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Main Menu About Unity                         Its Achievement         Ask Unity                       Newsroom                 Legal class                      Policy issues                    Research & publications   Resources                      Events Link page                          The Network Merton Unity Network was established in 1994. The Network represents a "collective voice" for Merton's black and minority ethnic communities - their views, experiences and support needs. The Network's Vision Merton Unity Network vision is: Valuing diversity and working in partnership to strengthen the bonds of humanity and encourage greater participation in all aspect of community life. What the Network does? Merton Unity Network focuses on the 'bigger, more strategic' issues and explores how these are likely to impact upon member organisations and how member organisations can respond. The Network understands the complex and continuously changing environment of the voluntary sector, hence its commitment to work in partnership with the statutory, voluntary and business sectors to tackle the issues to do with the development and sustainability of BME Groups. The Network places emphasis on reducing isolation and exclusion of BME groups in the London Borough of Merton. How the Network does this? The Network facilitates debates about government proposals or policies and brings BME organisations together to explore possible responses on both strategic and organisational level. The Network also assists its member groups to develop their capacity and to effectively identify and respond to the needs of their service users and to represent those needs at the highest level. The Network's Aims and Objectives The Network aims to: Work in partnership with all sectors at the local level to promote a culturally diverse community and the general well being of Merton's BME community Bring member groups together to pool resources and to take part in all aspect of community life Assist member groups' development - by promoting, supporting, protecting, preserving good public health, education, training, and enabling access to funding and other services; Respond to specific requests of member groups, particularly in relation to research. How is the Network managed? Merton Unity Network is managed by an Executive Committee, which is made up of representation from Merton's black and minority ethnic communities Some of the Network's Achievements: Merton Unity Network continues to build on its achievement in supporting Merton's black and minority ethnic community, despite its very low cost base over the last 10 years. Some of those achievement include: Joint commissioning of researches - Meta Data Research relating to issues of housing for ethnic minorities and African Caribbean Needs Research; Health Awareness Days; Point of consultation between BME voluntary/community sector and other sectors; Winners of the Community Diversity Award 2000 for contribution to and success in the growth and development of the BME sector; Facilitated the leveraging of funds (approx. £1million) to support the capacity building of local ethnic minority groups in partnership with EMF-CEMVO; Working in partnership with the London Borough of Merton, local PCT and Merton Voluntary Service Council and other voluntary/community groups to develop Merton's Compact; Working in partnership with funders to enable access to funding by minority ethnic groups, through funding fairs, etc. Unity will continue to achieve its vision, through the hard work and commitment of its staff, volunteers and members. If you live within Merton and are interested in becoming a member of the Network, please write to: Patricia Anderson Development Manager Merton Unity Network Vestry Hall 336-338 London Road Mitcham CR43UD or phone 020 8648 9551, or email.       Brief News Merton Unity Network brings its member groups up to date on issues and special points of interest through its local quarterly newsletter or the newsroom.         Subscription As a charitable organisation, the Network welcomes subscription to aid its development in providing research and information to member groups. Should you wish to subscribe and receive a copy of the Networks quarterly newsletter please contact, by e-mail, and ask for a subscription form to be sent to you. © 2004 Merton Unity Network. All rights reserved.

Address: Merton Unity Network, Vestry Hall, London Road, Mitcham, CR4 3UD Tel: 020 8648 9551  E-mail: admin@mertonunitynetwork.org.uk