida. “These are very dedicated staff – they’ve been working under very difficult conditions and some areas are very hard to reach, yet they have always been doing what is expected of them and whatever the circumstances, they have made it possible where many people may not have dared. I want to congratulate them and Kenya as a whole.” Further praise for Anna came from Kenya’s Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe, who commended her “hard work and fearless spirit”, and MCRH Director Liban Wako, who said: “This award means so much to young girls in Marsabit – that they too can achieve their dreams.” Quoting the Kenyan actress and Black Panther star Lupita Nyong’o, Anna said: “No matter where we come from, our dreams are valid.” “So when we try something, let’s really give it a try,” she continued in her own words. “When you are writing your story, you are the best author.”
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Nottingham connected HEALTHCARE - HOSPITALITY - CHILDCARE 15Community pandemic, who told him: “Nurses April 22 – Sep 22 are like curry leaves to food. We lend the essential flavour, but have no recognition beyond that.” Today, however, Kenya’s resilient nursing community certainly has a reason to feel seen. Anna returned to her home country alongside fellow Kenyan finalist and MCRH colleague Dida Jirma Bulle, who was awarded £4,000 for his efforts in fighting Ebola and improving maternal and health outcomes in the country. “I feel great to have reached this far because, at one point, I never expected this to happen,” Dida said. “But it happened because ALL COURSES INCLUDE of our commitment and the sacrifices we made in service - CV Writing delivery at all levels.” - Work Placement “My message to nurses is this,” he - Career Planning - Support with job application - Volunteering, apprenticeship, or further training
continued. “Nursing is a calling, and the services we normally give as nurses are services to humanity – and that supersedes everything. So, we have to serve and be encouraged – not fatigued – because at the end of the day, we are going to make it.” Marsabit’s Governor, Mohamud M. Ali, was among the exuberant crowds that gave both of the winners a warm welcome upon their arrival back in Kenya. “As Marsabit, we feel a deep sense of accomplishment,” the Governor said, congratulating Anna and Dida. “These are very dedicated staff – they’ve been working under very difficult conditions and some areas are very hard to reach, yet they have always been doing what is expected of them and whatever the circumstances, they have made it possible where many people may not have dared. I want to congratulate them and Kenya as a whole.” Further praise for Anna came from Kenya’s Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe, who commended her “hard work and fearless spirit”, and MCRH Director Liban Wako, who said: “This award means so much to young girls in Marsabit – that they too can achieve their dreams.” Quoting the Kenyan actress and Black Panther star Lupita Nyong’o, Anna said: “No matter where we come from, our dreams are valid.” “So when we try something, let’s really give it a try,” she continued in her own words. “When you are writing your story, you are the best author.”
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April 22 – Sep 22 ALL COURSES INCLUDE
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Nottingham connected HEALTHCARE - HOSPITALITY - CHILDCARE 15Community pandemic, who told him: “Nurses April 22 – Sep 22 are like curry leaves to food. We lend the essential flavour, but have no recognition beyond that.” Today, however, Kenya’s resilient nursing community certainly has a reason to feel seen. Anna returned to her home country alongside fellow Kenyan finalist and MCRH colleague Dida Jirma Bulle, who was awarded £4,000 for his efforts in fighting Ebola and improving maternal and health outcomes in the country. “I feel great to have reached this far because, at one point, I never expected this to happen,” Dida said. “But it happened because ALL COURSES INCLUDE of our commitment and the sacrifices we made in service - CV Writing delivery at all levels.” - Work Placement “My message to nurses is this,” he - Career Planning - Support with job application - Volunteering, apprenticeship, or further training
continued. “Nursing is a calling, and the services we normally give as nurses are services to humanity – and that supersedes everything. So, we have to serve and be encouraged – not fatigued – because at the end of the day, we are going to make it.” Marsabit’s Governor, Mohamud M. Ali, was among the exuberant crowds that gave both of the winners a warm welcome upon their arrival back in Kenya. “As Marsabit, we feel a deep sense of accomplishment,” the Governor said, congratulating Anna and Dida. “These are very dedicated staff – they’ve been working under very difficult conditions and some areas are very hard to reach, yet they have always been doing what is expected of them and whatever the circumstances, they have made it possible where many people may not have dared. I want to congratulate them and Kenya as a whole.” Further praise for Anna came from Kenya’s Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe, who commended her “hard work and fearless spirit”, and MCRH Director Liban Wako, who said: “This award means so much to young girls in Marsabit – that they too can achieve their dreams.” Quoting the Kenyan actress and Black Panther star Lupita Nyong’o, Anna said: “No matter where we come from, our dreams are valid.” “So when we try something, let’s really give it a try,” she continued in her own words. “When you are writing your story, you are the best author.”
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• Training & guidance to creatively tell your story • Recording, editing and packaging your contents • Amplifying your voice through multiple platforms • Self, Business or community broadcasting • Free training, recording & broadcasting for charities & community groups. • Join today @ https:||bit.ly|3a65JxH • Listen to digital stories on FMB Radio live @ https:||bit.ly|2RihCaV • Read and watch stories @ http:||bit.ly|2RgRcq9 OfficialFMBRadio fmbradio www.mojatufoundation.org fmb_radio info@mojatufoundation.org
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• Training & guidance to creatively tell your story • Recording, editing and packaging your contents • Amplifying your voice through multiple platforms • Self, Business or community broadcasting • Free training, recording & broadcasting for charities & community groups. • Join today @ https:||bit.ly|3a65JxH • Listen to digital stories on FMB Radio live @ https:||bit.ly|2RihCaV • Read and watch stories @ http:||bit.ly|2RgRcq9 OfficialFMBRadio fmbradio www.mojatufoundation.org fmb_radio info@mojatufoundation.org
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NOTTINGHAM ANNOUNCES NEW TRENDY ATTRACTIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S CITY CHRISTMAS - By Peter Makossah The Mellors Group and Nottingham City Council have announced that this year’s Christmas in the city’s entertainment attraction is set to have the wow factor with a Sky Skate ice path and Skate-Through bar for the first time in history. Winter Wonderland will open in the Old Market Square on Tuesday November 15, 2022, and offers seven weeks of great family festive fun in the city, right up to New Year’s Eve, Nottingham City Council have confirmed.
According to the Mellors Group and Nottingham City Council, construction works in preparations for festive season in the city will start soon in the Old Market Square. Helping to cement Winter Wonderland’s reputation as one of the top UK Christmas destinations, a new attraction will be the Sky Skate ice path that will let festive fun seekers skate for 400m around the square high above the crowds. If heights aren’t your thing, don’t worry, there will be an ice rink at ground level. You’ll also find the notto-be-missed Ice Bar, with its minus 10 degrees temperature and ice art. It may be chilly but there’ll be gloves and coats provided as well as the much-loved attractions for younger people return with the toboggan ride, carousels and more. The organisers say people will be able to enjoy a drink or meal with family and friends at Sur La Piste or Altitude ski chalet bars, with great food from Melt & Grill, the in-house kitchen. Furthermore, there’ll be live entertainment, too and to be sure of a seat people are encouraged to book tables online in advance. The Nottingham City Council says there will be an observation wheel in front of the Council House offering views of the twinkling city lights and Nottingham’s Christmas tree. The City Council implores those willing for a quick service, they will need to book in advance for fast-track priority access. For those who want to treat themselves, or their loved ones, then Sky Skate VIP could be what you are looking for as they will get a rink side table with food and drink plus on-off access to the ice path. However, for an all-inclusive offer, Sky Skate AAA includes the Ice Bar experience and a ride on the Observation Wheel and the Winter Wonderland will be open from 15 November to 31 December. Nottingham City Council are informing the public that reduced price skating tickets are available on Mondays to Thursdays outside the school holidays and that between Christmas and New Year, there is a special all-attractions family ticket offer. Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning at Nottingham City Council, said they are proud to offer residents and visitors this exciting centrepiece for Christmas in Nottingham. Councillor Kotsonis said Winter Wonderland will bring people into the city centre, not only from Nottingham but the wider region adding that that the City Council is sure the new skating layout will be a hit with visitors. “We’re pleased that by working with the Mellors Group, we are able to stage this fantastic festive attraction at no cost to local taxpayers,” he concludes. Edward Mellors of the Mellors Group on his part said that it is great to be bringing Winter Wonderland back to Old Market Square for Christmas. Edward Mellors: “We’re truly excited
HEALTHCARE - HOSPITALITY - CHILDCARE HEALTHCARE - HOSPITALITY - CHILDCARE April 22 – Sep 22 that this year, alongside our already popular bars and attractions, we are introducing the Sky Skate ice path that will provide a truly unique ice-skating experience. After a tough couple of years for everyone I think Nottingham needs to be both optimistic and ambitious this Christmas. It’s time to come together again, to celebrate, and to have fun.” Alex Flint, CEO of Nottingham Business Improvement District said that through a shared vision and collaboration with partners across the ALL COURSES INCLUDE CV Writing city, Nottingham city centre has lots to offer visitors and residents all year round, but “this is especially true as we look forward to the Christmas season”. - Work Placement Career Planning Ladies only 16+ Mr. Flint explains that they are excited to see the transformation of Nottingham’s Old Market Square’s Support with job application into Winter Wonderland again this year, and anticipate it being Ladies only 16+ Volunteering, apprenticeship, or further training a significant attraction, bringing Ladies only 16+ additional festive shopping and socialising opportunities to the heart of the city. According to
Volunteering, apprenticeship, or further training Mr. Flint, Nottingham Business Improvement District play a vital
Volunteering, apprenticeship, or further training role in bringing trade into the city centre noting, “our members can expect us to be working hard to bring our own Christmas campaign to the city, which will complement this centrepiece of Nottingham’s festive offer and show our collective ambition and passion for the city”. https://mojatu.com/2022/11/15/ nottingham-announces-newtrendy-attractions-for-this-years-citywww.mojatufoundation.org christmas/
CLIVE FOSTER RECOGNISED BY THE HOME
SECRETARY - By Terry Njoki
Reverend Clive Foster, a senior minister at the Pilgrim Church in Nottingham was recently decorated with a national award by the former Home Secretary. Rev. Foster was awarded with the Home Secretary Commendation Award “For an outstanding contribution in the field of home affairs”. He caught up with the Mojatu Magazine editor Pa Modou Faal in this interview:
Could you tell us what was the award about?
I was given this award very much to my surprise just recently in August, by the then Home Secretary the right honourable Pretty Patel and every year the Home office gives out awards for contribution of service to the UK Home Affairs. Those awards are given mainly to people who have been working within the Home office capacity for instance, people from the fire service department, the police force, the civil service and also a few people from the community.
How were you eligible?
I was given this award for the work I have been doing more recently with the Home Office surrounding the Windrush Scandal which was people who were unfortunately wrongly classified as being illegal from the Commonwealth and also a series of the work I have been doing in the community over the years as well. I received the award which was very humbling because I know am part of a team of people that have done this work as well.
What was the criteria for the award?
The outstanding service to the UK Home Affairs, as we know the Home Office has a very important role in a multiple of activities such as protection, security and so on. The criteria include contributions that have brought about significant impact in the UK. The award is a commendation in recognition of such contributions. When I went for the award, I noticed that there were a number of people who received awards as well for the work that they have done in Afghanistan, outstanding works in terms of security in the police force. When I entered the room for the awards, I noticed I had never been in a room where there were so many police in uniform. It was probably two people from the community who received awards as well, as the majority of those who received the awards were connected to actually working with the Home Office in the security forces, fire services and civil service.
What is your contribution towards the Windrush saga?
The Windrush scandal came into the public domain in 2018 which was about people from the Commonwealth who were wrongly classified as being illegal effectively as a result of the government’s hostile environment policy to address immigration and sadly a number of people from the Commonwealth particularly from the Caribbean Islands were classified as illegal to which some of them were wrongly detained and deported while others lost their jobs and could not also get access to social services. But most importantly in some ways, lost a sense of dignity and self-worth and respect as well as a sense of belonging to this country ending up to them giving up ideas. When that scandal broke, the government came to realise that they have made an error and done wrong, and they were set to rectify it by creating some schemes to help people get through the situation. The two schemes were one a quicker, efficient, and less pay process to get your papers right and to be classified as the right paperwork. Secondly, a compensation scheme to compensate for the wrongs people had suffered. The local Pilgrim Church in The Meadows and I and the leadership team and members of the community formed a group to give visibility to our community about the schemes. We had meetings with the Home Office to which we mentioned what is and what is not working for the communities in regard to accessing the scheme. We were able to get a number of people have their paperwork done to get their status sorted out and get on with their lives as proper citizens and enable some people get compensation as well.
Are you involved in other projects in within Nottingham?
Unfortunately, knife crime is still with us, and we do have a situation whereby there are many young people who are carrying knives in our community, and they are victims of both knife crime and sometimes perpetrators of the crime. When it happens amongst the minority ethnic groups it becomes more intensified because we are a smaller group and have a greater level of impact in the community. So, it is still ongoing to work with young people falling into the area of carrying knives and work with the police to get the message out there. We worked with some of the church members to design some T-shirts, flyers and some publicity material as well as worked with barbers and hairdressers in the communities to help publicise our project “Say No To Knives And Save Lives”.
Read more about this interview here: https://mojatu.com/2022/11/04/ clive-foster-recognised-by-the-homesecretary/
NOTTINGHAM RECEIVES £6.5M BOOST TO SUPPORT CITY’S ROUGH SLEEPERS - By Pa Modou Faal
The City Council has been successful in applying for more than £6.5m to support rough sleepers in Nottingham over the next three years. The grant is the full amount requested from the Rough Sleeping Initiative and one of the largest awards in the country, which indicates the progress made by the authority and its partners to support the homeless in recent years and throughout the pandemic.
A total of £2,257,587 will be received this year from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, followed by £2,317,639 in 2023/34 and then £2,020,831 in 2024/25 – totalling £6,596,057 across the whole period. Councils are expected to produce annual development plans with targets and report back to the Government on progress against this. Partners such as Framework, Emmanuel House, Nottingham Arimathea Trust, and Bloom Social Housing work together with specialist officers at the City Council to:
• Identify people, engage them, and assess needs. • Navigate services and deliver support. • Access and provide supported accommodation.
There will be more emphasis over the next three years on prevention of rough sleeping and sustained resettlement. This will be supported by a further £1.67m of funding secured by Nottingham City Council and partners Metropolitan Thames Valley, Places For People and Framework through the latest round of the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme. Over the past two years, Nottingham has been successful in five bids to this project for nine schemes which, by 2024, will deliver 87 new flats as stable homes with support for rough sleepers or single people at risk of rough sleeping. Councillor Toby Neal, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Human Resources at Nottingham City Council, said “we welcome this allocation of more than £6.5m, which is our largest award to date and will make a big difference in our city. We’ve had to work hard to secure it, and this shows how much value is placed on the work we do alongside our partner agencies to support rough sleepers and homeless people in Nottingham.” Cllr. Neal also said, “we’ve had to outline why it’s needed in Nottingham and what support we have in place for rough sleepers, so to have been awarded one of the largest grants outside London is really good news for the city. As ever, we are reliant on our local partners, to quickly respond with quality services and we thank them for their continued contributions and commitment.” He argued that demand is increasing in Nottingham and further pressures are expected as the longer-term impacts of the pandemic and cost of living crisis takes effect over the coming years. “We remain committed to preventing rough sleeping. It is often a symptom of a wider problem or in more cases a combination of issues like substance dependency, mental health, and trauma. We need to continue our work with partners and ensure commitment across the public, community, and private sectors to help address the needs that cause street homelessness,” said Cllr. Neal. Hidden Voices is a theme of a research project being undertaken by Pathway Housing Solutions in partnership with University of Nottingham. It recognises that issues of race and housing disadvantage is an under-researched area, and that many statistics and figures underestimate the true scale of homelessness within Black and Minority Ethnic communities (BAME groups), an issue that has very real consequences, even more so now with the rising cost of living. With hidden homelessness, such as overcrowding and sofa surfing (which are more prominent in BAME communities), getting less media attention and resources than rough sleeping, the research raises some important questions about unmet needs, and about inequity of access and outcomes for people from minority groups in terms of housing and homelessness provision. • One in three homeless households are not white, compared to around one in seven in the general population (Shelter) • 22% increase in statutory homelessness. Among white households it rose 9%. Among
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) households it rose 48%. • Anecdotal evidence suggests that BAME people are underrepresented in rough sleeper data, but overrepresented in unrecorded hidden homeless figures YOUR HELP - Pathway Housing Solutions and the University will be consulting with Black and Minority Ethnic people to gather their stories and experiences. Please help by completing this short survey. shorturl.at/csUXZ
Denis Tully, CEO at Emmanuel House Support Centre, said, “Emmanuel House is committed to working with Nottingham City Council and partner agencies to continue to deliver quality services to prevent, intervene in, and aid recovery from, homelessness and to meet the challenges of homelessness and its underlying causes.” Read the rest of the article in this link: https://mojatu.com/2022/11/15/ nottingham-receives-6-5m-boost-tosupport-citys-rough-sleepers/
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE NEW CHIEF PROMISES ‘TO PUT PEOPLE’S INTEREST AND SAFETY TOP PRIORITY’
By Peter Makossah
Nottinghamshire Police’s next Chief Constable Kate Meynell, the current Deputy Chief Constable at Derbyshire Police says she will strive to thrive on ensuring that the county’s police force serve the public diligently and putting the people’s interest and public safety as a priority. She is now set to return to work at the force where she began and spent most days of her career. The appointment follows recommendations received by the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel, following a special confirmation hearing held at County Hall in West Bridgford. According to Nottinghamshire Police, Meynell wants to make sure that Nottinghamshire has a service that is fit for the future, where data is used effectively and are evidenceled in the way they do their work in a professional manner. Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry named Kate Meynell as her preferred candidate for the role in August following a rigorous assessment and interview process. Commissioner Henry said she was delighted that her recommended candidate had now been confirmed. “Kate is an outstanding leader, and I am looking forward to working closely with her,” she said. “I’m delighted that the panel agreed that Kate has all the qualities to succeed in this role and I believe that Kate is the right person to take this work forward as we continue to Make Notts Safe,” said Commissioner Caroline Henry. Meynell takes the helm from current Chief Constable Craig Guildford in December, after he departs to take up the top job at West Midlands Police. Craig Guildford who is described as an excellent Chief Constable over the last five years at Nottinghamshire Police, during which crime has fallen, officer numbers have reached their highest in over a decade and neighbourhood policing has expanded. In 2018 Meynell took up the role of Assistant Chief Constable at Nottinghamshire Police before moving to Derbyshire Police. After being confirmed as the new Nottingham Police boss, she said, “what is really important is making sure communities feel safe and listened to. It is about putting the public first, working as a team with really clear standards so everyone is clear what Nottinghamshire Police is about.” She said, “I want a workforce that is engaged and empowered because it is the workforce that will deliver what we are looking for. I very much believe in being a team. It is really important if we are to be successful as an organisation that the public have trust and confidence and we are seen to be legitimate.” Meynell added, “I’m looking forward to coming back to Nottinghamshire. I grew up in Nottinghamshire and it’s a place I’m proud to call home. I have enjoyed my time working in Derbyshire alongside some great colleagues, but this is a dream job for me.” Kate spent most of her career serving with Nottinghamshire Police after joining in 1993 and being posted to Bulwell. Her previous roles include a two-and-a-half-year spell as Assistant Chief Constable when she led the force’s knife crime strategy and chaired the county’s strategic response to the Covid pandemic. She explained that she feels that Nottinghamshire Police has a positive, strong workforce. “I do feel we have the opportunity now to continue the improvements that Craig Guildford has started. The force has moved a long way forward under his leadership. I genuinely care passionately about the force and want to build on the good work that has been done and build relationships with external partners and communities,” she said. Nottingham is described as the most dangerous city in Nottinghamshire and is among the top 20 most dangerous overall out of Nottinghamshire’s 236 towns, villages, and cities. The Nottinghamshire Police Force is responsible for 1.1 million people and an area covering 834 square miles. In 2021 the crime rate for Nottingham was 114 crimes per 1,000 people and this compares poorly to Nottinghamshire crime , coming in 33 percent higher than the Nottinghamshire rate of 76 per 1,000 residents. As of 2022, the crime rate in Nottingham is 28 percent higher than the East Midlands and 33 percent higher than England, Wales and Northern Ireland overall figure. Within the Nottinghamshire Police force, there are 1,893 police officers and 1,244 staff, including PCSOs, and around 250 special constables and 50 police cadets. There has been a 15% decrease in the Nottinghamshire Police workforce over the past 10 years. In the most recent police effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy assessment (PEEL), it was found that there are two areas where Nottinghamshire Police require improvement: their effectiveness and efficiency at keeping people safe and reducing crime. https://mojatu.com/2022/11/15/ nottinghamshire-police-new-chiefpromises-to-put-peoples-interestand-safety-top-priority/
