Dear all,

The Research Centre for Transcultural Studies in Health, would like to invite
you to the  following free seminar:

The Role and Scope of the Black and Minority Ethnic Voluntary Sector on
Social  Inclusion, Social Regeneration and Quality of Life: A case study of
the London  Borough of Enfield


Date:           Wednesday, 19th of March 2003

Time:           3pm - 4pm


Venue:  Furnival Lecture Theatre, Archway Campus, Middlesex
                        University, 2-10  Highgate Hill, London N19 5LW



Presented by: Veena Meetoo, Research Centre for Transcultural
Studiesin Health, Middlesex University




                                Abstract


People from minority ethnic groups are amongst the most socially excluded
and suffer  inequalities of health and consequently poor quality of life. There
is a paucity of  research on the role of the voluntary sector in countering
social exclusion, poor health  and quality of life, in particular the minority
ethnic voluntary sector, which tends to  include smaller, less established and
poorer organisations than the wider voluntary  sector. On the other hand the
work of the minority ethnic voluntary sector may have a  positive impact on
the lives of their users and the wider minority ethnic communities. In  light of
this The Research Centre for Transcultural Studies in Health (RCTSH), in
collaboration with Enfield Voluntary Action (EVA) and Enfield Racial Equality
Council  (EREC), are currently undertaking a study which aims to explore the
role and scope of the  black and minority ethnic (BME) voluntary sector in
Enfield in promoting social capital,  regeneration and quality of life.


Various methodologies have been employed to gather data.  This has been
collected  through: i) documentary analysis of material provided by
participating organisations; ii)  semi-structured interviews with key informants
from each organisation; iii) focus groups  with service users and iv) an
extensive literature review of material on social capital and  the voluntary
sector. The documentary analysis and interviews explored how the  services
provided by the organisations promoted participation, trust and safety, social
networks, co-operation, as well as regeneration, health improvement and
quality of life.  This presentation will discuss the activities undertaken and
emerging findings to date.


If you would like to attend this free seminar on Wednesday 19th of March
2003 at 3pm or  require any further information please e-mail:
[log in to unmask]
Asanka Dayananda
Administrator/Researcher

Research Centre for Transcultural Studies in Health
Furnival Building
Archway Campus
Middlesex University
2-10 Highgate Hill
London N19 5LW
Tel: 020 8411 3214
Fax: 020 8411 6106
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Centre website: http://www.mdx.ac.uk/www/rctsh/