Manchester has a proud history of welcoming and supporting people from across the world and different backgrounds to make Manchester their home. In recent years, the city has seen the emergence of many new communities, with the largest increase in numbers being from Poland and Romanian Roma, but also continued migration from South Asia and West Africa.

The city of Manchester is also one of the most ethnically diverse districts in Greater Manchester. In fact, Manchester is the only local authority outside of London with residents within each of the 90 detailed ethnic groups listed in the Census. We also have over 153 languages spoken in our schools.

Whilst we continue to work with our partners from across the public, private and community sectors and our diverse communities, we recognise that we cannot become complacent. Community cohesion does not happen overnight – it has to be everyone’s responsibility (and not just statutory agencies) including schools, residents’ groups, elected members, public, private and voluntary and community sector groups and others.

In September 2016, Manchester launched a campaign, designed with communities for communities called RADEQUAL, which is aimed at tackling prejudice, hate and extremism. A RADEQUAL Community Network has also since been established with over 200 voluntary community sector representatives who regularly come together to learn, discuss difficult issues and act as a platform and voice for communities across the city on issues of policy and community impact. The RADEQUAL Campaign and Network continues to grow from strength to strength and in January 2019, a group of five key organisations will start to work with partners in Manchester, including the network to professionalise delivery to build community resilience and also broaden the reach and influence of the campaign.

Ongoing

Employment opportunities as a factor of cohesion