We met with the Association of Blind Asians at Roundhay Park, in north Leeds. The association has been improving the lives of people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities with visual impairments since 1989.
We met with 6 people. What did people at the Association of Blind Asians say?
The people we met from the ABA had had quite mixed experiences of the pandemic, although on the whole they had felt pretty isolated and, in some cases, were still finding it tough to get out of the house. Sometimes, people were worried about catching the virus.
A couple of people had struggled to get the help they needed from the GP and hospital.
What they would love to see is more affordable activities to get involved in, as well as more venues for people to get together. They had all kinds of ideas for activities they would like to do, including crafts, trips out and exercise classes.
What next steps did our decision-makers take away from their chats?
“We can have more impact on population health by supporting community based groups – this group have had diabetes awareness, dietitian, etc. courses. They practice yoga, have learned to use Zoom and are very keen to learn more.”
“Constantly evaluating whether key messages are likely to reach women like these – what can be done to make people FEEL included – and feel like their inclusion is WANTED.”
