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 • The economy is Africa, Malawi is heavily dependent on landlocked, sharing its agriculture, employing borders with nearly 80% of the Mozambique, population, and it is Zambia and Tanzania. vulnerable to external shocks, particularly • One of the poorest countries in the world climatic shocks despite making • The pathway of fast significant economic economic growth has and structural reforms been interrupted by to sustain economic the COVID-19 growth. (coronavirus).

Disability and Exclusion in Malawi

• 10.4% of the total • Violence against population in Malawi is persons with made up of persons disabilities continues with disabilities (2018 to be an issue of Population and concern in Malawi Housing Census • Cases of sexual abuse report). against women with • Of these 90.1% live in disabilities have been rural areas. reported and some prosecuted • Only 34% have ever attended school and only 18% are able to read and write Disability and Exclusion in Malawi

• Implementation of • There is under- Government policy on representation of disability remains persons with uncoordinated and disabilities in decision piecemeal making • This has become the • For the past decade, main barrier for disability had not been persons with prioritized as a rights disabilities to access and development basic services in the issue in the national areas of health, development agenda. education, training and

employment, water etc. The Association of People with Physical Disabilities in Malawi – what we do

Access to rights Social Inclusion and promoting health and wellbeing

Working with communities Influencing policy and practice COVID-19 and Disability in Malawi

• Malawi now has over • While the COVID-19 5700 confirmed pandemic threatens COVID-19 positive all members of the cases, and over 175 society, persons deaths of which some disabilities have been are members of our disproportionately Association including impacted due to an Executive Council various factors such as Member. attitudinal, environmental and institutional barriers that are reproduced in the COVID-19 response.

COVID-19 and Disability in Malawi Malawi • Many persons with • Taking into account disabilities have pre- the nature of COVID- Coronavirus existing health 19 crisis, persons with conditions that make disabilities who often Cases: them more depend on others for 5,794 susceptible to support in their daily contracting the virus, living, find themselves Deaths: experiencing more isolated and unable to severe symptoms survive in situations of 180 upon infection, restricted movements, leading to elevated social distancing and Recovered: levels of death. improved sanitation practices as many 4,541 WASH facilities around our society are not accessible. COVID-19 and Disability in Malawi

• For many persons with Persons with disabilities disabilities, access to who are also among the health services (e.g. poorest of the poor in the sexual reproductive society continue to face health and discrimination and other rehabilitation) and barriers in accessing information are livelihood and income intensified. 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 • Many response brought many other interventions were not challenges within the aspired to protect and social, economic and enhance the resilience political determinants of PwDs from various effects of COVID-19 • Many persons with disabilities who work pandemic. in both formal and • Making the social informal sectors lost economic resilience of their jobs 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 GURSAM DHANJAL

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 :)

♦ Sikhism is a religion that was derived over 500 years ago. The religion was founded by our first , Dev Ji. Sikhism is based on the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and the nine Sikh 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 Ji. This has all the teachings and scriptures of the Ten Gurus, that embodies the Sikh culture and giving 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. – 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 (Lust), (Anger), (Greed), (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, Ji established the . 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. (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 (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 . ♦ 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 have a 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 , 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 ♦ Getting out and about: supporting them to live independently, and to live fulfilling lives. We are a dedicated Punjabi speaking team who provide specialised ♦ SES organises trips and outings to local places of interests provision and support. We address the many issues affecting all and new environments and spaces. elders in the community. We do this by offering a combination of one to one support and group activities. ♦ Sikh Elders service focuses on holistic health and wellness, ♦ The staff and volunteers work in a sensitive way which respects we motivate our service users to lead active lifestyles values and traditions of the Sikh faith and culture. We know how including having fun outings like visiting a local café, important confidentiality is, and we make sure that the privacy, relaxing in the park or going to the beach. dignity and choices of our elders are at the heart of everything we do. ♦ The Sikh Elders service users visit new spaces in the ♦ What we do: community and surrounding areas, such as local cafes and social places, where they can visit and enjoy the ♦ We support Sikh & Punjabi speaking Elders aged 55+ in Leeds environment and food. ♦ We organise group and social activities such as yoga sessions, poetry and literature, learning new skills and opportunities to ♦ We make memorable outings with our Sikh Elders and socialise offer the chance to engage in thoughtful reflection too. ♦ 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

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 ♦ Many years ago, when the south Asian communities the Gurus and implement them in our daily lives, came from India and East Africa to England, they such as Naam Jaapo, Vand Ke Chako and Kirat suffered many injustices and racial discrimination. Karo. ♦ One of these examples that I grew up remembering ♦ During this COVID-19 pandemic, many Gurdwaras kept their kitchens open to make and provide food is the Mandla vs Dowell-Lee case. A Sikh boy was to keyworkers, homeless and the less fortunate. The refused entry to a school in Birmingham by the community got together to take part in this service headteacher. This was because of his identity of voluntarily. This was done in line with government wearing a turban. He was told to stop wearing a guidelines and social distancing. turban and cut his hair. The boy went to another ♦ When families endure a bereavement, the school, but his father lodged a complaint and fought community get together to support the bereaved in court. The House of Lords held in favour of the family and will help with anything from cooking Commission for Racial Equality and he won the food to funeral arrangements. During COVID many case. 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. COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

♦ In the 60’s and 70s, when many south Asian ♦ Whatever festival or celebration is being held, south communities emigrated from India and East Africa Asian communities rally together to make it a joyous to England, a lot of them struggled seeking jobs. event and will help support family and friends to Many faced racial discrimination and were told that achieve this. At the end of the day, we should all be kind and helpful to each other as this is what makes in order to get a job, they must cut their hair and all of us stronger and united. lose the turban. One example, was a bus driver who lived in the Midlands and was told to cut his hair in ♦ As a result of all the challenges faced by the first order to maintain his role. His uncles forcefully cut generations, such as injustice, racial discrimination his hair so he could get the job. and inequalities, it has meant that the generations to follow can lead an easier life. They are more ♦ After a short illness, Mr Sandhu returned to work accepted and don’t face such harsh challenges. They complete with a turban and an uncut beard. After a have seen their parents struggle and work hard to round trip on the bus, he was sent home to shave. provide which has led them to work even harder which has resulted in some very successful Sikh He refused and was suspended. He met Sohan businessmen and women. Some notable people Singh Jolly who served as a police inspector for the include: British Raj in Kenya. Millions of Sikhs fought both World Wars and had forgone helmets for their ♦ Reuben Singh - CEO of Contact Centre Company turbans. There was a march with over 6000 Sikhs ♦ Dr Manjeet Singh Riyat – Emergency Care and this played a part in the win to wear turbans at Consultant at University Hospitals of Derby and work. Burton NHS Foundation Trust ♦ Mr Sandhu changed legislation about religious ♦ Mandeep Singh Sokhi - Entrepreneur, Public expression at work and Sikhs no longer had to Speaker and Investor compromise on their identity. ♦ Shay Grewal - Journalist THANK YOU

Twitter @sikhelders

Instagram @sikhelders

Email [email protected]

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 |[email protected]

Questions

Final thoughts and reflections Rob Webster and Hilary Thompson Further information

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