National Scottish Policing Awards 2009

The "Respect for All" project won a Highly Commended award in the Community protection and initiative category at the National Scottish Policing Awards in October 2009. The award was presented by Minister for Justice, Kenny MaCaskill who commented on its inventive and positive way of delivering a difficult subject.

PC Derek Allison, Aberdeenshire Diversity Officer with Grampian Police who was heavily involved in 'Respect for All's' success said:

‘To have the "Respect For All" project recognised and receiving a Highly Commended award at the National Policing Awards is a fantastic achievement. The project uses an exciting and innovative approach to deliver the difficult subject of Diversity and Equality in schools.

The success of the project was only achieved by the excellent and professional work done by all the agencies involved. It is hoped that this worthwhile project is taken up by other schools both in Grampian and the rest of Scotland especially on the back of the positive publicity it has now received.’

Daniel Christian, project coordinator at MeAL, said: ‘This new initiative allowed the young people to learn what Respect and Fairness really mean, and to apply this new knowledge to their daily lives, as well as acting as ambassadors to others in the school.’

Scottish Minority Ethnic
Achievement Awards 2009

Multi Ethnic Aberdeen Limited (MeAL) are delighted to report that they have won the award in the youth category at the Scottish Minority Ethnic Achievement Awards 2009 for significant contributions to young people.

The glitzy award ceremony was held in the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on Thursday 25th June 2009, with over 600 esteemed dignitaries present. Now in its third year, the unique event is designed to highlight, profile and reward the significant contributions made by minority ethnic communities in civic and political life.

MeAL is a user led equalities charity which serves the North East of Scotland. The work it delivers is enjoyed in both Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Characterised by innovation and imaginative solutions it promotes understanding, respect and fairness in a variety of unique ways. 

Our work with schools engages young people with culturally diverse artists and performers, whilst the young volunteer group has this year been engaged with the Scottish Parliament to promote understanding and respect for minority ethnic communities. Other projects include the minority ethnic radio (Me-FM), the Cultural Diversity events and the Employment Advisory Service. All of this work is underpinned by a partnership approach.

Business Development Manager Malcolm McCarthy said: “We are delighted to receive this award and see our work recognised. As an organisation we believe that working in innovative and often unusual ways with young people is vital if we are to greater understand and celebrate the rich diversity here in the North East. We greatly look forward to working with more schools and groups in the future.”

PC Derek Allison being presented with the award by Kenny MaCaskill, Minister for Justice

These are some of the awards received by MeAL, please come back and visit us to see our progress.

MeAL has received an award of £500 in support of volunteer work by an employee of ConocoPhillips, Mr Zadidur Rahman, under their 2009 Community Service Award programme. This programme is an annual scheme which recognises and supports the voluntary efforts of ConocoPhillips employees who give up their own time to benefit their communities. ConocoPhillips is an international integrated energy company with operations in more than 30 countries.