Our Voices Matter: BME Communities & Multiple Needs

A new BME Group will be meeting at the Zion Centre, Tuesday 16th August – 3pm to 5pm

As part of the Inspiring Change Manchester equalities and inclusion group we have recognised that there is a need for more work to be done in understanding:

– The barriers people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds with Multiple and Complex Needs face in accessing services

– The relationships between ethnicity and Multiple and Complex Needs

– How racism and discrimination contribute to someone’s experience of Multiple and Complex Needs

Inspiring Change is here to change the way people experiencing Multiple and Complex Needs in Manchester find help, to reach those who are disengaged from services and to breakdown down the barriers that prevent people from leading a fullfilling life.

People with Multiple and Complex Needs face many barriers to accessing services but those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities can face additional barriers.  This is why we are creating a group with people from these communities who have lived experience of homelessness, mental health and emotional wellbeing issues, reoffending and alcohol and/or substance use.

The group will design and develop a workshop to explore the barriers and what we can do better to engage with BME communities.  It is a chance to inform others of our experiences and to effect service design and delivery for BME individuals with multiple needs. You can also find out about other volunteering opportunities and ways to get involved with Inspiring Change Manchester.

If you are a BME person with lived experience of any of the above and you would like to be involved we will be having a meeting at the Zion center on Tuesday 16th August 3pm- 5pm to start developing ideas (which will include a video). Snacks will be provided and travel reimbursed.

Feel free to bring along anyone else who is interested!

You can contact Nadia, an ICM Core Group Member and Peer Mentor, to find out more using the details below:

e: Nadia_Bennett@shelter.org.uk

m: 07497 918 323