Bengali Worker's Association
The Bengali Worker's Association seeks to improve the quality of life of the Bangladeshi community, and other BME communities by encouraging their active participation in society.The Association was established in 1976 and has grown to become a large community-led voluntary organisation in Camden serving over 5000 residents from different backgrounds. Since 1990 the Association has been based…
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Idea for research
Idea for research
As the Bengali Workers' Association, our mission is to ensure equitable access to essential services and opportunities for Bengali BME communities in Camden. To achieve this goal, we are issuing a call for research to evaluate the impact of our existing initiatives in health promotion, poverty alleviation, and community cohesion. This research will focus on the cross-cutting theme of 'equality of access,' aiming to identify areas of success and improvement in addressing disparities faced by marginalized groups within our community. Through rigorous evaluation, we aim to inform policy decisions, secure funding, and strengthen social networks to foster a more inclusive and cohesive community environment. The areas we would like to understand better are:

(1) Evaluation of Health Promotion Interventions:
a. Assess the outcomes of previous health promotion initiatives targeting prevalent health issues such as hypertension and endometriosis among Bengali BME individuals aged 30 and above.
b. Examine the reach, engagement, and effectiveness of preventive measures such as yoga and chair-based exercises in improving physical and mental wellbeing.
c. Investigate the extent to which existing initiatives address the health needs of the community and contribute to reducing health disparities.

(2) Assessment of Poverty Alleviation Efforts:
a. Evaluate the impact of current poverty alleviation initiatives on Bengali BME communities in Camden, particularly focusing on access to food, energy resources, and advice services such as benefits.
b. Analyse the effectiveness of existing programs in addressing the socio-economic determinants of health and improving overall quality of life.

(3) Evaluation of Community Cohesion Initiatives:
a. Assess the outcomes of previous efforts to preserve the cultural heritage and promote intergenerational learning among Bengali BME communities in Camden.
b. Investigate the impact of community cohesion initiatives on social inclusion, sense of belonging, and resilience in the face of urban development projects like HS2.
Impact of idea
This research directly benefits Bengali BME communities in Camden by evaluating existing initiatives, reaching groups often overlooked by mainstream providers. By informing local authorities and funders about community needs and successes, it secures vital funding and consolidates resources effectively. Through comprehensive assessments and evidence-based reports, this research enhances social networks, fostering rapport and social cohesion among community members and stakeholders. Findings are disseminated through various media channels, including local outlets, amplifying community voices and advocating for equity and inclusion.
Comments
The student will have access to stakeholders and partners of the organisation – e.g. Camden Council, Camden Health Watch, City Bridge Foundation.

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Application process
Application criteria
N/A
DBS needed
Don't know
Is this project fully accessible to students with the disabilities?
Yes

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