About BSWN
BSWN News Jan 03.pdf
What You Thought of Us
Understanding Commissioning
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
BSWN - Black South West Network - was set up in 2000 and is currently based in Bristol.
Why are we here? (Our remit)
We support - and represent to Government – Voluntary and Community Sector groups working with the BME community throughout the South West; ensuring that their training, organisational and funding needs are answered, and their voice heard by the policy makers.
What do we actually do? (Our services)
We make the two-way flow of communication between those in the BME sector in the South West, and those in Government, as easy as possible, in order to support the BVCS groups in their work with the community, and ultimately strengthen the over-all economy in the region.
How do we do it?
We commission research so we’re working with the best possible data about the sector, and constantly consult with those working with BME groups to find out what the real situation is on the ground. We also have a national partnership with direct access to central government to ensure maximum impact.
How do we reach all our communities in the SW? (About the Network)
Through this website, Black Net Solutions, and through our partnership with five sub regional community ‘hubs’.
Is BSWN working alone in this field?
We are part of a nationwide government-led initiative to rebuild communities economically and socially throughout the UK, and work with our own specific social and geographical sector as part of this.
What are the short and longer-term plans?
The immediate aim of BSWN is to be an effective bridge between those in the BME sector in the SW and the statutory agencies, to increase communication and support for BVCS groups within the sector and help them become stronger, so they can better support those they work with throughout the region.
Longer-term the intention is to continue to grow this support and become an ever-more effective conduit for information, ultimately securing sustainability for BVCS development with our regional and national partners.
About this website
We know that those working within the BME community need to access the latest information quickly and easily, to have a clear channel of communication with one another, as well as to those making decisions that will affect their work.
