Race Equality Foundation has been awarded a grant by the Department of Health and Social Care to lead a programme with Black South West Network, Caribbean African Health Network and Friends Families and Travellers, to work with 21 voluntary and community organisations to support black, Asian, and minority ethnic people living with dementia and their carers.
Dementia is the most common pre-existing condition for people who are dying from Covid-19, and for the 25,000 people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds living with the condition across the UK, the social restrictions imposed during lockdown have made an already challenging time even more difficult.
The pandemic has seen demands on black, Asian, and minority ethnic-led organisations that support these individuals grow severely. These organisations, whilst best placed to provide essential local support services, have faced their own challenges, including immense financial strain, loss of volunteers, and staffing crises due to employees shielding.
Where the money will go
The programme will assist those voluntary and community organisations struggling due to the financial crisis to continue to support BAME individuals and families living with dementia. Some of the organisations supported are providing telephone and online services advice and emotional support. Others are providing culturally appropriate volunteer schemes to offer practical support with everyday tasks, and some are offering enhanced advocacy in appropriate languages, so that BAME people living with dementia can better engage professionals and agencies.
In addition, the Race Equality Foundation are developing a national resource of written, spoken and video translations of the latest guidance and communication (such as shielding letters), as part of the programme.
Access our translated resources here.
Jabeer Butt, Chief Executive Officer of Race Equality Foundation said “this funding will enable these immensely important organisations to provide much needed support specifically tailored to the needs of black, Asian and minority ethnic families affected by dementia.”
The 21 organisations funded in addition to the Race Equality Foundation.
Dementia programme case studies: this document provides a summary of the 21 projects working directly with people living with dementia and their families from these communities.
August update, link to our Dementia newsletter here.
September update, link to our Dementia newsletter here.
October update, link to our Dementia newsletter here.
November update, like to our Dementia newsletter here.
For further information on the project, contact Tracey Bignall via email tracey@racefound.org.uk
