Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

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Support group for first generation Pakistani women
over 40 – Raunak
A support group was set up in an area of Bedford that was targeted within the Social
Regeneration Budget. The group was set up to support south Asian women over the
age of 40 who were diagnosed as suffering from depression or who were identified as
being at risk of mental health issues. Most of these women were first generation migrants
and in most south Asian languages, there is no equivalent word to describe depression.
However this particular group of women were targeted as there was a risk of isolation
due to language barriers; some were caring for disabled/elderly spouses; and many
were experiencing isolation due to children moving away from home.
The action that was taken was to set a support group called Raunak (joyous atmosphere)
which was facilitated to provide a space for the women to relax, enjoy light exercise, enjoy
healthy cooking and be introduced to specific health providers.
The group has helped many of the women make new friendships, participate in English for
Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, eat more healthily, and take part in outdoor
trips that are of mutual interest and social events.
Case Study provided by the Minority and Ethnic Network Eastern Region (MENTER).