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COVID-19: understanding the impact on BAME communities – CAHN's COVID-19 Impact Survey Report

18 Jun 2020 - 14:25 by michelle.foster

cahnMore than half of the respondents to a survey looking at the impact of COVID-19 on the Caribbean and African Community have said they are worried about the mental well-being of their children as a result of the outbreak.

The Caribbean and African Health Network Greater Manchester (CAHN) undertook the first primary research study of the black voices in Greater Manchester between April 18 and May 13 with 334 people responding.

Findings include:

  1. 59% of the respondents were concerned about the mental well-being of their children and 43% of adults were also concerned about their own mental well-being
  2. 74% of the respondents stated that they wanted Black led services as a result of cultural insensitivity and perceived systemic racism
  3. 61% of respondents were concerned about the loss of physical connection to people in church and are keen to resume face to face interaction
  4. 45% of respondents identified the need for bereavement counselling and practical support

Recommendations include:

  1. There needs to be specifically reinforced Government COVID-19 messages delivered in a tailored and targeted way to help reduce the risk of transmission
  2. To ensure that the Caribbean and African community are prepared for a second wave and equipped with health education and prevention information to reduce their risk of high mortality from COVID-19
  3. Black workers across the public sector need to be provided with the tools and adequate support to challenge the system for unfair and discriminatory practices that disadvantage them in their work
  4. Adequate and proportionate investment so that more services can be upscaled and delivered by Black-led organisations
  5. At a Greater Manchester level, there should be a race equality strategy that signifies a commitment to eliminating racial barriers and ensuring Black representation in civic and senior leadership

There are stark and profound health inequalities facing people from the Caribbean and African community in the United Kingdom (UK). These inequalities have been found along social, economic, environmental and racial lines and result in higher rates of morbidity and mortality than the White population. These disparities need addressing as part of systemic change.

In Greater Manchester, region where decisions are devolved, there are limited tailored health services or adequately funded VCSE sector support to improve health outcomes in the Caribbean and African community.

To read the report click here

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