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.

Our specific aims are:

• to represent those working with Black and Ethnic Minority groups throughout the South West;
• to support them to grow as organisations, and help them get the funding, practical training or advice they need to support their own members;
• to stop them being, or feeling, isolated in their work with communities on the ground; and
• to represent their concerns and requirements at the highest levels, including influencing Government policy going forward.

The specific needs of the BME sector in the SW have been identified, amongst others, as focused on housing, employment and training. The BVCS groups working on the ground may lack infrastructural and organisational resources, and it is our aim to help plug these gaps, so that they can then work more effectively with the wider BME community and fulfil their needs.

Ours is therefore a vital role as the conduit for communication between local and national Government and the community at large.