What Is BEAM?

BEAM is the Black Asian and Ethnic Minority Tenants Consultation Group of Sandwell. The project was set up in 1996 because of the lack of representation in the traditional forums such as Tenants & Residents Associations. SCIPS and Sandwell Housing Department both realised that there was a clear lack of involvement from BME tenants.

Within Sandwell 16% of the population are from the Black, Asian or ethnic minorities. SCIPS was concerned about the lack of involvement in tenants participation from black tenants and residents. There are approximately 45 Tenants & Residents Associations registered with the council and of those few have involvement from BME tenants.

In 1996 SCIPS and Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) Housing Department decided to look at an initiative to involve BME tenants. Joint funding was secured by Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) with match funds by the Housing Department. The objective of the project was to develop strategies in tenant participation to enable ethnic minority communities to have an input and control over housing issues.

The BEAM group has successfully held monthly meetings, conferences and represented the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups in a variety of settings with the assistance of a full time worker secured by SCIPS. However, since SRB funding has ceased, BEAM has received no funding for it's role. The group members are appreciative of the support given to them by SCIPS who provide venues for their meetings and administrative support.

The Group has undertaken training to look at their roles and responsibilities, to look at the future of BEAM. The training has now been undertaken and whilst the group is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about housing and other matters, various skills are missing in the group if it wants to function independently. The group does have a structure and a constitution which was developed with members and a formal structure to secure it's future. Many changes are going on in the whole of SMBC at present as well as major changes within Housing.

There is strong Government support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups to be represented and have a voice in housing matters and Sandwell's Neighbourhood Strategy presents a new localised opportunity to develop BME engagement and race equality.

BEAM is now at a critical path and needs to make important decisions about how it is best placed to serve the needs of BME tenants. There are many opportunities and challenges at the moment and BEAM needs to act quickly if it is going to make an impact in maintaining and improving housing and other related matters to its members. Members of BEAM are very keen to promote social cohesion within Sandwell and to celebrate it's diverse population, to promote community spirit and develop a sense of pride.