Saving Lives 24/7
BSWN, Bristol Black Carers and Bristol Somali Resource Centre Launch an emergency COVID-19 Service
Black South West Network (BSWN) is working in partnership with Bristol Black Carers and Bristol Somali Resource Centre as part of our Saving Lives 24/7 project, which aims to save lives, improve wellbeing, and address system barriers for the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and their families in the Bristol and South Gloucester.
The main objective shared amongst BSWN, Bristol Black Carers, and Bristol Somali Resource Centre is to save time and stress for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in high risk categories by:
providing intensive benefits, job-finding, enterprise support, or furloughing advice to improve household income levels
supporting people in high risk categories to secure appropriate services & solutions and reduce anxiety levels, debts, manage fears of family health and safety
proving case advice and advocacy to help address system barriers for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities as they emerge during lockdown and the pandemic.
This crucial service will ensure people in the community are supported through the appropriate services and solutions which will in turn reduce anxiety and stress levels, financial issues and help fight the fear they may have experienced leaving lockdown.
As out Director, Sado Jirde, commented:
“Our work over the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the damaging economic impacts amongst Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic led businesses, organisations & communities. Loss of paid work and lockdown restrictions choked income for large numbers of households, pushing many into near-overnight poverty. Many Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic organisations, businesses and self-employed people shared how they have often been labelled ‘ineligible’ for Government support programmes, forcing reliance on food banks, community groups and relatives for basics. This doubled-down with constant mental stress, fear of infection, spiralling debts, and no income sources. We are delighted to be working with our key sector partners, Bristol Black Carers and Bristol Somali Resource Centre, whose support for local communities in the city has been a vital lifeline before and especially during this challenging time.”
Accessing support
To access support from one of our delivery partners, please their information below:
Bristol Black Carers
Bristol Black Carers is an award-winning charity committed to an important mission - to provide person centred, culturally appropriate and holistic support/assistance for carers and their families within Caribbean, African and Asian communities across Bristol. Everything they do starts from a place of listening to the needs of clients, whether that need is simply to know that they are not alone, connect to a wider network of community support or to navigate through the different statutory and voluntary organisations who provide relevant services.
To find our more about Bristol Black Carers, please see their website HERE.
Contact phone number: 0117 379 0084
Contact email address: Admin@bristolblackcarers.org.uk
Bristol Somali Resource Centre
The Bristol Somali Resource Centre is a community-based organisation which supports people who are socially and economically disadvantaged, in particular but not limited to people of Somali origin and heritage living and/or working within Bristol.
BSRC provides free and impartial information, advice and guidance on range of issues including welfare, housing, immigration, schools and employment. The service is open to all, but has a focus on supporting the Somali community in Bristol.
They aim to get the voice of the Somali community heard in the area, promote community cohesion and reduce the isolation of Somali people. BSRC has been, and continues to be a key partner for organisations and bodies seeking to establish facts and understanding of the Somali community.
To find our more about Bristol Somali Resource Centre, please see their website HERE.
Contact phone number: 01179 077 994
Contact email address: info@somalicentre.co.uk