LAST June, after the worldwide protests following the murder of George Floyd in America, the leader of Basildon Council and the Mayor of Basildon hosted a Zoom call with BAME community leaders from across the borough.

The aim was to talk about the issues that block the progress of some sections of our community and the barriers that prevent everyone reaching their full potential.

Basildon Side by Side is the social movement that was formed following that first meeting and earlier this week (Monday, 25 January) held a virtual launch to give people the opportunity to find out about their aims and how they can get involved.

After speaking at the event, council leader Cllr Gavin Callaghan, said: "It was great to see Basildon Side by Side up and running. We called for a movement to be formed in Basildon following the murder of George Floyd last summer. We wanted to understand the life experiences of our BAME communities and to improve the quality of the lives of those living, working and visiting the Basildon borough.

"Now is time for action – not just for Basildon Side by Side but us as a Council. This is why last year we gave funding to Essex Libraries specifically for the purchase of new books featuring BAME protagonists. We are working with the West Ham United Foundation to secure external funding with the aim of bringing their successful 'Stop the Hate' campaign to Basildon schools. And I am keen that the council works towards signing the Race in Work Charter".

Mayor Cllr David Burton-Sampson, added: "It was a pleasure to be part of the launch of Basildon Side by Side. When we originally held discussions with our BAME community following the murder of George Floyd, we envisaged a movement for positive change forming in our borough. The launch this week is only the start".

For more information on Basildon Side by Side visit www.basildonsidebyside.org or follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/basildonsidebyside or Twitter @BasildonSidebyS