A multi cultural celebration, featuring African drummers, Indian dancers and Asian cuisine, has been hosted by Grampian Housing Association in recognition of it becoming the first organisation in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and first Housing Association in the North East to achieve "Happy to Translate" logo status.

"Happy to Translate" is a national initiative funded by the Scottish Government to promote equal opportunities for all communities in Scotland by providing access to quality translation and interpreting services. Developed by Bield, Hanover (Scotland) and Trust Housing Associations, the initiative is open to organisations in the public, private, voluntary and independent sectors.

Alan Moat, Chief Executive of Grampian Housing Association said: "We were keen to become a "Happy to Translate" logo organisation in view of the increasing number of our tenants and people on the waiting list to be housed who represent black and minority ethnic communities. It helps to demonstrate that we are committed to offering the same quality services to the diverse communities we serve whilst also fulfilling our commitment to equal opportunities."

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Rohini Sharma Joshi, who runs the equal opportunities programme for Bield, Hanover (Scotland) & Trust Housing Associations said: "We congratulate Grampian Housing Association on becoming the first organisation in the area to sign up to the Happy To Translate (HTT) initiative and we look forward to working with them."

The initiative gives practical guidance detailing how to provide communication assistance to service users. Participating organisations display the official logo on their literature and in reception areas to let non-English readers and speakers know they will provide quality translation and interpreting services.

Local MPs and MSPs were amongst the guests who also included representatives of Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Grampian Police, Multi Ethnic Aberdeen and Grampian Racial Equality Council.

Given the North East's experience of a large influx of migrant workers from the EU Accession states in recent years it is hoped that the celebration will promote uptake of the initiative by other organisations in the area.

(GK/JM)