Connecting With Black and Minority Ethnic Communities

Femi Ade Olayisade

Coordinator

Transformational Change Programme

Factors for success

• Commitment of the leaders

• Dynamism of BREHP

• Personal commitment

• Support from opinion/community leaders

• Local partners

Problems Identified

• Difficulties in contacting members of BMEs

• Difficulties in attending traditional consultation meetings

• Lack of awareness of service available

• Getting the right appropriate channels of communication

Femi Ade OlayisadeBristol North PCT

You cannot shake hands with close fist

What we are doing• Equipping the local workforce

• Improving recruitment process

• Providing a comprehensive quality translation and interpretation service

• Delivery of service in innovative ways– GP practice– Pharmacy– Haven (special clinic for asylum seekers)

How!• Website –discussion forum

• Radio phone-in programme

• Consultations

• Support local communities

• Community events

• Diverse workforce

• Special projects

• Cultural competency training

Challenges

• Sustainability and mainstreaming

• Getting staff commitment

• Institutionalise the ideology of RRAA

• Provide links with/between projects

• Partnership working

• Avenues to share examples of best practice

• Lack of mainstream funding