Making social care services more culturally inclusive
In December 2021 we received feedback from representatives of the local Bangladeshi community highlighting some of the cultural issues faced by the community when trying to access some of the adult social care services offered locally. Feedback also highlighted the lack of awareness within the community of those services that were available to them.
After contacting Sunderland Care and Support (SCAS) who provide some of the adult social care services, they agreed to investigate the issues and we were able to put representatives from Sunderland Bangladeshi and International Centre (SBIC) in touch with SCAS, so they could directly share their concerns.
What difference did this make
As a result, an action plan to address some of the issues was developed which led to the delivery of a series of “show and tell” session delivered in May 2022, in respect of some key services that SCAS deliver and would be of interest to local BAME communities i.e. The Independent Living Team, Assistive Technology and Telecare, Occupational Therapy and Home Improvement Agency and Wheelchair Services.
Finally, the SBIC staff will also be delivering some cultural awareness training sessions to SCAS staff to help them better understand the community needs which in turn will help the service to adapt and improve.
