Slough Borough Council has been working with local agencies to deliver information workshops to black and minority ethnic women affected by drug using family members.
The Slough workshops are part of the Sakeena Women’s Project, run by local anti-drugs organisation Right Start Foundation, in partnership with the council’s drug and alcohol action team (DAAT), and the Pakistani Welfare Association.
Following a recent raid in Slough which saw 26 men charged with a range of drug offences, a number of women approached Right Start for advice, and the project coordinator was able to offer information and support.
The aim of the project is to educate women about the dangers of illegal drugs, how to spot signs of drug use and how to deal with family members who may be involved.
The first information workshop took place on July 9, targeting counselling and advice to Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Somali and Yemeni women affected by drug using partners, family members and friends.
Julia Wales, DAAT Manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “The turnout at the first workshop was excellent.
“It was particularly encouraging to see women come forward to ask questions about tackling drug use, and how to get advice and support for suffering families.”
Cllr Christine Small, commissioner for Slough health and wellbeing, said: “It’s important the subject of substance abuse is dealt with in a culturally sensitive manner, so workshops are run by females and held in accessible community spaces, such as mosques, community halls and female social clubs.
“To help reach out to communities, sessions are delivered in Urdu, Punjabi and English.”
Shaukat Warraich, director of the Right Start Foundation, said: “The partnership between Slough Borough Council’s drug and alcohol action team, the Pakistani Welfare Association and Right Start has worked extremely well.
“Women from these black and minority ethnic communities are now aware there’s a place they can seek advice and support in a culturally sensitive environment.”
Over the next few months the Sakeena Women’s Project will be delivering further programmes. The target areas in Slough are Baylis and Stoke, Britwell, Central and Chalvey wards.
Slough Borough Council.
