Creating a fairer Britain
The following comments were made by participants in the focus groups held to complement our written call for evidence.
Participant at our Cardiff event:
‘Small discussion groups encouraged real participation which resulted in the sharing of information and areas of concerns to be taken forward for further debate. The Inquiry Team were able to facilitate and showed real interest in the issues raised. Opportunities to talk to people and have your voice heard about the real issues which affect our society are few, having these concerns taken forward by the Inquiry Team has given more hope for a better future.’
Participant at our Cardiff event:
'I thought the day went well and was constructive. I have to admit that I didn't realise how extensive the boundaries of your work are. It was positive to meet people from other groups and to discover that whilst they face a lot of the same disadvantages regarding stigma,discrimination etc:- as people with mental health conditions they are determined to fight for their voices to be heard. It is good one department is acting to bring groups together.'
Participant at our BIHR event:
‘Very enjoyable and accessible event, different perspectives and interests given equal voice. Thank you.'
Participant at our BIHR event:
‘I attended your consultation event for the voluntary sector yesterday. It was a great success and I took a lot from the day.’
Participant at our BIHR event:
‘The focus groups were excellent - it was a great opportunity to openly discuss practices.’
Participant at our Nottingham event:
Participant at our Nottingham event:
‘The Human Rights event at the Gateway Hotel was a positive and informative event which offered great insight to the work of the Commission and how the HR work applied to our role in the VCS. It was a great event which I and my colleagues will happily attend any future seminar.’
Participant at our Nottingham event:
‘Just a short note to say thank-you to you and your colleagues it was really appreciated to see so many people from the EHRC at the event - next time you want to do some work in the East Mids come down to Leicester and we will try and assist you.’
Participant at our Nottingham event:
‘A good opportunity to network. I liked it when everyone had to introduce themselves. I liked the fact that we worked in small groups. Well organised event.’
The evidence given by stakeholders in writing and orally is invaluable to the inquiry and will constitute one of the strands of evidence informing the final report which we hope to publish in spring 2009.
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