Dedicated support to groups from ethnically diverse backgrounds to strengthen their infrastructure.
EDC Networking: Building connections together
We host regular gatherings for members of Ethnically Diverse Communities. These spaces are created to foster connection, share resources, and celebrate our community.
To maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all our attendees, we share specific event details (dates, times, and locations) via mailing list and private invitations.
Want to join us? If you’d like to receive details of upcoming sessions or learn more about our work, please reach out to our EDC Project Manager at Mayu.Rouco-Santos@can100.org
Ethnically Diverse Communities (EDC) Partnership Board
Led by community. Driven by collaboration. Focused on positive change.
All partners agreed it was essential that the work be led by and with the EDC community, so the EDC Partnership Board was formed. It is a community‑led group that guides and oversees the Ethnically Diverse Communities project across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The Board meet regularly, is co-chaired by members of the EDC community, and is made up predominantly of leaders from local ethnically diverse groups.
Together, we work to ensure EDC organisations have the support they need to grow, thrive and influence decisions that affect them.
Who is involved? The Partnership Board brings together representatives from:
- 6 EDC groups from across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- BCP Council
- CAN – accountable body and lead delivery partner
- Dorset Community Foundation – manages grant distribution
- Dorset Race Equality Council
- The National Lottery
What does the board do?
Support EDC groups with:
- Flexible, tailored help based on their own identified needs
- Opportunities to shape the project’s direction and decision‑making
- A voice in how funding, delivery and evaluation are carried out
The Board is committed to ensuring the project is community‑led at every stage, including:
- Strategic planning
- Recruitment
- Delivery of all project activities
- Grant‑giving decisions
- Monitoring and evaluation
Ongoing community engagement
The board stay in regular contact with as many EDC groups as possible.
EDC networking groups have peer support and feedback on what’s working well and what could be improved, which guides how the project evolves. This insight is reviewed by The EDC Partnership Board, where community feedback is a standing agenda item at every meeting.
This means the voices of EDC communities remain at the heart of everything we do.
Project launch & progress
The project launched in June 2024 at a networking event with many different groups and representatives at Bournemouth University. Over 60 attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the project and meet other local organisations.
Highlights & next steps
Groups are supported to identify priorities, improve infrastructure and find funding opportunities. The team have supported many different groups and achieved great success.
Get in touch
Want to know more about the Ethnically Diverse Communities Project? To get in touch with the team, email Mayu, Project Manager, to schedule a catch-up or get an overview of the project.
Funded by the National Lottery Communities Fund.
A three-year project between Community Action Network, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council, Dorset Race Equality Council (DREC), and Dorset Community Foundation (DCF).
