BME Network

Stockton BME Network has been the voice of Stockton’s BME community since 2005. It has a membership of 47 active groups that meet bi-monthly to discuss issues or concerns among its diverse communities. It is governed by a chair, and a management committee that comprises a mix of full- and associate-members as well as an advisor from SBC.

 

The Network’s main remit is to ensure that minority and hard to reach communities have a say, as well a real opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the development of the local community. In order to carry out this aim the Network elects representatives to sit on Stockton Renaissance, and currently has 2 representatives who report back to the Network meetings.

 

There are 2 types of membership administered by the Network: full-membership, which is exclusive to volunteer groups with BME-majority membership; and, associate membership, which is open to all others. All members must subscribe to the Network’s principles of fairness, tolerance, equality, anti-racism, and inclusion.

 

In supporting the local community, the BME Network has worked in partnership with SBC on consultations and has been advisor on a range of issues that include involvement with Impact Assessments to supporting the development of local community programmes.

 

Over the past 2yrs, working in partnership, the BME Network has secured, both for its communities and in its own right, around £140.000 in grants, awards and commissions. It has also worked with PCT in delivering and administering a number of radical health initiatives to its communities.