Standing in unity against violence and racism on UK streets

Media Statement 12th August 2024

All of us working on the Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots multicultural history project in Devon stand in unity against the violence and racism we have been witnessing in the media and on UK streets.

For the past year and in addition since 2012 in previous rounds across Devon our project has shown just how interconnected humanity is through the stories we have been uncovering in the county. 

Our volunteers have researched and uncovered stories about Romany Gypsies, Indian nannies, American GIs and Ugandan Asians to name but a few and the richness and benefits they have brought to Devon and beyond socially, economically and culturally.

Our project is demonstrating how people live peacefully side by side the majority of the time. We have brought together individuals, some of whom have previously felt isolated but who now have new connections and friendships. We continue to nurture empathy, understanding and respect between cultures through the learning we share.

Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots is leaving a legacy in the form of exhibitions, educational resources and archives for future generations to understand and learn the real history of the county – one of multiculturalism and connection.

Based on the expertise of project staff, some of whom are holistic health therapists, here is some guidance for those who are struggling at the moment:

1. Take Ownership of Your Reactions: Recognise that you have control over how you respond to others’ behaviour. By taking ownership of your reactions, you empower yourself to maintain peace of mind in challenging situations.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your emotional well-being and prevent others from negatively impacting your mental health. Boundaries help you define what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour from others.
3. Cultivate Empathy: Seek to understand the perspectives and experiences of others, even when they behave in ways that challenge you. Cultivating empathy can help you approach interactions with compassion and understanding.
4. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to replenish your emotional reserves and maintain your well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation and make time for rest and rejuvenation.

For further information or to schedule an interview please contact Hilda Kalap, Project Coordinator, Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots:

hildatosfor@gmail.com or tel: 07983216793

https://www.tellingourstoriesdevon.org.uk/

Notes to Editors:

The project is run by Devon Development Education a global education charity (reg 1102233), based at The Global Centre, 17 St David’s Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG, with over 20 years’ experience of providing expertise to schools and communities in Devon. 

We develop and run projects with groups throughout the county. We aim to provide a ‘window on the world’, to enable children and adults to understand links between their own lives and those of others worldwide; and to develop skills, attitudes and values which enable people to work together to bring about change to create a just and sustainable world.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund was set up in 1994 to fund projects of all sizes that connect people and communities to the UK’s heritage.  In that time it has invested £8.8 billion in heritage and supported 51,000 heritage projects.