Council works to support Wirral’s Black and Minority Ethnic communities

A service which supports Wirral’s Black and Minority Ethnic residents is appealing to people to help spread the word about its services.

Wirral’s BME Support Service has two dedicated workers who work with Council departments and other public agencies to help residents from BME groups access services, with particular emphasis on those that help people stay living independently in their own homes.

Said Cllr George Davies, Wirral’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety: ‘There is a common misconception that Wirral’s BME community is small but it is not; latest figures from the Office of National Statistics shows the BME population has grown from 1.7% in 2001 to an estimated 5.5%.’

‘We know that there are barriers to members of BME communities accessing our services. These range from language problems to issues that are cultural in nature, but the BME Support Service works within those communities and with other service providers such as Wirral Change, CAB, Irish Community Care Merseyside and Wirral Multicultural Organisation to publicise services and remove those barriers.

‘The message from us to BME residents is – we’re here, and can offer you help and support on a range of services and issues, please use us!’ he added.

The team can help people to access health and housing services, report hate crime or anti social behaviour, deal with health professionals about care, and access work, training and education opportunities.

They also support people to stay living independently at home, and promote cultural awareness and understanding, and their clients are drawn from all ages and backgrounds.

If you would like to know more, please ring 0151 691 8416/8685/8689.