This Ambition for Ageing briefing looks at what works in tackling social isolation of older people in Bangladeshi Communities
The briefing shares transferable learning from our Community Navigators project delivered by British Red Cross, that worked with small, tight-knit ethnic minority communities – Bangladeshi communities – in Greater Manchester.
The recommendations within the briefing look at how you can work working effectively and sensitively with these communities and about risks of social isolation that they face.
Key learning includes:
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It is important to work in a culturally sensitive way with a community’s values to ensure you reach those at higher risk of social isolation within that community.
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Intersecting barriers and characteristics can increase the risk of social isolation for some people, and this needs to be accounted for when planning projects.
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Group work can be incredibly valuable when working within some communities to tackle social isolation, including the Community Navigator model. A ‘one size fits all’ approaches to building social connection will not work with all communities and may disadvantage some of the most marginalised people who stand to benefit the most from increased connection.
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It is important to support project workers to be creative and adaptable when working in a culturally sensitive way.
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Co-design with community members is essential to ensure projects are culturally aware, appropriate, and effective.
Download the briefing below.
