Ethnic minorities at higher risk of poverty

ETHNIC minority families in Londonderry often live with a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion, a new report launched in St Columb's Park House has stated.

The report was commissioned by the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) in partnership with the Public Health Agency and the North West PEACE III Partnership.

Paula Cunningham, WHSCT, explained: "We are delighted to have completed the study which will inform the development of cross-sectoral services to improve access for Ethnic Minority Families.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I particularly welcome the partnership with the North West PEACE III Cluster. This report highlights the wealth of existing work within the West being carried out in partnership with community organisations supporting ethnic minority families. We must continue to build on this foundation."

Eileen McFarline, Chair of the North West PEACE III Partnership, said: "It is rewarding to see PEACE III funding being used in such a significant way, on research that will play an important role in shaping services for members of ethnic minority communities living in the North West.

"The NW PEACE III Partnership strives to contribute to the development of a peaceful and integrated society, in which members of all communities are helped to overcome the barriers they face.

"The report will certainly help us to achieve this for ethnic minority communities and I look forward to seeing changes that stem from it."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mary Black, of the Public Health Agency, said: "The Public Health Agency has been working in partnership with Ethnic Minority Support groups and a range of other stakeholders for the last few years in order to improve access to services for Ethnic Minority families, in particular, women with children.

"Within the Western Trust area and Northern Ireland in general, increasing patterns of diversity present challenges. This is not just in the provision of services but also in developing collective ways of promoting and welcoming the inclusion of people from diverse cultures and ethnic groups into our society. The report highlights that ethnic minority families often live with a higher risk of suffering from poverty and social exclusion."