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BME services in Rotherham

DAT(s): Rotherham.
Region(s): Yorkshire and Humberside.
Last updated: 18 March 2004
Summary: BME workers to engage with BME communities.

The need

The University of Central Lancashire carried out a needs assessment during 2001/02. It concluded that the level of drug and alcohol use in the BME community was greater than that suggested by the number accessing drugs services.

The idea

The Rotherham Community Alcohol Service (RCAS) is a multi-disciplinary team who aim to increase the accessibility of drug and alcohol services.

‘Saaf Dil’ (Urdu for ‘open-hearted’) is the project within RCAS which targets BME communities in Rotherham. It aims to increase:

awareness of alcohol and drug-related issues;
access to intervention and referral to appropriate services;
cultural awareness in service providers.

How it works

Saaf Dil is currently delivered by two part-time workers: one male; one female. They speak Urdu, Mirpuri, Punjabi and English.

The workers are completing a Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counselling, which is accredited by the Open College Network and Sheffield Hallam University.

The Saaf Dil workers attend drop-in sessions at existing drug and alcohol services in Rotherham. These sessions include a methadone clinic, a needle exchange and a women-only drop-in service.

Saaf Dil also provides outreach work for:

individuals with drugs-related problems;
community groups (including mosques, a mental health project and a group for victims of domestic violence).

RCAS activity predates the DAT. The service is contracted jointly by Social Services and Rotherham Primary Care Trust and managed by RCAS. The project is reviewed by the Drug and Alcohol Joint Action Team.

Key Benefits

Saaf Dil provides services and information which are culturally relevant to Rotherham's Muslim and BME communities.

The Saaf Dil workers’ attendance at existing services:

endorses those services in the eyes of BME communities;
makes those services more accessible to BME clients (the workers can provide advice or help with translations etc.).

Comments

The number of people from BME communities accessing services is still low. The fact that the workers are part-time limits the effect they can have. Also, if a worker moves on to a different post, the time taken to train a new worker creates a lull in service provision.

Saaf Dil won an NHS Equality Award in 1999.

Local mosques and community leaders now invite the project workers to give information sessions. Saaf Dil is also publicised through their Newsletter and Ramadan calendar. The project has also expanded into youth centres.

For further information

Rotherham Drug Strategy Team

Debbie Stovin
Acting Drug Strategy Manager
Rotherham PCT
Bevan House
Oakwood Hall Drive
Moorgate Road
Rotherham Health Authority S60 3AQ

Tel: 01709 302 097
Email: debbie.stovin@rotherhampct.nhs.uk

Community Alcohol Service

Brian O’Connor
Director
Well Centre
228-230 Wellgate
Rotherham
S60 2PB

Tel: 01709 364 804
Email: brian@rcas.co.uk

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