Action Alert: Southall Black Sisters under threat of closure

Southall Black Sisters, an Ealing based support service for black and ethnic minority women formed in 1979, is facing closure since funding has been puled by Ealing DC for their domestic violence support work.

They are currently locked in a struggle with Ealing DC regarding funding, and on 17 and 18 July 2008, the High Court will hear a challenge, brought by SBS users against Ealing Council for its failure to have proper regard to existing equality legislation, especially the Race Relations Act, in reaching its decision on their funding. The Council will seek to justify its decision on the grounds that a generic domestic violence service will be better placed to meet requirements of the equality legislation and the so called ‘cohesion’ agenda.

Southall Black Sisters will be demonstrating outside the High Court on 17th & 18th July, and invite you to join them. Demonstrations run from 9.30am onwards. The nearest tube station is Holborn (Circle & Piccadilly Line) or Temple (District & Circle Line). Your encourage to bring musical instruments, whistles and banners.