Brief history of the (WMO)

The concept of a multicultural centre for Wirral began in 1986 when Asians, Chinese and Vietnamese jointly applied for central government funds with the help of Wirral Borough Council. This led to the formation of the Wirral Chinese Cultural Association and the Vietnamese Association whereas the Wirral Asian Association had developed independently. The then Education Department of Wirral Council applied to central government and was successful.

Wirral Multicultural Organisation (WMO) was established as a company limited by guarantee and as a registered charity in April 1993 to oversee the development of the Multicultural Centre. The three associations nominate three representatives each to serve as directors to form board of the Wirral Multicultural Organisation. Since 1992, thirteen directors, three each from ethnic associations and four Wirral Councillors have been managing the organisation.

More recently Wirral Multicultural Organisation has widened its board membership and incorporated African, Afro-Caribbean and European (currently vacant). Opening up for other community representatives will reflect the increasingly diverse population of Wirral.

In 2002-2003 WMO become involved with Child Care and Training facilities and Wirral Water Front helped working in partnership to get European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund.