Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum (SMEF) is a community organisation with charity and company status. It has fifty two ethnically diverse community and voluntary groups as members. SMEF's ethos is to engage, educate and empower local people to find solutions to the common economic and social challenges they face living in Britain today. Its VISION is of an engaged and active Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) community working in partnership with local organisations and groups for the benefit of all of Surrey's communities. Its MISSION is to raise awareness on equality and diversity issues and to empower black and minority ethnic community groups to become actively involved in their local communities, so that they can influence and contribute to all aspects of citizenship. It adheres to the principals of social justice and self-determination. SMEF delivers projects that improve the opportunities and life chances of ethnic minority individuals and families. It delivers training and awareness raising sessions on a range of topical subjects dealing with health, social welfare, employment, education and housing. SMEF signposts community groups to access services and advocates on their behalf. It facilitates partnerships and consultation exercises between statutory and voluntary bodies and the minority ethnic sector.