Testimonials
PRESTON MONTSERRAT & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
Established in 1982. To value montserratians heritage. To work for the welfare, growth and the stability of all the people of montserrat and their descendants. Promote health and well being, to advance education, to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare, leisure and recreation and other benefits so as to improve the conditions of life for all its members Mary Piper said on 29th September 2011 "On behalf of the Preston Montserrat & Friends Association I would like to express our sincere appreciation for your support in empowering us to operate efficiently and effectively."
Mary Piper said by email on 21st December 2011 "The Preston Montserrat & Friends Association would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Lancashire BME pact for their continued support in moving the association forward and helping us achieve our aims and objectives.
Our initial contact with Christina Cooper was very professional, informative and productive. She outlined clear pathways of support that can be provided by BME pact - they have to date delivered proficiently all the services and training that were originally laid out in our development plan. Christina has been very professional and has demonstrated a real commitment to her work. She was often quite flexible in the meeting with us at a time and place that were convenience to us. Her knowledge and skills in community development has been exemplary; this has aroused great enthusiasm in our membership. The continued assistance of the BME pact has equipped us with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure funding for our Preston Guild 2012 project.
This project provides residents and friends the opportunity to learn and appreciate Montserratian heritage through a series of activities and events.
We also had a governance health check with Donna Carney who has gone through all the policies and good practice with us. She has assisted us in laying a foundation that has enabled us to work more efficiently and effectively. She helped us in the preparation of all our policies and procedures, we now have in place to support our project ‘Montserratians’ culture within the Preston Community’ as we have been guided in the implementation of appropriate quality practice.
Members of our association have attended several training courses e.g. Basic Finance, Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers and Effective networking and Communication Skills that have empowered us to positively impact the community. We now have a clearly defined structure for the Association that will enable to focus on our vision.
Our contact with the office has often been Mariyam, who has always demonstrated excellent customer care service, and have followed up our requests and suggestions. The entire team at the BME has been patient, understanding and cooperative. In our quest for information and skills we have probably established a rapport we most of the BME pact officers. We sincerely appreciate all you have done and continue to do for us, your input in the Preston Montserrat & Friends Association has been invaluable.
Thank you."
AL HAYAT INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE CENTRE
Established in 2010. Provides ESOL with Citizenship for learners who wish to develop their spoken English and apply for citizenship. Tahir Hussain - Chief Executive said on 21st September 2011 "I am delighted that Al Hayat Languages is an active memeber of Lancashire BME Pact and likewise we are here to support the wonderful work you and your staff are doing it is appreciated!"
LANCASHIRE BLACK HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Established in 2010, to preserve and document the history, heritage and culture of the African and Caribbean communities of Lancashire. Stephen Poleon said on 22nd February 2012 "I would like to thank everyone at Lancashire BME Pact for all the help and assistance you have given and continue to give, I really don't know where Lancashire Black History Association would be without you."
WINGS WOMEN’S GROUP
established in January 2009 to help women achieve their potential and access a variety of projects and activities including cookery classes, healthy eating and confidence building.
Hamida Patel - Chair said “Jabien was very efficient as she had all the paperwork ready for me to complete and helped us to identify gaps in our governance. She was very professional and told us about things that we did not even know about and could sort out straightaway. She arranged a meeting with Donna Carney for a full governance check which helped us; by suggesting different policies and procedures that we needed such as Child protection, Vulnerable Adults and Health and Safety. She looked at our constitution and advised on how to apply for charity registration. I took the information to the board and we made the changes needed to help us plan for the future. Jabien has also given advice on how to apply for funding. The service has been absolutely brilliant. Because we are not from the voluntary sector BME Pact has educated and made us stronger and shown us how to move forward. Wings Women’s Group has been able to achieve its potential through the help of Lancashire BME Pact.”