The Jeevan
Project
The
Jeevan Project which meets every week, helps widen the
involvement of young Asian women with learning disabilities
in the broader community which interest them by group
activities & the involvement of Advocacy partnerships.
Jeevan is developing partnerships to encourage more
independence & integration. The group intends to
encourage & empower the young women to speak up for
themselves.
The project is unique, based in Sheffield, which provides
single sex activities & is developing an understanding
about self-advocacy. The young Asian women are involved in
planning for the group activities, which help develop their
skills.
These members have spoken up on BBC radio Sheffield,
participated in various workshops, presentations &
filming projects & some members have found paid
employment through the building up of self-confidence &
self-esteem.
Early research showed these members did very little outside
their family environments.
Since Jeevan has been set up, it has helped break down
barriers of social exclusion & encouraged social
solidarity in a 'person centred' approach.
Studies by Pam Allen (2002) Mental health needs of minority
ethnic groups show areas like FirthPark & Burngreave
suffer the highest areas of deprivation in Sheffield.
The case study reveals the population of Asians with
learning disabilities are far greater than their white
counterparts. This figure is expected to double over the
next decade thus showing a need for groups like Jeevan to
survive.
Jeevan has always aimed at being a model of good practice
& hopes other cities can set up similar projects to
help the most isolated groups.
Currently activities & work are limited due to lack of
funding.
If you can help, volunteer, join the group or simply want
to find out more, visit the website:
www.jeevangroup1.blinkz.com
Contact Saara Nawaz
on: 0114
261 9130 or
07961
061 642
Email:
jeevanproject@lycos.co.uk
