Sussex Akota Women Alliance (SAWA)

A Project for Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Women.

• Aims


• To empower ethnic minority women in West Sussex by enhancing the skills and potential of women through sensitive and appropriate socioeconomic support which is recognised by all sectors of the community as being underpinned by quality and equality.


• To Empower and foster the confidence of Black, Asian, African and other ethnic minority women through building their confidence, encouraging them to participate in civic roles, on school boards and other volunteering activities.

• Activities


• Advocacy & Peer Emotional Support


• Health Activities - walking groups; Women only Swimming Classes


• Workshops: sewing class; healthy eating


• Socials - Luncheons; Outings


• Training Courses - Raising Educational Achievement


• Social & Cultural Advantages Eid, Diwali, Easter and others


• Volunteers Work Placement


• Relationship & Family Counselling

For joining details please contact the Dvelopment and Support Officer Henna Chowdhury on 07501721183 or complete the online enquiry on our contact details page

Diverse Cultures Youth Partnership (DCYP)

DCYP is an independently managed entity run and led by young people, supported by BMECS. The partnership offers BME young people opportunities to come together into groups of their on choice while encouraging them to integrate into mainstream youth clubs. To exchange knowledge and cultural activities, increase confidence to engage in activities relevant to their interests.

The partnership aims at reducing the risk in young people turning to crime by supporting opportunities to develop into responsible adults. It creates an environment of friendship & belonging where young people gain strength & power both collectively & individually, through creative learning & participation.

At the moment this include the Diverse Cultures Football Club (DCFC) and Diverse Cultures Young Dancers formerly known as AYPG (DCYD).

• Services Include:


• African & Asian dances


• Cultural exchange programmes


• Expressive arts


• Youth voice (advocacy)


• HIV/AIDS and Sexual health education


• Training & skills for employment


• CV writing support


• Signposting to appropriate services e.g. Connexions, substance misuse services
.

• Volunteer placements, both internal & extrernal

BME Health Projects

• The Project is primarily aimed at Black and Minority Ethnic People focusing on the following high risk groups:


• HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Awareness


• Children & young people


• Drug and alcohol misuse


• Victims of domestic violence


• prevent Suicide or deal with its consequences (in particular those at risk of depression and mental illness)

• The project works with groups & individuals to:
  
  • Promote work with families encouraging them access the appropriate services in their areas and register with GP where people are not.
  
  
  • provide workshops that promote family learning in relation to healthy living
  
  
  • offer one to one advocacy, advice and other appropriate forms of support
  
  
  • Provide information and guidance about the available services in the area and ensure cultural sensitivity issues are dealt with appropriately
  
  
  • Encourage BME people to take advantage of health checks (MOT) to help catch and hopefully cure diseases earlier
  
  
  • Promote networks and works in partnership with other agencies and organisations, for sharing of ideas, resources and good practice in working methods
  
  
  • Help address issues that affect newly arrived families
  
  
  • supportively 'signposts' BME people to mainstream services
  
  

• We offer the following Support:
  
  • Referral
  
  
  • Advice
  
  
  • Befriending
  
  
  • Outreach
  
  
  • Advocacy

Community Involvement

• Community action is key. This means responses by and for local people, carried out through community-based groups. Communities know best what works for them in their particular context. They know how to identify and support those most in need, building new ways of working and coping. We offer one to one support for people Living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, Sickle Cell Anaemia, Cancer and other serious illness through emotional support and signposting to appropriate services. We organise workshops focussing on cultural sensitivity around dealing with HIV anwareness and prevention, sexual health and social care for people.