EASTERN
REGION
On the 13th July, within the Eastern region, an event was
hosted looking at making services better for people from
Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds receiving support
from Learning Disability Services.
The main aim of the
event was to have the opportunity to share good practice
happening within the region but also to attend workshops to
look at what the barriers to progress are and what needs to
happen to make sure that meeting the needs of people from
Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are kept high on
everyone's agenda - a big focus was the role of Partnership
Boards and the need for this agenda to be led strategically
from a senior level as well as the importance of making
sure Person Centred approached are considered key.
The event was opened by a service user who gave a talk
about some of their life experiences - a stark reminder of
the Double Discrimination that can be faced by individuals
from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
This was followed by two presentations promoting good
practice and updating on current developments in
Hertfordshire and Luton. Examples of good practice included
the 'Getting in
Touch' CD (Go to the
Resources page for further information) produced by
Hertfordshire County Council which shows how to and
encourages frontline staff to learn a few key words or
short phrases in various minority ethnic languages -
research in Hertfordshire has identified that satisfaction
increases from service users and carers who feel more
valued and respected when staff learn a few words in their
preferred language.
In the afternoon, workshops took place to allow attendees
an opportunity to share good practice but also discuss any
areas for improvement.
This forum hopes to meet again in October and we are hoping
that this becomes a regular feature in the Eastern Region.
For more information contact:
Shazia
Butt
Involvement Worker for Black and Minority Ethnic Users and
Carers
Performance and Workforce Development
Adult Care Services
Tel: 01707 280 659
Email:
shazia.butt@hertscc.gov.uk
