Communities First Support Network (CFSN)
Sadly the CFSN (Communities First Support Network) partnership of 8 national organisations came to an end on 31st December 2008. From BVSNW’s perspective the last eight years have been a huge success and a learning curve. We will endeavour to maintain our links with all the members and look forward to future projects.
The following is an archived copy of our completed projects:
BVSNW provided advice and information to black and minority ethnic groups and supported best practice with regard to equalities for Communities First Partnerships, co-ordinators and agencies involved in contributing to the Communities First Programme. BVSNW played a critical role in ensuring that the equalities and diversity issues were central to the national and local agenda.
BVSNW provided the following:
- Diversity and equality training to Communities First coordinators and agencies in community first areas.
- Consultancy and advice to Communities First partnerships, lead agencies and grant recipient bodies.
- Capacity building and mentoring projects to BME individuals, communities and groups.
- The management of projects in partnership with Communities First coordinators that encouraged cohesion and integration.
- Financial advice and support to BME organisations.
- Updated information through its website www.bvsnw.org.uk
- Bilingual quarterly newsletters.
BVSNW has worked in partnership with CFSN on a number of diversity projects:
Click here to view Race Equality Guidelines.
Exchange Trip to North Wales
A project supported by CFSN and BVSNW, involved a group of nine BME women travelling to Llandudno and Penmaenmawr to share their experiences of living and working in ethnically diverse areas of Cardiff and the Valleys, with different organisations in North Wales.
Some of the women gave oral presentations about subjects ranging from education and cultural manifestations in the community to local initiatives (such as the Riverside Market). They also shared some accounts of the historical and social landscape of their area. Other members of the group described the programs in which they are actively involved within the Cardiff and the Valleys areas, either as volunteers or as members of organizations working for BME communities.
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Group members participating in the trip from South Wales
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The women talking about the projects
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The visit was a great opportunity to share experiences with residents of parts of Wales with whom interaction is infrequent due to the distances involved. One of the participants described the event as "An exercise in understanding issues experienced by those living in a rural and sometimes isolated environments."
The visit has obviously provided a platform for continued communication and to build relationships amongst groups and organisations between the North and South regions of Wales.
Cultural Cool - Creating Opportunities for Others to Link, Liaise and Learn.
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attendees at workshop
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This was a workshop designed in partnership between BVSNW/CFSN & Voluntary Action Cardiff to provide agencies and groups with a tool to explore diversity with respect to minority groups. How to design projects, events and programmes so that you do not “unwittingly” create perceived barriers to the participation of minority groups.
The workshop was planned as part of the “FACES, SPACES, PLACES” Cardiff Community Development Workers Network conference that took place in Cardiff December 2006. The event was attended by over 120 delegates from across sectors. The idea was based upon the 7 Seas, 7 C’s, using symbols, Sharks, Ships, Seaweed and Dolphins etc to explore action or principles needed for positive engagement of BME Communities.
For further information on projects, please contact Nathan Evans on 02920 440 182 or by email: n.evans@bvsnw.org.uk