By Voices of Ashbrow Newsdesk – 

On Friday, 22nd November, the Ashbrow Ward in Kirklees hosted a significant evening dedicated to fostering change and empowering the community.

The event marked the joint launch of the Ashbrow Parents Advocacy Network (APAN) and Scrutiny for Police Action on Race in Kirklees (SPARK), alongside the one-year update of the Kirklees Police Race Action Plan.

Hosted by Dr Milton Brown from Kirklees Local Television, the event drew people from Ashbrow and the wider Kirklees area to celebrate these new initiatives to transform the local community and improve relations.

APAN is dedicated to empowering parents and advocating for every child’s well-being in Kirklees. It offers one-to-one support, online resources, and training to strengthen families and uplift the community.

The event also featured a one-year overview of the West Yorkshire Police Kirklees Division’s Police Race Action Plan, which addresses the complex history of police race relations within the community and aims for significant change. A key initiative born from this plan, SPARK — Scrutiny for Police on Race Action in Kirklees — focuses on fostering open dialogue about discrimination and enhancing race relations.

Attendees enjoyed inspiring panels, networking opportunities, engaging discussions, and a free dinner provided by Lion’s Kitchen, a beloved local establishment, making the event informative and community-centric.

Learn more about APAN by visiting www.kirkleeslocaltv.com/APAN