Wokingham councillors monitor the impact of coronavirus on BAME residents

Councillors have pledged their support to those in the black, Asian and minority ethnic (Bame/BME) community in the borough, following the latest research showing those in this community are suffering disproportionately in terms of the impact of the pandemic.

Ashwani Gupta, community engagement officer, has been working alongside the BAME community since 2002, and throughout the pandemic has been gathering feedback on what additional steps the council can take to support those being most affected.

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He said: “I’ve worked at Wokingham Borough Council for 16 years and have built strong relationships across the borough during that time.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has presented people with challenges they may never have encountered before."

Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure and co-chair at BME Forum Wokingham, said: “I want our local BME community to know that support is available.

"It’s important that we break down any stigma that could be associated with catching Covid-19 and let people know we are here to help."

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Ramnik Saund, chair of the BME Forum Wokingham, added: “The BME Forum Wokingham has been working in partnership with the Council for many years.

"Our role in supporting the local BME community is now more important than ever with the higher risks that the Covid-19 crisis is having on people from all minority ethnic groups.

"I implore our community to reach out for help if they need it."

In order to ensure the right support is in place, Wokingham Borough Council are asking BAME members to share light on any challenges they have faced during the pandemic, and how the council can help.

To submit a comment to the council, contact community.engagement.localities@wokingham.gov.uk.