Directory of BME Agencies and Voluntary Groups in Wales and North Wales
Welcome to the Wales and in particular the north Wales section of our information resource. Here you will find links to Local and Regional BME organisations, General information and information that may be specific to the BME population.
For easy of access this sections contains
The purpose of these portals is to provide a depth and wide variety and up-to-date information to BME individuals and communities. You should be able to access over 200 sites that relate to BME issues.
UK BME organisations
Larger urban areas in the UK have significant resources and BME specific information. For information at a more regional or local level you will need to click on the appropriate link
BME organisations local, regional and national
Some of the BME sector in north Wales are relatively young organisations whereas others have been around for decades, but most have been created on a self help basis by people directly affected by local issues. We have attempted to list as many of these organisations as possible. Please let us know if we have missed a BME organisation you know of.
Links to General local Sources of Information
These links provide more generalist information. Where possible we have directed you to Bme specific pages.
We hope you find this site useful and informative. If you have any suggestions, or perhaps a web site you think we have missed out, then please send us an email.
Information Portals
Wales
“If you have just moved to Wales you might have many questions.. Questions about how to set up a bank account, what bus to can take into town and many, many more...” MEWN have put together information that will hopefully answer some of the questions you might have and make your life in Wales easier and more enjoyable. Examples of information taken from the Living in Wales section of the site are:
The Country, Culture, Adjusting to a new culture, Environment, The political system, Communities First, Community Safety, Promoting Equality, Voting, Emergency, Public Transportation, Money, Post Offices, Opening a Bank Account, How do I get help if I don’t speak English? Finding important phone numbers, UK Passport, Places of worship, Immigration, British Nationality, Embassies and Consulates
UK BME Portals
EQUIP
This west midlands portal is comprehensive and provides links to support and organisations outside Wales
http://www.equip.nhs.uk/langwmids.html
Ethni-city
http://www.ethni-city.net/index.php?cat_id=15
A gateway to multi cultural Manchester
UK BME Organisations
CEMVO
http://ethnicminorityfund.org.uk/html/whatwedo.asp
Ethnic Minority Foundation (EMF) is committed to extending opportunities to people from ethnic minority communities throughout the UK
BMESpark
http://www.bmespark.org.uk/ODPMNovaWeb/Home/Login.asp
BMESpark (Black and Minority Ethnic Supporting People action, research and knowledge) aims to help practitioners and policy makers reflect and meet the needs and concerns of black and minority ethnic communities in implementing Supporting People.
Blink
http://www.blink.org.uk/
The main communication channel of The 1990 Trust.
Black UK online
http://www.blackukonline.com/black-uk/5/black-uk-connexions.html
A list and brief of informative links for business' and advice organisations
in the UK.
www.multikulti.org.uk
http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:mHhGODJ98LEJ:www.multikulti.org.uk/+&hl=en
The Multikulti website aims to support citizenship through the delivery of culturally appropriate and accurately translated information in the following areas of welfare law - debt, employment, health, housing, immigration and welfare benefits. They are currently translating material into, Albanian, Arabic, Bangla, Chinese, Farsi, French, Gujerati, Somali, Spanish and Turkish.
BME organisations local, regional and national
All Wales Ethnic Minority Association (AWEMA)
http://www.best-cymru.org/Organisations/details.php?id=14_0_5_0_C
A voluntary organisation established to respond to devolution in Wales. AWEMA acts as a link between the Welsh Assembly Government and BME communities to ensure their views, needs and concerns are heard.
All Wales Saheli Association
Offers support for Muslim women and their families in Wales. Based in Cardiff, but with a Wales-wide remit.
2 St Martins Row
Albany Road
Cardiff CF24 3JJ
Tel: 02920 496920
AWETU
Meaning ‘our unity’, AWETU is an organisation offering support to BME people confronted with mental illness. Based in Cardiff with an all-Wales remit.
41a Lower Cathedral Road
Riverside
Cardiff. CF11 6LW
Tel: 02920 394141
Bangor Islamic Centre.
Religious and social information and activities. Islamic study and information.
28-30 Victoria Street
Caernarfon
Gwynedd LL55 1PN.
Contact: Mr Mirwas Khan.
Tel: 01248 354612 (Mosque)
Black Environmental Network (BEN)
www.ben-network.org.uk
Working for full ethnic participation in the built and natural environment. BEN is a membership organisation with a UK-wide network of over 600 members. Membership is free to small community groups, schools and individuals.
Black Voluntary Sector Network (BVSNW)
http://www.bvsnw.org/
An umbrella organisation that actively represents, supports and promotes
the interests of the BME Communities and the BME Voluntary Sector in
Wales. BVSNW have an out reach worker who is involved with Communities First in north Wales.
Chinese Community Group
A voluntary support network organised from within the Chinese community, helping with social contacts and activities. Also provides Chinese classes.
Chinese Women’s Group
A voluntary group that provides a social network and a source of information and advice on all issues to women in the Chinese community.
Commission for Racial Equality (CRE Wales)
http://www.cre.gov.uk/wales
A publicly funded, non-governmental body set up under the Race Relations Act 1976 to tackle racial discrimination and promote racial equality. Works in partnership with individuals and organisations for a fair and just society which values diversity and gives everyone an equal chance to work, learn and live free from discrimination, prejudice, and racism.
Ethnic Business Support Programme
http://www.cyfenter.co.uk/English/cydpartners/ethnic_business_support.asp
Ethnic Business Support Programme (EBSP), established as a non-profit company, aims to
bridge the gap between ethnic communities and business support agents. It will target potential entrepreneurs using local champions, and advisors will hand-hold clients through the start-up process
Filipino Association
A voluntary organisation providing information, support and social activities to the Filipino community.
Gateway Gardens Trust
www.gatewaygardenstrust.org
Connects a wide range of community groups, schoolchildren and lifelong learners (including BMEs) with the social and environmental heritage of historic gardens and parks.
International Students Welfare Advisor
Provides advice and guidance on a range of welfare related matters to all international students and their families
Student Services Centre
Student Union
Deiniol Road
Bangor
Gwynedd
Tel: 01248 388430
IQRA Trust
http://www.iqratrust.org/
Aims to promote greater understanding of Islam to Muslims and non-Muslims, and to encourage full participation in all aspects of British life whilst adhering to the teachings of the faith. Based in London.
Minority Ethnic Women’s Network (MEWN Cymru) http://www.webcell.co.uk/Final%20Dev/aandi.asp
A Wales-wide organisation that aims to remove barriers to participation faced by black and ethnic women in Wales. Membership is by annual subscription for a small fee, which gives access to a range of facilities services and opportunities.
NACRO (Cymru)
NACRO is a crime reduction charity. Their aim is to make society safer by finding practical solutions to reducing crime. NACRO provides consultancy, training, information, research, evaluation and development services in the fields of community safety, mental health, prisons and resettlement, and race and criminal justice.
NACRO Cymru
35 Heathfield
Swansea SA1 6EJ
Tel: 01792 468 400
Email: info@nacrocymru.org.uk
NHS Centre for Equality and Human Rights
Set up to deliver fair equal and fair treatment in all Health Service organisations for employees.
Tel: 01352 706954
Contact: Pam Luckock (Regional Equality Manager North Wales)
North Wales RSL Equality Partnership (Housing) (NWREP)
Tel: 01745 357195
Contact: Marion Wynne Jones
North Wales Race Equality Network (NWREN)
www.nwren.org
A network working with all public, voluntary and private sector bodies encouraging the development of race equality and race awareness in North Wales.
The Equality Centre
Bangor Road
Penmaenmawr
Gwynedd LL34 6LF
Tel: 01492 622233
SHEKINA
Shekina is a multi-cultural women’s group providing training, help and support, encouraging women to participate in the local community. Membership is by annual subscription or donation, but advice and language courses are given free.
378 High Street
Bangor
Gwynedd LL57 1YE
Tel: 01248 370515
Web: www.geocities.com/shekinamcwg
Contact: Julie Sellars (Project Coordinator)
SNAP Cymru
The Special Needs Advisory Project in Wales provides advice and support for the parents and carers of children who are categorised with Special Educational Needs. SNAP Cymru has a BME Consultants Forum which seeks to raise awareness of the issues related to black and ethnic minority parents, carers and young people.
Tel: 01286 677899
Web: www.snapcymru.org
Contact: Gareth Hughes (SNAP Cymru Area Manager)
Welsh Refugee and Asylum Seekers Group
Working with the Welsh Refugee Council, the group provides information, advice and advocacy to newly arrived and more settled individuals. There are 2 drop-in centres where meals are provided, one in the Salvation Army Centre and one in the Methodist Church, in Wrexham.
Contact: via Welsh Refugee Council
Welsh Refugee Council
Works to promote and support the rights of refugees and asylum seekers throughout Wales and the UK, providing practical support and advice. Membership is by subscription.
Trinity House
Trinity Street
Wrexham, LL11 1NL
Tel: 01978 363240
Contact: Llion Parry (Project Manager)
Wrexham Islamic Centre
Religious and social information and activities. Islamic study and information.
NEWI
Wrexham LL12 2AW
Tel: 01978 293321
Email: Wrexham_muslims@hotmail.com
Contact: Dr Saphwan Al-Assaf
Links to General local Sources of Information
BAWSO
www.bawso.org.uk
Advice, support and refuge accommodation for black and minority ethnic women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence. Referrals to refuges and other emergency accommodation
Barnado’s
http://www.barnardos.org.uk/whatwedo/community/ethnic/
Barnardo’s has launched a new initiative, which is aimed at raising our profile and the awareness of the work that we do in Black and Minority Ethnic Communities.
Child Support Agency
http://www.csa.gov.uk/
The National Helpline that deals with general enquiries on Child Support Agency legislation and procedures
Cruse Bereavement Care
http://www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk/
One to one bereavement counselling, support group, training
Tel: 01248 354888
5/9 Abbey Road
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 2EA
Mind Cymru (National Association for Mental Health)
http://www.mind.org.uk/mind+in+your+area/regions/cymru/index.htm
Mind Cymru has branches in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Pwllheli, Holyhead, Mold and Wrexham. For contanct information to the branch closest to you, call their information line.
National Drugs Helpline
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/26739536/
The National Drugs Helpline offers free advice and information about alcohol, drugs and solvents. You can speak to trained advisors for information about local services and support. Calls are confidential.
National Child Protection Helpline (NSPCC)
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/html/home/home.htm
UK's leading charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children.
Phone: 0808 800 5000
Asian helpline:
Bengali: 0800 096 7714
Gujurati: 0800 096 7715
Hindi: 0800 096 7716
Punjabi: 0800 096 7717
Urdu: 0800 096 7718
Asian helpline in English: 0800 096 7719
Relate
http://213.146.144.66/Centre_SXCEAF-A77F6D27.html
Relate offers a wide range of services for couples, families and individuals. Relate supports people through all stages of their relationships and you can access theirsupport on your own or with others, face-to-face, on the phone or on the internet.
Samaritans
http://www.samaritans.org/talk/local_branch.shtm#
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. You don't have to be suicidal to call. Samaritans are there for you if you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or you just want to talk to someone.
Stepping Stones
http://www.napac.org.uk/support/help_groups/wales.html
Offers group work and individual counselling to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
urban75 drug information
http://www.urban75.com/Drugs/helpline.html
The National Drugs Helpline is a 24-hour, seven-days a week, free and confidential telephone service that offers advice and information for those who are concerned, or have questions, about drugs. The service is available to anyone
Women’s Aid
www.womensaid.org.uk
Dedicated and specialist Outreach Support team to work through issues arising from living in an abusive relationship