EMAPP: The Voice of Reason

In the London boroughs of Ealing and Hounslow a Mencap advocacy called EMAPP (Ethnic Minority Access and Participation Project) works within the community and with service providers to ensure that people with a learning disability who are from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, are receiving improved services that are culturally appropriate.

EMAPP aims to develop a model of good practice for advocacy forums involving people from BME communities - giving them a say in the development of their services and ensuring that their voices are heard. The project empowers people with a learning disability and their carers and identifies and combats the attitudes and processes that discriminate against their interests.

The project helps carers of adults with a learning disability from Minority Ethnic communities by raising their profile and giving them a voice to say what they want for their sons and daughters. It also provides a network of groups for service users to meet and take part in culturally appropriate activities. "I have made new friends and I am more independent", says one services user of the project. Other comments include, "Staff have been really helpful and kind and I have loads of opportunities to do things myself. Information days are helpful for people with all kinds of disabilties from ethnic minority communities" and, "It has helped me to meet new as well as my old friends and helped me to socialise."

There are three EMAPP project fieldworkers who work at establishing and co-ordinating groups and forums, and liaising with local groups and organisations. "We give relevant accessible information and advice to people with learning disabilities and their families," explains project worker Alka Tripathi. "We help them by giving them opportunities to meet service providers and managers to raise their concerns. These meetings reduce isolation by bringing them together to network and make new friends. They can also exchange experiences and they often leave feeling relieved that they are not alone. Now they are being listened to and service providers take on board their views and concerns."

EMAPP organises events such as conferences and information sessions covering a variety of issues including health, wills and trust, modernising day services and direct payments.

The events provide an opportunity to share information and exchange ideas and examples of good practice. Previous events have included an open day, which looked at how to help local Learning Disability Partnership Boards make better decisions and changes for people with a learning disability from minority communties. The event was attended by about 100 people, including local councillors, and was chaired by the director of the Hounslow Racial Equality Council.

After attending one information session the father of a young man with Asperger's syndrome said, "Today was like a godsend. My son and I are very concerned about security and the crime talk today was great."

Alka Tripathi says it is this kind of feedback that drives EMAPP. "We are happy when we feel that we are able to empower peopel with learning disabilties and their families. We get satisfaction out of knowing that parents' and carers' needs are met."

For more information on EMAPP contact Ruhi Grover.
Email: ruhi.grover@mencap.org.uk

Viewpoint May/June 2006 ❏