Equality Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minority ethnic
population of Wyre Forest?
Why does the Council categorise
people by ethnicity?
What do the letters BME stand
for?
How can there be any racism in
Worcestershire when there are so few Black and Asian
people?
What can I do to help fight
racism?
What are the main minority communities
in Wyre Forest?
What words are OK to use and what words
are not?
What is the minority ethnic population of Wyre Forest?
At present the percentage of the population within Wyre Forest
from a BME background is 3.1%. Further information and statistics
on the current population of the district of Wyre Forest is located
within the Mapping report which can be found in the 'Mapping our Communities' section of the
Website.
Why does the Council categorise people by ethnicity?
It is important that everyone in the Wyre Forest district is
treated equitably. Recording, by ethnicity, all those who access
the services and then comparing the figures with those who can
potentially access services will highlight a failure of delivery.
It will also help to plan future events and service
plans.
What do the letters BME stand for?
BME stands for Black and Other Minority Ethnic (groups,
communities etc).
How can there be any racism in Worcestershire when there are so
few Black and Asian people?
Many different groups experience racism, racism exists
everywhere and Wyre Forest is no exception. Sometimes racism
can be worse in areas where the BME community is small. Then,
the experience can be even more isolating and frightening because
of the lack of community support.
What can I do to help fight racism?
The most important way of helping to fight racism is to
challenge racist and other inappropriate language when it is safe
to do so.
What are the main minority communities in Wyre Forest?
The largest BME community is the Bangladeshi population,
followed by the Polish community with a
discernable Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community
also being established.
What words are OK to use and what words are not?
It is not possible to list acceptable terms or language, as
these change frequently to reflect changes in the political climate
and changes in the way a community or group may wish to be
identified.
There is a zero tolerance to certain words. Other words
which turn out to be inappropriate may be used in all innocence
(for example, using the word “coloured” when referring to the Black
community).
Do not be afraid to ask if you are not sure and do not be
offended by a challenge if you make a mistake.
