What makes a difference?

Things that could help reach out to individuals and families from BME communities include:

Finding new ways of explaining learning disability issues to families from black and minority ethnic communities. This should explain learning disability in a way that’s accessible and takes account of differences in language and how it is interpreted. 

Checking out if people need support with translation or language and do not just assume that because people speak English they have understood the meaning of the information provided to them.

Being prepared to be flexible and creative; things might need to be done in a different way to reach groups who do not normally access services. This might mean doing some outreach work, advertising things in local Mosques, businesses, GP surgeries and other community based places.

Employing staff from black and minority ethnic communities who have access to networks and contacts can make a huge difference and again attracting staff from different communities might need a fresh approach to recruitment.

Encouraging people from black and minority ethnic communities with experience of accessing services toshare these experiences and help break down some of the barriers that exist within communities.

Building partnerships with black and minority ethnic led organisations, pooling scarce resources or piloting work with one another to build capacity and open up access to services.

Having awareness of how people express their faith or culture is vital, it builds understanding of people’s practices and ensures the person is appropriately supported.

Thinking about the images used to promote services or information, ensure the images and messages are inclusive. Think about displaying welcome signs and information in different languages.

Recognising issues of isolation are particularly felt by families in rural areas which Community Health and Care Partnerships (CHCP) could be key in addressing as they often cross local authority boundaries.

Promoting Local Area Co-ordination (LAC) as providing a good model of support to families who are marginalised as there is much potential in the development of LAC for improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and families from black and minority ethnic communities.