Launch of new training volunteer project for disabled older people from BME communities

A unique new project aimed at increasing the number of older disabled volunteers from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities working for disabled people’s organisations in Wales is launched by Scope Cymru today.

Bridging the Gaps will help recruit and train older volunteers from black and ethnic minority communities who have a disability or long-term illness to become actively involved with disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) across Wales.

These trained volunteers will then be able to support the DPOs in reaching out to, and working with, older and younger disabled people from BME communities. They will do this through a range of activities including training, information, advice and events with a focus on sharing skills and experiences across generations. This will include training in equality, diversity and cultural issues.

Older disabled people from BME communities are some of the most marginalized people in society - very few are actively engaged in volunteering and they are under-represented in the activities of DPOs.

Consultations carried out by Scope Cymru with small disability groups in 2007 identified the need for existing older disabled volunteers from BME backgrounds to work with DPOs in order to help build their capacities and provide safe and supporting volunteering opportunities.

Funding for Bridging the Gaps comes from a three-year grant awarded to Scope Cymru under the Wales: the Active Community grant scheme, which is administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Joy Findlay, Project Manager at Scope Cymru, said: “We are very excited about this project as this is a great opportunity for Scope Cymru to work with community leaders and ethnic minority groups which will also enable older and younger disabled people to play an active role together in helping themselves and their own communities.

“We are currently recruiting potential steering group members to help advise the project and partner organisations who will benefit from capacity building so that they can better engage with older disabled people from BME communities across Wales.”

Members of the public can find out more about the project at a series of forthcoming open days. The first one will be held on 11 April 2008 at Pillgwelly Millennium centre in Newport South Wales. There will also be the opportunity to experience a variety of fun and informative activities and exhibitions from local voluntary organisations who will be involved with the project.

To find out more about Bridging the Gaps email bridgingthegaps@scopecymru.org.uk or contact Joy Findlay Tel: 02920 662413.