Minority communities in Caithness have been given a boost with news of a funding package allowing the Caithness Ethnic Minorities Network to develop its pioneering work in the county.

According to the 1991 Census, Caithness has the highest concentration in the Highlands (per head of population) of residents from ethnic minorities. Following further research, including a survey undertaken by Stirling University, Caithness Voluntary Group (CVG) established the Ethnic Minorities Network. The network's objectives include helping people to enhance communication skills and build social confidence through regular network meetings.

Initially a one-year pilot project, they appointed Mrs Shamim Mohammed as a support officer. One of her first tasks was to identify and contact as many families and individuals as possible, and to identify ways in which she can offer support to help integrate them into their local communities.

Thanks to funding totalling £19,715 from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) and the Community Economic Development (CED) programme, CVG will be able to maintain the new network and continue to deliver some of the group’s aspirations.

The group is currently delivering classes in 'English as a Second Language' in both Wick and Thurso. There are also plans to offer information technology training, and to support members of the network to set up groups to carry out various cultural and social projects.

Eann Sinclair, CASE's head of strengthening communities said: "Caithness has always been a very cosmopolitan place, but it is often easy to overlook the contribution made by minority communities. CVG’s commendable efforts will hopefully help ensure everyone living in our communities is given a sense of belonging and that any barrier - perceived or otherwise - is overcome.

"With the additional funding available to us through the Community Economic Development programme we hope to make a real difference to the capacity of the network to articulate and achieve its aims."

Niall Smith of CVG said: "Following our very successful pilot, funded by the Home Office, the network now has 150 adults and children as members. The clear message from our members has been the need to continue the network’s work, and we are grateful to both CASE and the CED programme for making this possible."

For more information on CVG's Ethnic Minorities Network, please contact Mrs Shamim Mohammed on (01955) 603453.