West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership Community resilience digital event

Friday 9th October 2020

Hello my name is…

Hillary Thompson Chairperson of Third Sector Leaders Kirklees and Lead for Harnessing the Power of Communities

Programme

Hello and welcome 11.30am - 11.40am Hilary Thompson Challenging exclusion for people with disabilities 11.40am - 11.55am Charles Khaula – Malawi Our community – preserving tradition and embracing change 11.55am - 12.15pm Sam Dhanjal – Sikh Elders Service, Touchstone Questions 12.15pm - 12.25pm Comfort break 12.25pm - 12.30pm A focus on women and gender equality in Tajikistan 12.30pm - 12.50pm Manuchehra Shaknamova – Tajikistan Challenging injustice and racial inequality 12.50pm - 1.10pm Peninah Wangari-Jones - Racial Justice Network Questions 1.10pm - 1.25pm Final thoughts and reflections 1.25pm - 1.30pm Rob Webster and Hilary Thompson

Hello my name is

Charles Khaula Association of People with Physical Disabilities, Malawi

Overview of Malawi

• Located in Southern Africa, Malawi is landlocked, sharing its borders with Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania.

• One of the poorest countries in the world despite making significant economic and structural reforms to sustain economic growth.

• The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, employing nearly 80% of the population, and it is vulnerable to external shocks, particularly climatic shocks

• The pathway of fast economic growth has been interrupted by the COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Disability and Exclusion in Malawi

• 10.4% of the total population in Malawi is made up of persons with disabilities (2018 Population and Housing Census report).

• Of these 90.1% live in rural areas.

• Only 34% have ever attended school and only 18% are able to read and write

• Violence against persons with disabilities continues to be an issue of concern in Malawi

• Cases of sexual abuse against women with disabilities have been reported and some prosecuted

Disability and Exclusion in Malawi

• Implementation of Government policy on disability remains uncoordinated and piecemeal

• This has become the main barrier for persons with disabilities to access basic services in the areas of health, education, training and employment, water etc.

• There is under-representation of persons with disabilities in decision making

• For the past decade, disability had not been prioritized as a rights and development issue in the national development agenda.

The Association of People with Physical Disabilities in Malawi – what we do

Access to rights

Working with communities

Social Inclusion and promoting health and wellbeing

Influencing policy and practice

COVID-19 and Disability in Malawi

• Malawi now has over 5700 confirmed COVID-19 positive cases, and over 175 deaths of which some are members of our Association including an Executive Council Member.

• While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens all members of the society, persons disabilities have been disproportionately impacted due to various factors such as attitudinal, environmental and institutional barriers that are reproduced in the COVID-19 response.

COVID-19 and Disability in Malawi

Malawi Coronavirus

Cases: 5,794

Deaths: 180

Recovered: 4,541

• Many persons with disabilities have pre-existing health conditions that make them more susceptible to contracting the virus, experiencing more severe symptoms upon infection, leading to elevated levels of death.

• Taking into account the nature of COVID-19 crisis, persons with disabilities who often depend on others for support in their daily living, find themselves isolated and unable to survive in situations of restricted movements, social distancing and improved sanitation practices as many WASH facilities around our society are not accessible.

COVID-19 and Disability in Malawi

• For many persons with disabilities, access to health services (e.g. sexual reproductive health and rehabilitation) and information are intensified.

Persons with disabilities who are also among the poorest of the poor in the society continue to face discrimination and other barriers in accessing livelihood and income support, participating in digital/online forms of education (as not many of them have access to modern telecommunication gadgets including radios), and seeking protection from violence.

COVID-19 and Disability in Malawi

• The pandemic has also brought many other challenges within the social, economic and political determinants

• Many persons with disabilities who work in both formal and informal sectors lost their jobs

• Many response interventions were not aspired to protect and enhance the resilience of PwDs from various effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

• Making the social economic resilience of PwDs uncertain

What next? We stand for disability rights

accessibility, safety, community acceptance, independent living and quality of life, full and active

participation in society, equal access to education and

employment

Hello my name is…

Gursam Dhanjal Sikh Elders Service, Touchstone

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITIES

Gursam Kaur Dhanjal| 09/10/2020

My name is Gursam Kaur Dhanjal. I am a Sikh and follow the traditions and culture and am very proud of our

heritage. I have a husband and two sons aged 18 and 13. I’m an active mother

who loves spending time with the family and enjoy holidays abroad. My favourite destination is Dubai and cannot wait to

go once this pandemic is over!

I enjoy watching gameshows and extending my general knowledge. Both my boys are classical indian musicians

and I enjoy listening and watching them on stage. #ProudMother :)

GURSAM DHANJAL

SIKHISM ♦ Sikhism is a religion that was derived over 500 years ago. The religion

was founded by our first Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikhism is based on the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and the nine Sikh Gurus that succeeded him. Sikhism preaches a message of devotion and remembrance of God at all times which includes truthful living and equality of mankind. Our 11th and Living Guru, is our Holy Book Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This has all the teachings and scriptures of the Ten Gurus, that embodies the Sikh culture and giving Sikhs spiritual guidance on how to be a good human being.

♦ Guru Nanak Dev Ji, was born in 1469 and founded the Sikh religion in 1500. Guru Nanak taught that living an active and practical life of truthfulness, self-control and purity is above the truth and is what a Sikh should follow. He set out 3 main principles, that every Sikh should live and follow on a daily basis of their life.

♦ 1. Naam Jaapo – Mediate on God’s Name

♦ 2. Kirat Karo – Earn an Honest Living

♦ 3. Vand Ke Chako – Share with others

♦ By following these principles, it makes us better Sikhs and human beings and helps to stay away from the 5 vices, which are Kaam (Lust), Krodh (Anger), Lobh (Greed), Moh (Attachment) and Ahankar (Ego).

♦ The Sikh population in the world is 25 million and in the UK there are 432,000 Sikhs.

SIKHISM ♦ Each of the 10 Gurus have scripted their teachings and

wisdom in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The 1st and 10th Guru played a more significant role in the Sikh religion.

♦ In 1699, our 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa. The Khalsa upholds the highest Sikh virtues of commitment, dedication and a social conscious. The Khalsa are men and women who have undergone the Sikh baptism ceremony and who strictly follow the Sikh Code of Conduct and wear the physical articles of the faith. These include the 5 K’s, which are

♦ 1. Kesh (Uncut Hair)

♦ 2. Kanga (Small Wooden Comb)

♦ 3. Kara (Iron Bangle)

♦ 4. Kirpan (Ceremonial Dagger)

♦ 5. Kacchera (Under Garments)

♦ Also on this day, Sikhs were given a unique identity of the Dastar (Turban). This means that male Sikhs should keep their hair covered with a Turban. All men were given the middle name as Singh (Lion) and all women were given the middle name as Kaur (Princess).

Link for more information:

♦ https://sharecharityuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/RehatSideBV2.pdf

SIKHISM

♦ The holy place of worship for Sikhs is called a Gurdwara.

♦ Each gurdwara has a Darbar Sahib where the current and everlasting Guru of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is placed on a takhat (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. The Giani's (Priests) recite, sing, and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the congregation.

♦ All gurdwaras have a langar hall, where people from all faiths, caste, creed, gender and religion can eat free vegetarian food served by volunteers at the Gurdwara.

♦ The most spiritual shrine on earth for Sikhs is the Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India). The Golden Temple is not only a central religious place for the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. The Gurdwara has 4 open doors which symbolises that anybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual guidance and religious fulfilment.

♦ Link for more information:

♦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-_fI9i1XiI

TOUCHSTONE

♦ Touchstone is a mental health charity and provides wellbeing services to over 2000 people across Yorkshire. Touchstone started in 1982, where large numbers of vulnerable people were left isolated and distressed out of hours and at weekends. Thirty years later Touchstone works across communities to grow their confidence and capacity to demand the services and positive experiences they are entitled to.

♦ Touchstone is strongly committed to equality, independence and choice. Touchstone staff are committed, resourceful and knowledgeable and they reflect the multi cultural community in which Touchtone operates.

♦ At Touchstone, we ensure that people with mental health problems are at the centre of our planning.

SIKH ELDERS SERVICE (SES) ♦ Our aim is to improve the health and well-being of Sikh Elders by

supporting them to live independently, and to live fulfilling lives. We are a dedicated Punjabi speaking team who provide specialised provision and support. We address the many issues affecting all elders in the community. We do this by offering a combination of one to one support and group activities.

♦ The staff and volunteers work in a sensitive way which respects values and traditions of the Sikh faith and culture. We know how important confidentiality is, and we make sure that the privacy, dignity and choices of our elders are at the heart of everything we do.

♦ What we do:

♦ We support Sikh & Punjabi speaking Elders aged 55+ in Leeds

♦ We organise group and social activities such as yoga sessions, poetry and literature, learning new skills and opportunities to socialise

♦ We arrange events and trips for the service users

♦ We provide advice, information and signposting to other support services

♦ We provide individual support by offering home visits or by telephone contact

♦ We assign volunteer befrienders to visit the lonely Sikh Elders

♦ We are a dedicated team supporting the Sikh & Punjabi speaking community to improve the quality of life

♦ We help reduce loneliness and isolation

♦ We promote good mental health

♦ Getting out and about:

♦ SES organises trips and outings to local places of interests and new environments and spaces.

♦ Sikh Elders service focuses on holistic health and wellness, we motivate our service users to lead active lifestyles including having fun outings like visiting a local café, relaxing in the park or going to the beach.

♦ The Sikh Elders service users visit new spaces in the community and surrounding areas, such as local cafes and social places, where they can visit and enjoy the environment and food.

♦ We make memorable outings with our Sikh Elders and offer the chance to engage in thoughtful reflection too.

SIKH ELDERS SERVICE (SES)

♦ Meet the Team:

♦ Gursam Kaur Dhanjal – Sikh Elders Service Team Co-ordinator

♦ Sarbjit Kaur – Community Support and Volunteer Worker

♦ Kuldip Kaur Dhupar – Administrator

♦ Volunteering:

♦ Sikh Elders Service has a valued team of committed volunteers who spend some of their spare time furthering the work of the service.

♦ Sikh Elders Service Users attend Cha Da Cup on a Monday for a cup of tea, lunch, physical exercises and activities to keep the brain active and relaxed. The volunteering role involves helping set up the event space, offering a friendly welcome, serving refreshments and lunch. There are trips out, exercises, planned activities and guest speakers on Mondays. This role involves engaging with the Sikh Elders and encouraging them to participate in the activities or physical exercise.

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

♦ As Sikhs we try our best to follow the teachings of the Gurus and implement them in our daily lives, such as Naam Jaapo, Vand Ke Chako and Kirat Karo.

♦ During this COVID-19 pandemic, many Gurdwaras kept their kitchens open to make and provide food to keyworkers, homeless and the less fortunate. The community got together to take part in this service voluntarily. This was done in line with government guidelines and social distancing.

♦ When families endure a bereavement, the community get together to support the bereaved family and will help with anything from cooking food to funeral arrangements. During COVID many families lost loved ones and the support that is generally given by the community has not been possible. However, the community still played their part by doing prayers and hymns over virtual applications to support the family.

♦ In the time of need for a family, the community get together and raise donations to try to help and fund the family. This does not have to be monetary, but can be clothes, food etc.

♦ Many years ago, when the south Asian communities came from India and East Africa to England, they suffered many injustices and racial discrimination.

♦ One of these examples that I grew up remembering is the Mandla vs Dowell-Lee case. A Sikh boy was refused entry to a school in Birmingham by the headteacher. This was because of his identity of wearing a turban. He was told to stop wearing a turban and cut his hair. The boy went to another school, but his father lodged a complaint and fought in court. The House of Lords held in favour of the Commission for Racial Equality and he won the case.

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

♦ In the 60’s and 70s, when many south Asian communities emigrated from India and East Africa to England, a lot of them struggled seeking jobs. Many faced racial discrimination and were told that in order to get a job, they must cut their hair and lose the turban. One example, was a bus driver who lived in the Midlands and was told to cut his hair in order to maintain his role. His uncles forcefully cut his hair so he could get the job.

♦ After a short illness, Mr Sandhu returned to work complete with a turban and an uncut beard. After a round trip on the bus, he was sent home to shave. He refused and was suspended. He met Sohan Singh Jolly who served as a police inspector for the British Raj in Kenya. Millions of Sikhs fought both World Wars and had forgone helmets for their turbans. There was a march with over 6000 Sikhs and this played a part in the win to wear turbans at work.

♦ Mr Sandhu changed legislation about religious expression at work and Sikhs no longer had to compromise on their identity.

♦ Whatever festival or celebration is being held, south Asian communities rally together to make it a joyous event and will help support family and friends to achieve this. At the end of the day, we should all be kind and helpful to each other as this is what makes all of us stronger and united.

♦ As a result of all the challenges faced by the first generations, such as injustice, racial discrimination and inequalities, it has meant that the generations to follow can lead an easier life. They are more accepted and don’t face such harsh challenges. They have seen their parents struggle and work hard to provide which has led them to work even harder which has resulted in some very successful Sikh businessmen and women. Some notable people include:

♦ Reuben Singh - CEO of Contact Centre Company

♦ Dr Manjeet Singh Riyat – Emergency Care Consultant at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

♦ Mandeep Singh Sokhi - Entrepreneur, Public Speaker and Investor

♦ Shay Grewal - Journalist

THANK YOU

Twitter @sikhelders

Instagram @sikhelders

Email sikhelders@touchstonesupport.org.uk

Phone 07824 481270

Questions

Comfort Break

Hello my name is…

Manuchehra Shaknamova – Tajikistan

Hello my name is…

Peninah Wangari-Jones Racial Justice Network

Community Resilience:

Challenging injustice and racial inequality

Who we are

Anti-racist charity, that brings together individuals and organisations from across West Yorkshire to proactively promote racial justice. We seek to bring holistic, societal, environmental, spiritual and cultural repairs to address colonial legacies and end racial injustice. We maintain race analysis at the core of our work and intersect it with other identities like class, gender, migration and so forth. We work predominantly with racially minoritised communities to develop and build skills and capacity to participate fully in society

How we do what we do..

We mobilise and organise, train, inform and influence, utilise media , research and report on issues that affect communities we work with.

Some of our projects; • Collective conversations • 13th recommendation • Unlearning racism course • Stop the scan campaign • Internationalism • Covid response

RJN findings... Nothing about us, without us (is for us)

• Go for easy or familiar solutions-symptoms rather than root cause Avoid discomfort and taking risks which is where most learning and growth occurs.

• Celebrating victimhood and glorify saving. • Missresilience and innovation that exists. • Self-interested (thanks to neoliberalism),monetisation, targets,

hierarchies and privilege. • Complacency and bystanders.

Take away..

• Interconnectedness • Listening and open to learning • Work collaboratively and resource equitably

Radical • Intersectional approach • Inclusive and centre the most marginalised • Honouring and acknowledging lived experience (trauma

informed) • Reparative justice- debt owed

www.racialjusticenetwork.co.uk | Twitter: @racejustice | Facebook: @racialjusticenetwork | Instagram: @theracialjusticenetwork

|info@racialjusticenetwork.co.uk

Questions

Final thoughts and reflections

Rob Webster and Hilary Thompson

• T: 01924 317659 • Visit www.wyhpartnership.co.uk • Weekly blog www.wyhpartnership.co.uk/blog • Follow: @wyhpartnership

Further information