The BME VCS Regional Panel has carried out research into health inequalities for BME populations. The study raises issues around the equality of access to NHS services and it points to the failure of some systems and processes which unwittingly disadvantage black and minority ethnic communities.

This research offers many collaborative opportunities to fill the gaps and pioneer good practice for the future sustainability of the National Health in the region and nationally.

The BME VCS Regional Panel has submitted a response to the Government's consultation on the Draft Legislative Programme.
To view the response, see attachment.
To read more about the Programme, visit http://www.commonsleader.gov.uk/output/Page2391.asp

05 April 2007
A new action plan to step-up work with Muslim communities to isolate, prevent and defeat violent extremism was published today by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly.

New proposals in Preventing Violent Extremism - Winning hearts and minds include strengthening governance in mosques to make them less susceptible to takeover by minority groups, extending provision of citizenship education and measures to support communities strengthen Muslim and theological leadership to better connect with young British Muslims. Responding to these challenges Ruth Kelly set out a plan for tackling violent extremism, which will mean –
* Strengthening leadership and governance in mosques up and down the country. We will set-out the new role for the Charity Commission in improving governance, and will announce £600,000 to create a new Faith and Social Cohesion Unit within the Commission to drive this.
* A framework of new standards for imams engaged by the state who will go into areas where individuals are susceptible to extremism such as prisons and universities.

You are invited to attend the official launch of the black and minority ethnic (BME) voluntary and community sector (VCS) Regional Panel, the strategic voice for Yorkshire & the Humber.

The guest speakers are:
- Ed Miliband MP, Minister for the Third Sector (tbc)
- Zlakha Ahmed, Apna Haq Project

This is an opportunity to meet the BME VCS Regional Panel members, ask questions and hear
about the Panel’s Business Plan.

The BME VCS Regional Panel is the strategic voice for BME voluntary and community sector
organisations and provides a united voice to strengthen the capacity of the sector. The Panel will support sub regional and local BME VCS organisations to reap maximum benefit from infrastructure.

To book your place please complete the enclosed booking form and return it to the
address indicated or telephone 0113 394 2300 for further details.

Please see that attached invitation and booking form, or for more information about the BME VCS Regional Panel go to:
www.bme.org.uk/bme-panel

Do you know what Infrastructure Support Organisations (ISO’s) do? How can ISO’s provide better services to your organisation? These and more questions will be discussed. Your input will inform national guidelines to be published by the Performance Hub.

This session is for key workers (e.g. centre managers) and/or Committee Members (e.g. Chairs of frontline organisations without paid workers). Attendees will receive £40 remuneration for their organisation – paid upon receipt of evaluation forms on the day.

Please note that you have to make a booking to attend as places are limited.
Places will be offered strictly on first come first served basis. Free Lunch.

Further details, email
salam@coemo.co.uk
Tel: Mohammed Salam on 01274 488872.