Maidstone’s first Black and Ethnic Minority (BME) Forum will launch this Saturday.

The group, which has been created to celebrate and connect different cultural groups working in the county town, will meet at Maidstone Community Support Centre, in Marsham Street, from 12pm to 3pm.

Its aim is to promote a stronger BME presence in the voluntary and community sector.

Guest speakers booked to attend include Cllr Daniel Moriarty, the Mayor of Maidstone, and county councillor Rob Bird.

The initiative has received support from a wealth of organisations, including Voluntary Action Maidstone Borough Council, Kent County Council and Kent Police.

Jacqueline Bobb, facilitator of the BME Forum and Voluntary Action Maidstone's manger of the council for voluntary services, said: “We are so delighted to be able to bring the different BME communities together for an informal launch in order to get to know each other better and to identify and discuss issues affecting BME communities”.

The event is free to attend and guests will also be provided with lunch, but booking is essential.

To book your place or for more information contact Jacqueline Bobb on 01622 677337 or email Jacqueline.bobb@vam-online.org.uk