Unity in Vision was born when three individuals met in a car park after a meeting and became friends. They are Sayma Ahmed (our current Chair), Denise Wootten (our former Chair) and Afsaneh Pracha (our current Events Organiser). They became our founders.

Their initial vision was to establish a centre of cultures where individuals from diverse backgrounds could meet in a spirit of mutual understanding. A centre that would promote a wide range of social, sports and educational activities aimed at social integration and supporting diversity without loss of cultural identity.

Although the centre of cultures has yet to be established it has nevertheless become the hub around which much of Unity in Vision's activities rotates. It is our inspiration. Until the happy day when it becomes a reality we conduct activities at a variety of venues.

However, the aims are always the same. To bring individuals from diverse cultures together in cooperative projects intended to benefit the entire community. The UK is a multicultural society that has grown organically. The idea of "invasion" by "foreigners" so beloved of some in the media is a myth. Multicultural UK is in great part a natural consequence of our Empire experience. To paraphrase Ian Hislop - we had an Empire; it collapsed; we came home and part of the Empire came with us.

We also have some long-established ethnic minority communities pre-dating the end of Empire. Additionally others were established by refugees and more recently by EU migrants.

By bringing individuals from these diverse communities together Unity in Vision hopes that we can move a little nearer to a fully integrated and inclusive society that is uncompromisingly committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunities.

We also recognise the need to enable individuals to acquire the training and confidence to fully grow and participate in society. For some people being a member of an ethnic minority in 21st century UK can be a serious disability to social interaction and integration. Fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. Past or current experiences of discrimination. The feeling that you do not "fit in" because of the way you dress or simply the colour of your skin. Name calling or abusive comments in the street. Feelings of alienation - of being made to feel that you are not really welcome or appreciated in the country of your birth, adoption or residence. These sorts of issues can have a debilitating effect on some people. Much of this abuse goes unreported to anyone other than, maybe, close friends or relatives. In a very small minority of cases alienation can lead to radicalisation with occasionally the unfortunate consequences we know too well. We hope that by participating in Unity in Vision projects and interacting with individuals from a wide diversity of cultures and backgrounds, individuals who feel the need will grow in confidence and learn to integrate without being bullied into abandoning their cultural heritage. Unity in Vision is in an ideal position to carry forward this project.

Unity in Vision will also develop other services that will build confidence and social integration by providing support, advice and guidance about the most appropriate educational and training opportunities. Thus enabling individuals to realise their full potential. We will also be an active exchange for such enabling information.

If you would like to join us click here for a membership application form. Be sure also to download and read our Constitution by clicking here.

"The promotion of racial harmony for the public benefit of Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole by:

1) promoting knowledge and mutual understanding between different racial groups;

2) advancing education and raising awareness about different racial groups to promote good relations between persons of different racial groups;

3) to further or benefit the residents of Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents.

In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall have power:

To establish or secure the establishment of a centre of cultures and to maintain or manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the maintenance and management of a such a centre for activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the above objects."

Two of the most confused words in the English language. Integration in the national/social sense is to bring together separate ethnic/cultural groups to form a whole. The separate groups remain distinct but they are united in a common national identity. Assimilation is an altogether different process. This aims at an homogeneous society (or as near as one is likely to get) the nature of which is set by a dominant culture. Thus individuals from "foreign cultures" are expected to "fit in" and abandon the culture of their birth.

Some social commentators and politicians I am sure, listening to what they say, really mean assimilation when they use the word integration. When we use the term integration we really mean - integration.

An integrated and inclusive society compared to an assimilated one is like a stir fry compared to baby food. It is like a beautiful mosaic compared to a plain cement floor. It is both the UK and Europe's greatest strength and asset for a successful future.

Unity in Vision advocates a society that is strong; stable; productive; inclusive; culturally diverse and fully integrated.

We are now using the easy to read and widely available arial font on our website removing one the barriers that disable people. The background colour is also chosen with the same aim in mind. Adjust the brightness of your monitor to suit your own taste. If you do not know how to do this drop us an email. Your feedback would also be appreciated. Credit to Rita Satti El-Gazali & Suky Tate for researching this issue and providing valuable advice.

Unity in Vision is an intercultural group. We are not an interfaith group. Here are a few definitions gleaned from the Internet.

To be multifaith is to feel an affinity with aspects of more than one religion, philosophy or world-view, and to believe that no one is superior. Multicultural refers to many cultures. In diversity work it means valuing the differences of others and creating an environment that does not require assimilation. Intercultural is of, relating to, or between different cultures.

Unity in Vision falls into the final category above. We take it as given, what should be obvious to anyone, that the UK is a multicultural society. We bring people together from all cultures (including the dominant one) with the expectation that they will see the human person beyond the superficial stereotypes.