Local MP, Maria Miller, met with Nsima Udoh, Chair of the Basingstoke African and Caribbean Catholic Association (BACCA).
Maria said: “I am delighted to meet with Nsima and talk about all the good work that BACCA are doing to support the Basingstoke community.
“The organisation was established in 2011 with the initial aim of supporting its members and the local Catholic parish of St Bede’s. Since then it has evolved and expanded significantly, into an active participant across the civic life of Basingstoke. I know that BACCA has been involved in support and outreach programmes, partnering with like-minded groups in the borough to raise funds for, and distribute emergency food and groceries to, vulnerable families; as well as contributing volunteers to the running of a shelter project in Basingstoke for rough sleepers in the town.
"BACCA’s input and support for my inquiry into racism in Basingstoke, launched in summer 2020, has also been invaluable. We continue to collaborate on the BAME Reference Group, following up on the issues highlighted by the inquiry and ensuring that local organisations are making progress. I am grateful for BACCA’s support on this issue, because working together with such community groups is vital to ensuring Basingstoke becomes a better place to live for our BAME residents, and indeed for everyone.”