Background to Positive Images
The Positive Images Project began in March 2001 following a bid to the Home Office from Gateshead Interfaith Forum. The Home Office created funding called "Connecting Communities" and invited bids which in some way could develop this theme; to quite literally connect communities , to connect people in a positive fashion to promote harmony and understanding between people from different communities or cultures.
Gateshead Interfaith Forum recognised the benefits that such an initiative could bring, and set about creating a bid which could articulate this. They took on board ideas and advice from a wide range of sources including different faith and community groups, Gateshead Voluntary Organisations Council and Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council. A specialist "Steering Group", or management committee in ordinary terms, was established from people belonging to the previously mentioned groups or agencies.
The Positive Images Steering Group decided that an Education Project which could celebrate diversity, relating to identified cultural and faith issues, would be the best way forward. Specific reference was to be made to problems faced by black and minority ethnic groups within the region. A bid to the Home Office was drafted and funding was secured for a two year period from March 2001-March 2003.
