Bangladeshi Access Project

History...

The Bangladeshi Access Project began in Smethwick in August 1995, and was set up to work with Bangladeshi families, especially women, across the borough. The project was needed because of high unemployment within the community, which adversely affects the lives of Bangladeshi families. A very large proportion of families from the Bangladeshi Community also live in poor, victorian style, terraced housing, which affects the health of the community.

Facts and Figures...

The total Bangladeshi population in Sandwell is 0.8% of the overall ethnic minority population of 14.7%.

Purpose of the Project

• To make statutory sector services more available to the Bangladeshi community.
• To empower women to participate more fully in the community through training, confidence building and the development of knowledge.
• To promote and support self-organisation in order to articulate the needs of the Bangladeshi women to service providers.

Project Aims...

Funded through the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) and the Health Authority, the aims of the project are:

• To enhance the quality of life of Bangladeshi women living in the Sandwell area.
• To increase awareness and the ability of Bangladeshi women in Sandwell to address health issues that affect their social, cultural and spiritual life.
• To promote equality of opportunity and improve access to statutory health and social care provisions.

How are the project aims achieved?

The project activities are carried out by the Women's Development Worker who:

• Acts as an advocate and support for individuals needing access to health and social care services.
• Promotes and support the development of self-groups towards collective and individual empowerment.
• Provides interpreting support for non-English speaking women.
• Provides opportunities for skill based training through collaborative work with other projects.

These are done through...

• Awareness days
• Health promotion
• Drop in surgeries
• Workshops
• Open days / health fairs
• Keep fit sessions
• Single mother sessions
• One to one advice sessions
• Home visits
• Outreach provisions

For more information about the Bangladeshi Access Project please contact the Women's Development Worker on 0121 558 8261.