About us
Background
In the Bradford district the BME sector is fairly sizeable, but, unfortunately, it is too fragmented to secure any lasting improvements to the quality of life of ethnic minority communities. COEMO aims to address this voluntary sector deficit by bringing together BME organisations and establish an effective engagement programme to improve the effectiveness of this key sector. There are over 180 BME voluntary sector organisations in Bradford & District.
Who are we?
COEMO is an umbrella organisation and was formed in October 2000 by a number of community organisations from the black and ethnic minority voluntary sector who felt that a representative umbrella body was now crucial if the black and ethnic minority sector was to survive and develop in a climate which required an increasing amount of collective collaboration.
WHAT DO WE DO?
- We raise the profile of BME organisations
- We provide infrastructure support to BME organisations
- We influence service providers, funders and other agencies that come in contact with the BME voluntary sector
- We organise networking & consultation events
- We undertake research activities within the BME sector
- We act as an advocate for the BME Voluntary sector and the wider community with local government, central government and other relevant institutions
- We represent the views of the ethnic minority voluntary sector on partnerships and decision-making bodies at local, regional and national levels.
WHO DO WE REPRESENT?
We are currently representing views and aspirations of over 180 organisations involving the following communities:
- South Asian Communities
- African Communities
- African Caribbean Communities
- Filipino Communities
- Some East European Communities
HOW DO WE OPERATE?
The organisation has a constitution and is registered as a company limited by guarantee and a registered Charity. The management of the organisation is based on membership which annually elects a management Board (20 members). Our services are open to the entire BME sector. We have an office and paid staff. Our offices are at the Carlisle Business Centre, Bradford. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm.