Founded in 2014, SMEF, is a race equity charity, operating across Surrey. We work for and in partnership with 84 diverse grassroots community and interfaith faith groups, the public and voluntary sectors. Our services bridge race equity gaps identified by communities and work to bring people of different communities together. We represent over 75% of black and minoritised voluntary, community and faith sectors, in Surrey, including 10,000 people who don’t have a good level of English, and have a successful 11-year track record supporting communities.

The 2021 census revealed 7.4% rise in Surrey's ethnic population to 23.4%, indicating a growing demand for our services. We challenge, myths and stereotypes combatting discriminatory racial narratives and racial tension. By providing culturally sensitive, person led support that address the deep-rooted inequalities affecting our communities, we amplify underrepresented voices and support those who face cultural, structural and digital barriers every day.

We are launching a walking challenge to collectively walk one million steps as a show of solidarity and movement toward equity. But this campaign isn’t just about steps, it’s about sustaining the work SMEF does every day.

Physical inactivity is a silent driver of long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, conditions that disproportionately affect ethnic minority groups.

Despite the well-known benefits of regular movement, adults from Black and Asian ethnic groups in England are significantly less active. As of May 2025, only about 56% of people from these groups meet recommended activity levels, compared with nearly 70% among White British and Mixed ethnicity populations.

Through this campaign, we are raising core funds to help our charity continue delivering critical, life-changing work while encouraging communities to become more active.

Participants and supporters are invited to track their steps individually or in teams over 4 weeks, sharing progress as part of a collective 1 million step goal. It’s movement, for a movement.