Merton's BME Forum (an independent body)

The forum meets quarterly and is open to all local Black Asian and Minority Ethnic groups; for the purpose of enabling groups to come together to support each other, pool resources, share information, expertise and experience, raise issues and receive advice on anything which is on the horizon.

The Forum's main focus/tasks - include the development and monitoring of the forum's Merton BME Strategic Plan 2006-09   and its review - to be carried out by 2010.  

The next meeting of the Forum is scheduled for February 2010 at Vestry Hall, Mitcham. An agenda can be obtained from this website nearer the date or via: admin@mertonunitynetwork.org.uk

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Merton Unity Network & the BME Forum's Seminar

The next seminar is scheduled for February 2010 for which further details will be provided on this website or can be obtained via admin@mertonunitynetwork.org.uk.

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An International Day, 'Celebrating Diversity' was held on Saturday, 21 March 2009, at 78 Kingston Road, South Wimbledon, London SW19 1LA

The event which was opened by the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Martin Whelton was a success. Approximately 150 people attended the event which met its aim in bringing Merton's diverse community together to promote a cohesive society - where people have respect for each others culture.

The event included an interactive session, "Ask the Community"; cultural music, dancing and singing, prizes and a variety of international cuisine.

Details of future cultural events can be obtained from Patricia Anderson on 0208 648 9551.

BME Forum & Strategic Plan

The BME Strategic Plan is the outcome of a successful seminar, titled “Are you ready for Change”, which was held during black history month in October 2005. At that seminar BME representatives expressed a need for a BME Forum and a BME Strategic Plan to help chart the way forward and to further develop interactions between BME organisations and the wider environment.

The Plan is intended to be the starting point to bring about changes to the way BME organisations work, their relationship with policy makers, and their involvement in decision making that affect their lives and that of their communities. Principally, BME organisations wanted a document that:

• Expresses their aspirations, needs and concerns, is BME-defined, informed and led.

• Facilitates BME organisations to work together to chart their way forward and to develop a coordinated approach to service development and delivery.

• Provides a clear vision about how the BME 'sector' can help define and shape the Merton they want to live and work in.

A copy of Merton's BME Strategic Plan (2006-09) can be downloaded via the following link:

BME Strategic Plan

Merton Race Equality Toolkit

Merton Unity Network worked in partnership with Merton Race Equality Partnership (MREP) and other partner agencies to develop this toolkit. This was a very innovative piece of work. Phase 1 of the toolkit was launched by MREP in June 2007. Phase 2 was scheduled for completion by 2008/9, however because of funding issues MREP closed down at the end of March 2009. 

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These are just a few of the recent Acts that impact on BAME community groups:

• Equality Act 2006

• Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006

• Racial & Religious Hatred Act 2006

• Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008

 See our Policy section  for more information 

Brief News
			The BME Forum & Strategic Plan Read about it on this page

Merton Unity Network newsletters:

Further copies are to be issued shortly. Watch this space.