Black Carers Project
When and why did you start up?
The Black Carers Project is a registered charity that was set up in 1997 in order to provide culturally-appropriate services and support to Black Carers. At that time a study by Bristol City Council Social and Health Services revealed that Carers from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities weren't taking up mainstream services and weren't getting the support they needed.
Describe your organisation in three words.
Supportive, culturally-appropriate, community-focused.
If your group ruled the world, what would be your first act as world leaders?
To make governments recognise the importance of Carers and the role they play in society, and to tailor services to meet the individual needs of Carers, taking into account issues such as cultural diversity and specific health conditions, etc.
What is your most memorable achievement?
Getting funding from the Community Fund meant that the Black Carers Project could carry on a lot longer than expected. Also the Care Attendant Service, which started in early 2001, has been a huge help to Carers. Over forty local families have been helped with this much-needed respite and sitting service.
Do you belong to any partnerships?
We belong to Bristol Racial Equality Health Partnership, Princess Royal Trust, and St Paul's Unlimited. We also work alongside organisations such as Bristol & Avon Chinese Women's Group, Black Orchid, the Black Elders Group based at the Malcolm X Centre, and DHEK BHAL - the Asian equivalent to the Black Carers Project as well as many other key community organisations.
Who are your funders?
Community Fund and Bristol City Council Social and Health Services.
How is your group structured?
We have a staff of five people based in the office and another five Care Attendants. Staff are from BME communities themselves.
What do you get out of being a member of Voscur?
Reliable information, especially about events and funding. We can use this in our own bulletins, which we send out to our members. We have found the 'Directory of Community and Voluntary Groups' very useful, especially for contacting other groups.
How can we contact you?
Tel. 914 4491 / 914 4492
email: admin@blackcarersproject.co.uk
website: www.blackcarersproject.co.uk
Based at Unit 6, 20-23 Hepburn Road, St Paul's, Bristol BS2 8UD.
Background Information:
The Black Carers Project aims to provide culturally-appropriate support and practical help by means of advocacy, advice, information and through the Care Attendant Service. The Project has a computer with Internet access specifically for use by Carers. An extensive library provides information on services and legislation, and there are regular newsletters and bulletins.
Advice is available on a range of matters from housing and benefits to coming out of hospital. Our development work helps to identify needs that aren't being met, help community groups to develop appropriate services, and to seek out isolated Black Carers in the community. Support group meetings are held each month, including social gatherings and days out, and the Care Attendant Service allows Carers to have some time away from their caring role. The Black Carers Project also plans to run a Befriending Service made up of volunteers, and a group for young Black Carers to meet other young people in the same situation.
If you are of African, African Caribbean, Asian, Chinese or Vietnamese origin, and care for a friend or relative who cannot manage alone due to disability, illness or the effects of old age, then you are a Black Carer. You can get in touch with the Black Carers Project to find out how we can help you!
Thanks to the Black Carers Project for being our second member's profile. If your group would like to be profiled in a future Voscur newsletter or on our website, please contact Sophie Mellor at the Voscur office Tel. 909 9949, or email: sophie@voscur.org