Policy

What it is

Established in March 2002 with support from Age Concern England, the BME Elders Forum is made up of organisations mainly from London, the West Midlands and East Midlands.

The Forum is striving to become a national forum by developing membership in all regions, to represent the interests of as wide a range of black and minority ethnic elders as possible.

Membership is open to BME voluntary and community organisations (local, regional or national) with a stated interest in and experience of working with black and minority ethnic elders. Interested professionals are also invited to become members of the Forum.

The Forum has direct representation on Age Concern England’s Board of Trustees.

Aims

• To achieve change and improvements in the lives of black and minority ethnic elders in England by influencing policy and services
• To ensure the voices of older people from black and minority ethnic communities are heard
• To encourage and acknowledge the contribution that black and minority ethnic elders make to society
• To promote the principles of racial equality, equity and respect for diversity through its work with and on behalf of black and minority ethnic elders
• To work together with other organisations to influence policies that directly affect BME elders

What it does

• Explores issues of interest to black and minority ethnic elders and organisations working with them
• Exchanges information and experience between organisations providing services for black and minority ethnic elders
• Identifies key policy issues on which to influence the Government and other national bodies to promote the interests of black and minority ethnic elders

Forum Newsletter

The Forum produces a regular newsletter full of information on issues such as health and social care, services, funding, training and forthcoming events. Free copies of current and past newsletters can be downloaded - just go to our Ethnic Elders News page and scroll down.

If you wish to join the newsletter mailing list or require information on becoming a member contact:

Lullyn Tavares, Administration and Projects Officer
Email: Lullyn Tavares
020 8765 7467

Forum Chair:
Amin Mann
0121 459 5444

To find out more

General enquiries about the Forum:
Claire Ball,
National Development & Policy Officer, BME Elders
Email: Claire Ball
020 8765 7718

Contact us

Lullyn Tavares
Administration & Projects Officer
Tel: 020 8765 7467
Email: Lullyn Tavares

Claire Ball
Ethnic Minorities Development & Policy Officer
Tel: 020 8765 7718
Email: Claire Ball

Amin Mann
BME Elders Forum Chair
Tel: 0121 459 5444