[News] Oldbury charity launches project to help non-English speakers amid pandemic

[Angel of Death]

Rights and Equality Sandwell has received £72,000 from the National Lottery for Project Shield.Three community liaison workers have been hired to help communicate Covid guidance with people from ethnic minorities.The workers go out into communities delivering leaflets and work with Sandwell Council, businesses and other organisations.See more coronavirus news hereTwo officers work with people from European backgrounds while one works with people from Asia.Between them, they speak12 languages.Asma Rhaza, the support worker for Asian people, said: "Our services are required more than ever. It is essential and vital especially during the pandemic and lockdown."People are scared, they are a bit sceptical. Are we going to go out? Should we not go out? If we have got problems, have we got anyone to contact?"That is where I think our role is crucial. It is just trying to get out there. In the pandemic, people are still confused."Before taking this role in October, I conducted a survey within the community I love in order to get a major understanding of how people are feeling."Especially the people who can't speak English and their first language is not English, how are they going to understand the message from the governing bodies."Hence the reason we are in place so if they have got issues we try and help them."