Gillingham, July 6, 2021 (Yes Punjab News)
On Saturday 3rd July 2021, Sahara UK held its inaugural Gal Baat (meaning ‘chit-chat’) social event with guest speaker Bobby Mahay (Community Liaison Officer, Kent Police) at Age UK Medway’s Mackenney Centre.
Bobby works closely with communities across Kent to encourage open conversations with officers and engages with hard to reach groups at an early stage to take positive, proactive action to help these communities.
Bobby spoke about what his role as a Community Liaison Officer entailed and said that Kent Police recognised the diversity within our society and wanted to build strong relationships with all communities. He highlighted the impact international events such as the murder of George Floyd and the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement had on his role and the importance of building trust within communities.
Sahara was set up in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic which highlighted the health and social inequalities faced by elderly residents of South Asian origin in Medway and surrounding areas.
Paramjot Kaur, Founder of Sahara UK, said: “Over the past few months we have been engaging older people with our project. Our aim is to create a more connected community where people can easily access support, resources and companionship in a language and backdrop that is familiar to them – ultimately reducing isolation and bolstering health & wellbeing.
She added: “One of our attendees left her home for the first time in two years and feels happier already.”
Sahara UK provides support for older South Asian people and carers by offering befriending, day-to-day support, accessible yoga, information and signposting, and much more.
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