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| Outreach and Development |
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Outreach & Development work as such has always been an important part of the organisation's work. Since it's inception in 1982 staff at BWHAFS have consistently worked to liase and network with the local communities, statutory sectors and other non-governmental organisations for the promotion of good health.
Outreach and Development work relates directly to two of the organisation's aims:
- To promote the good health and general well being of black women and families.
- To develop a network of information exchange with groups dealing with the issue of FGM here in the U.K. and internationally.
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As a project in itself Outreach & Development was established in 1986 with funding from Health Authority, Tower Hamlets. Amina I. Ibrahim became the first Outreach worker, her knowledge of the language and culture of the communities practicing female genital mutilation and sensitivity towards the issues facing these communities that equipped her to undertake the position successfully. It has been these qualities that have formed the basis for subsequent outreach and development posts.
Image: Halimo Hersi - Outreach & Development Worker 1992 - 1999 (middle) and clients
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A knowledge of the above safety, cultural and language issues is needed in order to achieve the aims and objectives of the outreach task. However, the actual work of an Outreach Worker at BWHAFS involves the following:
- Organising and running educational workshops on FGM and health related social issues for voluntary and statutory agencies across the whole of London.
- Publishing and promoting the organisation's activities as widely as possible to achieve its objectives i.e. reaching out to all those communities practicing FGM.
- Raising awareness at the community level as regards to the availability of FGM counsellors at BWHAFS's drop-in centre.
- Disseminating FGM and other health related information materials at community and district health centres.
- Working with the FGM Strategy Group on the initiation of strtegies, policies and guidelines. Also sharing experience gained through working with the communities concerened.
- Taking part in the organisation and launching of campigns against the FGM practices.
- Organising events for women and young girls.
- Assisting new groups by giving them advice on capacity building and empowering women to work as a group.
- Networking and liasing with agencies and organisations involved in women's health.
- Attending meetings and seminars in the UK and abroad
- Facilitating health sessions and workshops
Due to the loss of the advocacy post, the outreach work has been reduced. A significant part of the outreach worker's time is spent at the drop-in-centre doing advocacy and interpreting, supervising the ESOL and Elderly Luncheon club.
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