ASPEN CULTURE PROJECT

Welcome to the Aspen Culture Project, part of the youth and community projects of the North of England Refugee Service.

The first period of our project was funded by the Communities and Local Government, Tackling Race Inequalities Fund from October 2009 - June 2011. Our key aim was to to find creative ways of overcoming inequalities of women to access, engage with and contribute to the local culture, arts and heritage. This period was extremelly successful and produced 2 research reports, a training pack, training workshops, a national conference and a wealth of group work sessions, publications, exhibitions and workshops with women in the community and in partnership with many organisations. All our resources are available online in our website.

Thanks very much to all our volunteers, participants and partners for their hard work and commitment to this first period of our project!

Aspen FORWARD

Since July 2011 the Aspen Culture Project is now following new pastures and will be delivering in the Tees Valley a new project under the name of Aspen FORWARD. This project is delivered in partnership with FORWARD (Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development), an African Diaspora women led UK charity dedicated to advancing and safeguarding the sexual and reproductive health and rights of African girls and women (http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/).

The Aspen FORWARD is part of a youth led peer support programme, focusing on tackling issues related to sexual violence and particularly FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) as a practice affecting women’s health & well being. The Aspen FORWARD will tackle those issues supporting the rights of children, girls and women with different activities including anti-FGM campaigning, events, workshops and trainings. Young people (13-25 years) will act as participants and youth advocates taking leadership on the activities and increasing their voices at the community level to advocate against FGM and sexual violence in the UK.

In our pages you can glance through the work of our creative team of volunteers and staff, you can download our resources and publications and keep updated of new events and opportunities!