Coronavirus has had a huge and adverse impact on people, while health and social care messages have not been effectively disseminated to B.A.M.E communities. This includes key public health messages like social distancing and testing and contract tracing measures.

This outreach programme will help break down any barriers preventing people using the NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect service and support a two-way communication between organisations and communities. The project will help to communicate key messages and dispel any myths and false information (such as about vaccines).

The programme supports B.A.M.E communities tackle the wider range of access to healthcare issues and improving how services can be provided more effectively for these communities.

The programme is led by Swansea University Health Board in partnership with both Swansea, and Neath Port Talbot, Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS and NPTCVS).

Working with partners and other stakeholders, the team are engaging with BAME individuals, groups and organisations with the aim of ensuring equitable access to health and wellbeing advice and services.

The BAME Outreach Project support communities to have a greater understanding of their rights and access to health care, as well as playing an important role in identifying trusted community intermediaries and establishing mechanisms to sustain future engagement.

The project will support the response to COVID-19 outbreaks in local areas using existing networks, skills and services within the BAME communities and third sector organisations, utilising knowledge of the locality, and mobilising others (volunteers, intermediaries, translators etc.).

It will support communities to be empowered, and understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to keeping themselves safe and well, supporting communities to understand how they can access health care services.

The programme will also gather experience and learning of running a community development outreach programme to inform longer-term provision for BAME and other protected groups in relation to health.

The programme will achieve its aims through 4 strategies:

• Engagement and awareness raising
• Accessibility
• Inclusive policy and decision making
• Training and capacity Building

How you or your organisation can support this programme:

• Join the local working group on health
• Pass on issues and barriers you hear from the community you support
• Recommend individuals to talk to us the team through our focus groups, chai and chat sessions; engage in social media information networks i.e. WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.
• Highlight to the team any other areas you think need strategic action.
• Share our contacts with those you think can benefit from the service.

The team are happy to 'bridge that gap'.

To find out more, please contact:

Hannah Sabatia - [email protected] / 07538105650

Shadan Roghani - [email protected] / 07542275368