1. Thematic Regional Infrastructure Organisations (TRIO) Partnership

2. Over regional policies and strategies for BME, LGB&T and RAS communities Within our respective communities providing a framework for networking Between the project partners on pan equalities issues affecting BME LGB&T and RAS communities Outcomes for the TRIO Partnership Increase Knowledge Increase Network Support Increase Policy Influence Of 200 BME, LGB&T and RAS organisations collectively Increase Shared Understanding

3. Refugee Action coordinated a joint response by 8 organizations to 2 consultations by the UKBA on “Earned Citizenship” and “Reforming Asylum Support”.We empowered 90 others to respond to 5 different consultations, and we circulated 37 policy briefings. The Lesbian & Gay Foundation held five consultation events across the region that brought 100 LGB&T VCS representatives and statutory organisations together to increase mutual understanding and provide networking opportunities. One North West have developed the NW BME Policy Forum and supported a range of consultations with 230 BME Third Sector organisations, including most recently around Big Society, Localism and the BME Third Sector TRIO Achievements Year 1 – July 2009 to June 2010

4. Specialist understanding and expertise and ability to engage with so-called ‘hard to reach’ communities Voice for underrepresented communities Provide safe spaces and innovative approaches Holistic approach is often taken and willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ Localism agenda means challenges for equality groups and additional need for equalities infrastructure and collaboration The Value of Equalities Organisations

5. TRIO Future Plans Year 2 – July 2010 to June 2011 Comprehensive Spending Review Event Quarterly TRIO Newsletter Localism and its impact on the equalities agenda LGB&T refugees & asylum seekers

6. ‘One North West has become a key strategic influencing voice for the BME third sector.’ (One North West Perceptions Survey) ‘TRIO fulfils a vital function in bringing together agencies to improve our responses to immigration and asylum policies and to lobby for change.’ (Refugee Action External Evaluation) ‘The community consultation specifically enabled attendance by a number of local people from LGB&T communities and allowed them to get their voices heard and address issues with a number of local statutory and voluntary and community organisations.’ (Lesbian & Gay Foundation Statutory Stakeholders Evaluation, Trafford Council) Year 1 External Evaluation – Viewpoints For more info on the TRIO: adam.winter@lgf.org.uk