Diversity Resource International
Diversity Resource International (DRI) was set up in 2004 to address many of the challenges faced by new communities and existing black and minority ethnic communities in Britain. DRI has a focus on issues related to ethnicity but we will assist any groups and individuals to meet these challenges in the following ways:
- Tackling social exclusion and isolation experienced by some of the most disadvantaged people in our society such as thosewith literacy and language issues including asylum seekers, refugees. We do this work through our social events and befriending schemes, training of statutory and voluntary sector partners to improve access to their services.
- Supporting BME entrepreneurs set up in business and support people back into employment through our research programme and conferences.
- Promoting policy changes through our Reference Group of statutory partners, academics and representatives from the BME business community who help us guide our work and our research programmes for example our research into the needs of BME carers and BME business.
DRI works in partnership with individuals, voluntary organisations and educational institutions working in Sussex. Together we aim to support people access the support they need through the facilitating the provision of career and employment centred training, business support, education, advocacy and befriending.
DRI operates in Sussex with a focus on the Hastings area. We deliver support and training for people as well as providing ‘befriending’ and mentoring schemes designed to empower seldom heard voices and encourage their engagement with the wider community. DRI is keen to help new communities and excluded groups to gain the skills necessary to set up in business and find employment including English speaking skills. DRI is also researching the training needs of BME communities in understanding the UK business environment in order to build successful careers.
Users often face further prejudice and discrimination in their access to health, education and social care services reducing their opportunities to enjoy a better quality of life. DRI seeks to help users overcome isolation and economic and social deprivation to improve individual health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that isolation and economic and social deprivation can contribute to the development of chronic health conditions, vulnerability, dependence and further isolation.
DRI has been instrumental in addressing social isolation and its negative impact on people through DRI’s mentoring and ‘befriending’ schemes outlined below. DRI has achieved this by matching local people with those from DRI ers and by doing so positively – promoting community cohesion.
Funding
Over £40,000 is contributed by volunteers in terms of time and skills. Hastings Borough and East Sussex County Council have contributed £12,000 in support of various projects run by DRI in the last 4 years (see a summary of past programmes in Annex 1).
ACTIVITIES
DRI operates with dedicated volunteers, and, despite limited funding, DRI is able to provide a range of valuable services to help people integrate. Some of these activities are outlined below.
Volunteer training
The training for befriending volunteers is an example of how DRI promotes new approaches and best practice in training, volunteering and employment and addresses the following issues:
• What is mentoring?
• Reflecting on cultural diversity
• Media images of migrants and consequences
• The legal position of asylum seekers and migrants
• Confidentiality and boundaries
• Dealing with difficult situations
• Providing appropriate support
• Signposting to other services and events.
Advice and Support services
DRI links with other service providers such as the NHS (mental health services), housing, interpreters, educational and financial advisors. DRI seeks to ensure coordinated support to the client group and facilitation of access to a wide range of resources. This support includes health care, such as prevention programmes and medical referrals. Access to mutual support groups, and support in accessing resources needed and social care. DRI representatives are also at Links one stop shop service which meets once a week in hastings, where our volunteers deal with numerous BME groups and enquiries.
Mentoring and Befriending scheme
The Mentoring and befriending scheme involves volunteers meeting up with clients, usually once a week, for about an hour at a time and in a place, which is mutually convenient. There is a small budget for tea or coffee. These meetings provide an opportunity for the volunteer and the client to learn about each other and for the volunteers to support the clients to articulate their needs and plans, to gain confidence and to feel less isolated
The benefits of this scheme to the clients include:
· An opportunity to practice and improve their spoken English
· Getting involved in activities in their local community
· Support in using public services eg transport, libraries, health services
· Finding free or low cost social activities
· Visiting places
· Encouraging healthy behaviour e.g. getting enough sleep, eating healthily, participating in exercise opportunities such as health walks; taking prescribed medicines, and encouraging in changing/ improving unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, excessive eating, alcohol consumption and drug abuse.
Volunteers offer help and support including:
· helping clients to connect with the wider community
· sharing cultural information related to cultural norms in Britain
· signposting to other services including, Migrant Helpline, local health, education and social services, Connections, English classes, Job Centre Plus, doctors’ surgeries, schools, local recreational activities and childcare,
DRI Social events: Bring a Dish
On the first Saturday of every month at Concordia Hall Church rd St leonards Hastings DRI organises a monthly social event including bring a dish, music and dancing for everyone involved in the scheme and any members from the wider community who want to drop in. This is a chance to simply meet and to share experiences, food, and music, raise questions and ideas, and listen to speakers on topics of interest.
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