Published on: 26th July 2023
We’ve been working with the Women’s CHAI project on an advancing mental health equality project to support and empower South Asian women in Oldham.
To start the project, Lynn Burton, Pennine Care service manager and black belt in Kong Soo Do, has been volunteering to run self-defence sessions in the local community to build skills, confidence and relationships.
Najma Khalid MBE, founder and director of Women’s CHAI Project, said:
“Women who have been attending have found their confidence and assertiveness has increased, and they feel less isolated after making new friends within the groups.
“They’re also passing on skills and knowledge to their children, family, friends and the community.
“It’s improved the women’s mental and physical health, as they feel healthier and happier in themselves.
“Lynn is an excellent role model, her delivery is engaging and simple so even those who don’t speak English find it easy to follow. The group is diverse in its abilities, education and language, but Lynn’s skills have brought them all together.”
The sessions have been so successful they’re looking to continue them later in the summer.
For the next step, we’re looking to train 25 women from the South Asian and Muslim community as mental health champions and ambassadors.
These champions will help to provide a network of support, encourage people to look after their health, and understand barriers to accessing services and further support needed.