A black and minority ethnic group is one where the membership or highest accountable body is made up of more than 50% of people who are not from the majority white populationWe aim to raise awareness of BME issues and ensure that service providers are made aware of issues affecting BME groups and residents of the Borough of Stockton on Tees . Also to provide a discussion forum for existing and emerging BME groups Borough wide

The BME Network was set up back in February 2005 as result of the lack of BME representation in the Borough of Stockton on Tees.;The research conducted by SIFC, commissioned by Renaissance, confirmed the majority of the Black and Minority Ethnic groups, though aware of formal structure of representation such as MP’s and Local Councilors, historically chose not to use such structures and instead preferred to seek their own representation through their community leaders whether it be business owners or religious leaders such as the Imam from the local Mosque.However, findings from the research document were conclusive in that the BME community overwhelming indicated that they would use the formal structures if they were given the same leverage as other groups & organisations, for example, a network or forum, representing all of the BME groups, with elected representatives sitting on the Local Strategic Partnership Board(s).In January, along with other partners, SIFC organised a series of meetings with the local BME community with a view to setting up a network that would be representative of the BME community, and in February the BME Network held its inaugural meeting at SIFC Skinner Street, where it outlined its Aims & Objectives.The Network has met 13 times, holding its meetings on the last Wednesday of every month with times alternating between 11:00am on the first month, 4:00pm on the second month and 6:00pm on the third month. The July meeting is set to be held at SIFC Dovecot Street at 4:00pm. The Network has written out and formalised its Terms of Reference and has a Constitution, signed and endorsed by the Chair of Renaissances.

The Tees Valley African Womens Voice were delighted when Dari Taylor MP, accepted their invitation to meet the group and find out what they are all about.

The group is an apolitical womens only group operating in the Tees Valley area, campaigning for and bringing together women from different African backgrounds
The Venue for the meeting was SIFC skinner street site andwas held on 23rd June. T he group took the opportunityto tell Dari about some of the problems faced by African women when forced to leave their homeland
Watch the event highlights

JULY 19th 4.00pm SIFC
AUGUST 6.00PM SIFCSEPTEMBER 11.00AM SIFCOCTOBER 4.00PM SIFCNOVEMBER 6.00PM SIFCDECMEBER 11.00AM SIFC