What works in tackling social isolation of older people in Bangladeshi Communities: briefing

Author(s)

AMBITION FOR AGEING

Publisher(s):

Ambition for Ageing

Publication year:

2021

This briefing shares learning and recommendations about working effectively and sensitively with small tight-knit ethnic minority communities, and about risks and protection factors for social isolation. It is drawn from an Ambition for Ageing - funded British Red Cross project tackling social isolation of older people in Bangladeshi communities in Greater Manchester. The key learning from the project are: models that emphasise one to one work and connecting individuals to external agencies to reduce their isolation – like the Community Navigator model – may not be the most appropriate choice for tackling social isolation in these communities; creativity and being adaptable with delivery plans to work in a culturally sensitive way can support success in achieving project goals; traditional gender roles can increase risk and provide protection for social isolation for different people, and this needs to be accounted for when planning projects; co-design is essential to ensure projects are culturally aware, appropriate, and effective. (Edited publisher abstract)