Aim

To ensure consistent dissemination of information on BME community events, networks, and meetings across the South West region through the engagement and involvement of BME groups/communities

Objectives

• To establish a database of current/existing/planned BME events, networks, and meetings across the SW region
• To identify the audience and establish a database of individuals and organisations requiring access and/or attach items to the electronic calendar
• To work in partnership with communications and IT specialists to identify the most appropriate electronic tool for the purposes of information sharing
• Identify ongoing technical support for the maintenance of the calendar
• To develop an effective electronic calendar, and activate regionally
• Market and publicise the electronic calendar across the region
• To ensure impact assessment is ongoing

Proposal outputs and outcomes

• All agencies and community members across the South West have updated access to information on BME community events, networks and meetings
• Authorised agencies and community members are able to regularly communicate their events, networks, and meetings to a target audience across the region

Brief description of proposal

Currently the communication of BME community events, networks, and meetings is inconsistent across the region in relation to its modes and timeliness. The proposed regional electronic calendar would act as an ‘active’ database, hopefully creating a more simple, more central, means of accessing, and contributing to up to date BME event, network and meeting information. The intention of the tool is for communities and agencies across the region to, where authorised, attach items to the calendar, and easily access updates of up and coming events, networks and meetings that may be of interest.

It is suggested that a BME community group/network take the lead in developing the electronic calendar with the support of the Community Development Worker, this ensuring the content of the calendar fully reflects the BME community activities across the region.  The Community Development Worker will have an active role in promoting the tool to service providers, with the intention to increase awareness of the BME communities and the wide range of cultural activities taking place across the region.   

It is anticipated that IT and communications specialists will have an active role in supporting the development of the electronic tool to ensure agencies and community members have authorisation to update the calendar at any point by attaching items such as flyers, posters, meeting and network dates.  It is also proposed that communication specialists across the statutory, voluntary and community sector will support the promotion of the electronic tool to ensure availability of BME events, networks, and meetings information to a wide range of agencies and communities across the South West.  The Community Development Worker will act as a link between the community group/network leading on the tool and the specialist departments.

To initiate such a project it is suggested that the electronic calendar is piloted in one area of the region, Dorset, and then rolled out in stages across the South West, with Community Development Workers in each area supporting local communities to widen the contributions to the calendar.

Dorset PCT                                                      

Forston Clinic                                                   

Charminster                                                      

Dorchester                                                      

DT2 9TB     

01305 361300