AN UNDER-FIRE anti-racism organisation has hit back at criticisms by Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle Price and invited her to see how they work.
In an open letter to Ms Doyle Price, a spokesperson has said:
"TRUST is dismayed at Ms Doyle-Price’s comments and totally refutes the allegation that it is not fit for purpose and should have it’s funding withdrawn. With the funds it receives, TRUST promotes unity and community cohesion within Thurrock and in doing so assists local people to enjoy an active and peaceful life within the borough. For over 10 years TRUST has played an important role in bringing Thurrock’s diverse community together.
TRUST conducts a number of on-going community development projects including the provision of English language lessons, support to victims of hate crime, support to refugees and asylum seekers, and assistance to individuals in accessing housing support. TRUST works with its partners in Thurrock Council and Essex Police to deliver on a number of these projects. TRUST’s work is not solely limited to the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community and is open to all individuals in the community irrespective of their background. In addition to this TRUST is an umbrella body that supports and associates with a number of other community organisations including Thurrock Asian Association, Thurrock African Group and Thurrock Eastern European Community.
Due to the nature of this work TRUST has always had it’s fair share of critics, but this is far outweighed by the support it garners from a diverse community within Thurrock. TRUST provides a vital bridge between Thurrock’s citizens and statutory bodies that are often perceived by our service users as remote and inaccessible. Indeed, with Thurrock’s BAME community steadily growing TRUST is needed now more than ever.
Ms Doyle-Price commented that she is unaware of any positive outcomes of the work of TRUST, therefore TRUST wishes to extend an invitation to Ms Doyle-Price to visit us to observe the hard work that is being done to support the people of Thurrock and the positive outcomes that result from our work.
