Supporting minority communities

Edition 14 – Wednesday 24 June

Covid-19 and inequality
Commentators began talking quite early on in the pandemic about the apparent disparities in how Covid-19 was affecting different communities.

As the data rolled in it became clear that not everyone faced the same risk of infection or severe consequences. Age, gender, deprivation, occupation, geography and ethnicity were all identified as factors that contributed to the disparities.  The increased risk though not fully understood is likely to arise from the interweaving of many factors. However, there are gaps in the collection of information, for example around ethnicity and occupation, particularly in relation to health and care data and on death certificates and this has hampered analyses and understanding.

With thanks to Islam Jalaita for sending us this bumper crop of articles:

BAME communities and Covid-19
This briefing looks at the impact of Covid-19 on BAME people, the second PHE report – Beyond the data – and its recommendations, what councils have been doing to tackle the disproportionate effects of Covid-19 and what needs to happen going forward

We’re all in the same storm, but not in the same boat: the long-lasting health equity impacts of Covid-19
Covid-19 and social disadvantage is a ‘chicken and egg’ crisis. This briefing offers policy recommendations for local governments and communities to come out of Covid-19 healthier and fairer.

Local government and Covid-19: issues for disadvantaged groups
“We are all in this together”. In one way this is true, but in other ways it is not. In early April this briefing looked at some of those groups who are facing the most severe consequences from Covid-19. The virus can strike anyone, but the economic and social effects will vary enormously.

Covid-19: It’s not equal in the end
Black and minority ethnic people and the poor are dying in disproportionate numbers from Covid-19. As the evidence started to mount, this long read from early May asked whether this pandemic will mark a sea change in policy to tackle health inequalities in the future?

With thanks to Islam Jalaita for sending us this bumper crop of articles:

BAME communities and Covid-19
This briefing looks at the impact of Covid-19 on BAME people, the second PHE report – Beyond the data – and its recommendations, what councils have been doing to tackle the disproportionate effects of Covid-19 and what needs to happen going forward

We’re all in the same storm, but not in the same boat: the long-lasting health equity impacts of Covid-19
Covid-19 and social disadvantage is a ‘chicken and egg’ crisis. This briefing offers policy recommendations for local governments and communities to come out of Covid-19 healthier and fairer.

Local government and Covid-19: issues for disadvantaged groups
“We are all in this together”. In one way this is true, but in other ways it is not. In early April this briefing looked at some of those groups who are facing the most severe consequences from Covid-19. The virus can strike anyone, but the economic and social effects will vary enormously.

Covid-19: It’s not equal in the end
Black and minority ethnic people and the poor are dying in disproportionate numbers from Covid-19. As the evidence started to mount, this long read from early May asked whether this pandemic will mark a sea change in policy to tackle health inequalities in the future?

Edition 12 – Wednesday 10 June

Impact of Covid-19 on ethnic minorities
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has announced that it will undertake an inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on ethnic minorities. The EHRC has said that the inquiry will develop clear, evidence-based recommendations for urgent action to tackle entrenched racial inequalities in a specific area. It will build on their previously published Roadmap to Race Equality

Engage Autism – Supporting families
New website to support families, providing ideas and links to games and activities suitable for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The website is being developed further, but is designed to be collaborative so input is very welcome. Take a look here

Places of worship
The government has confirmed that places of worship will be permitted to reopen for individual prayer from Monday 15 June. Faith leaders should carry out a risk assessment and tailor guidance according to their circumstances.

A Guide to Rural Community resilience
Communities Prepared and ACRE have published a new guide to help rural communities become more resilient in the face of emergencies. The guide features stories where rural communities have taken a proactive approach to anticipating and responding to emergency situations from floods to pandemics.

Covid-19 Summary of published guidance and support for vulnerable groups
A round-up has been published of much of the guidance and support for vulnerable groups. It has masses of resources collated within one document, so whether you are looking for an ‘easy read’ guide to Covid-19, asthma guidance, or resources for sex workers, you’ll probably find it here

Edition 11 – Wednesday 3 June

#BlackOutTuesday – a short reflection
Jane Ide, the Chief Executive of NAVCA has written a blog. I think it’s worth reproducing in its entirety, so I have…
“This may be the shortest blog I’ve ever written. I’m writing it at the end of the day, Tuesday 2nd June. Today was #BlackoutTuesday – a day which was interpreted in different ways by different people and organisations but which to me seemed fundamentally to be a day in which white voices were tasked with getting out of the way and allowing black voices to speak more loudly and more clearly than they are usually given the space to do.

Most women know what it is like to be the voice in the room that doesn’t get heard, that is not given space or airtime to share their thoughts or opinions or experiences. Those of us with the privilege of status also know what it is like to be the woman in the room who tries to carve out space for the other women there, the ones who have something really worthwhile to say but who don’t have a loud enough presence to interrupt the conversation and say it.

Maybe that’s why today I just don’t want to hear from my white colleagues and friends about their response to #BlackoutTuesday. There’s lots for us to discuss about what we must do differently, but we will always have that airtime given to us. Today is not the day. Let’s give up our space for the voices that don’t get given their space so freely.”

The Sikh Network’s Covid-19 Impact Report
The impact of Covid-19 on the Sikh community is captured in the latest report from the Sikh Network

This report provides insight into how the Sikh community perceives the government handling of the Covid-19 crisis and lack of Sikh community engagement. Over 1,500 people responded to the survey and the responses seemed to ask questions of the governments’ reaction and management of the pandemic over a range of areas.

Inequalities
Public Health England has published a review of data on disparities in the risk and outcomes from Covid-19.

This review confirms that the impact of Covid-19 has replicated existing health inequalities and, in some cases, has increased them. The largest disparity found was by age, people who were 80 or older were seventy times more likely to die than those under 40. Risk of dying was also higher in males than females; higher in those living in the more deprived areas than those living in the least deprived; and higher in those in BAME groups than in White ethnic groups.

The NHS Confederation and NHS England have confirmed the creation of an NHS Race and Health Observatory, which will identify and tackle the specific health challenges facing people from BAME backgrounds.

Edition 10 – Thursday 28 May

Ensuring disabled people are at the heart of your charity’s recovery plans
The disability charity Purple has created a 7-part e-tutorial on the disabled customer experience and etiquette for organisations to share with their staff. The modules cover issues such as: top tips on disability language and etiquette, top tips for front-line staff, and top tips on website accessibility.

Working with people living with mental health issues, learning disabilities and/or autism
NHS England and NHS Improvement produce a weekly bulletin for people working on Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism.

This bulletin provides colleagues working in organisations across health, care and support systems with a round-up of the new guidance, communication activities and information coming out of the NHS England and Improvement Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Covid-19 cell. It is recommended for staff members in social care, the voluntary and independent sectors and the NHS. You can sign up for the Bulletin here

Rural Track and Trace
The Rural Coalition has called on government for locally led Covid-19 track and trace. In a letter sent to Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The Coalition argues that a one-size-fits-all solution managed centrally from London will not serve rural communities well. Instead, there is a hope that a more locally driven approach to managing the pandemic can be adopted in the countryside.

The letter coincided with the announcement of £300 million additional funding for Local Authorities to develop locally tailored outbreak control plans, working with their local NHS and other stakeholders.

Supporting children and young people impacted by parental imprisonment
Children Heard and Seen is a charity supporting children, young people and their families who are experiencing parental imprisonment.

In response to Covid-19, Children Heard and Seen is offering online support for families during lockdown, helping them to stay connected. This has included cooking classes, family fitness sessions, and online discussions with other families affected by parental imprisonment. One-to-one support is also available.

They are also encouraging parents to get in touch and take advantage of their services at this difficult time.

Edition 9 – Wednesday 20 May

Winchester Go LD are still offering a Go LD star service “ They’re in our living rooms in exercise and disco gear!”
Winchester Go LD offers free support to adults with learning disabilities; and nurturing strong and meaningful relationships is key to all aspects of their work.

Helen, mum to Go LD member Jon says “When this all first started, Winchester Go LD, immediately started a WhatsApp group, they got everyone to put rainbows in their windows and they have stayed in constant contact. Jon’s just done a Low Level circuits session with them. Visually seeing his friends is important as well as keeping the routine going. Seeing everyone else at home also deepens his understanding of what we’re going through. They have hardly been off video conferencing, making Jon’s life just a little easier, but, importantly, making us feel that there are people out there who understand our situation.”

Winchester Go LD have drawn together “Lockdown stories” from some of their members, which you can read on their website. Any Winchester resident with learning disabilities can become a Go LD member by emailing or by calling 07949 093341 or 07534 838102

Covid-19 Summary of published guidance and support for vulnerable groups
A round-up has been published of much of the guidance and support for vulnerable groups. It has masses of resources collated within one document, so whether you are looking for an ‘easy read’ guide to Covid-19, asthma guidance, or resources for sex workers, you’ll probably find it here

Update on gambling addiction services available
GamCare – the charity which supports those with an addiction to gambling – has posted a blog outlining which of their services are still available during the lockdown. Their helpline is open 24/7 plus they have online forums and chatroom sessions to provide additional support. Treatment services are being done over the phone – click here to see the full details of their support

Edition 7 – Wednesday 6 May

Concerns over councils ‘rushing to free themselves’ from Care Act duties
Eight local authorities in England (none of them local to us) have become the first to take advantage of new emergency powers that allow them to reduce their duties under the Care Act.

The emergency powers were introduced as part of the government’s Coronavirus Act, and mean councils – if they need to take advantage of the easements – no longer have to carry out detailed assessments of disabled people’s care and support needs, and no longer have a legal duty to meet all eligible care and support needs.

This is understandably causing concern among disability charities. Svetlana Kotova, director of campaigns and justice for Inclusion London, said “This will have severe consequences for disabled people as their legal rights have been suspended. Consequently, disabled people will be at risk of not getting the support they need, and it will be tough to challenge this. We understand local authorities are in a difficult position, and that implementing the easements may seem like an easy solution.”

National Voices is looking for more people with physical and mental disabilities to share their experiences during the pandemic
National Voices is a coalition of 150 charities supporting people with physical and mental health problems and disabilities, and those who are facing inequality or discrimination. On the website you can browse other people’s experiences and leave your own. To get involved, click here.

Gypsy and Traveller communities
The Minister for Communities, Stephen Greenhalgh, has written to local authority chief executives to highlight that some members of Gypsy and Traveller communities are likely to be particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. They may need support in accessing basic facilities such as water, sanitation and waste disposal, to enable them to adhere to public health guidelines around self-isolation and social distancing during the outbreak.

RNIB launches new online library for people with sight loss
The library offers people with sight loss instant access to thousands of free books in formats they can read. The new platform already has more than 26,000 titles, making it the UK’s largest online library of Talking Books. To sign up to the online library, click here, or call the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999.

Guide Dogs – new phone line
Guide Dogs have launched a new phone line for people with sight loss and their families, to help support them during the coronavirus outbreak.

They can help you identify ways to continue living actively, independently and well, refer you to their other services or help you access services by other providers. Please call 0800 781 1444 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or visit their website to find out more. Guide Dogs staff can also arrange to contact you regularly by phone to provide individual support through the social isolation period.

Mencap TV
Mencap has launched an online video channel hosted on YouTube. It is designed to provide fun and instructional videos for the 1.5 million people at home with learning disabilities, many of whom will have lost access to support and services because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Mencap has also created a wider hub of accessible resources including easy-to-read versions of official government guidance, activity planners and templates to help combat anxiety, loneliness and maintain routine, which is important for some people with learning disabilities. All the videos posted on Mencap TV feature someone with a learning disability or people who support them. Mencap TV is available here

9 out of 10 small BAME charities could close within months
Almost 90 per cent of BAME micro and small voluntary and community organisations could face permanent closure within a matter of months if the coronavirus crisis extends into June, a report from the London-based charity the Ubele Initiative has warned.

The report, Impact of Covid-19 on the BAME Community and Voluntary Sector, analyses the results of two sector surveys carried out by the Ubele Initiative at the end of March and early April. They found that slightly more than two-thirds of micro BAME charities (those with annual incomes of less than £10,000) and small BAME charities (annual incomes of less than £100,000) did not have any reserves, and fewer than one in five (19 per cent) had reserves that would last three months.

Edition 6 – Wednesday 29 April

Ramadan At Home
Messaging and materials to support people staying at home during Ramadan.

Stay Home for your Family
New BAME materials to encourage the public to Stay home for your family. Don‘t put their lives in danger.

Young BAME social
Anyone can catch it, Anyone can spread it social assets for younger people and BAME communities.

Every Mind Matters
Translations of the new Now more than ever mental health “10 top tips” Twitter and Facebook assets are now available in Polish, Russian, Punjabi, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati, Romanian, Roma and Somali.

Edition 5 – Wednesday 22 April

Edition 4 – Wednesday 15 April