BAME Carer Roadshows
On this page
- Lead Organisation
Leeds City Council
- Project contact
Ian Brooke-Mawson
Our intelligence tells us that awareness of caring and support for carers in diverse BAME communities is low, as is take up of statutory and voluntary sector support.
To address this, we have established a working group, involving third sector partners and carers, to strengthen partnership working across organisations to benefit carers from BAME communities. The working group have planned and are delivering a series of BAME carer roadshows to raise awareness of caring and provide information about support available for carers in Leeds.
- Partners
Hamara, ABA, Touchstone, Carers Leeds, Family Action
- Project duration
June 2023 – ongoing
- Key beneficiaries
Carers
BAME Carer Roadshows
Why we started this initiative
While carers from Black, Asian or ethnic minority communities face many of the same challenges as all carers, they can also face additional challenges. For example cultural or language barriers, which can increase the chances of poorer health, poverty, and social exclusion. The views and experiences of carers from diverse Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities are less likely to be gathered, for example through user surveys.
Carers from ethnically diverse communities are less likely to access the same channels of information, advice and support. This can be caused by a variety of factors, one of which is the perception that support will not be culturally appropriate.
Our goals
The roadshows provide an opportunity to:
• Celebrate the rich diversity of the population of Leeds and the contribution of unpaid carers.
• Raise awareness of carers and caring within BAME communities.
• Support people to recognise that they are providing unpaid care.
• Connect people to the support available in Leeds for carers.
• Share learnings with providers on how people from BAME communities say they would like support to be supported.
How we’re implementing it
The roadshows are held in community venues that are familiar to and used by people from diverse communities. Each roadshow opens with short presentations from local Black, Asian or ethnic minority organisations; Carers Leeds; carers and elected members, and then people can engage with the information stalls and talk to local organisations as well as attending workshops which aim to help unpaid carers learn more about:
• carer health & wellbeing
• types of support
• local services that can help
• how to access social groups
• finance, grants and benefits
Learnings
Over 100 carers from Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities attended the two roadshows in 2023 and positive feedback was received from both carers and stallholders.
It was critically important that local and trusted third sector organisations promoted and hosted the events.
We had carers sharing their own stories which was incredibly valued by those attending.
From ABA, one of the host organisations: “Your presence greatly contributed to the event’s success, and your dedication to our community is truly appreciated. We look forward to collaborating with you in the future to continue supporting our community. Thank you once again for your valuable contribution.”