SUMMARY OF THE ROLE OF BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC (BME)

 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKERS (CDWs)

What is the role?

Four key functions define the role of CDWs These are: Change Agent - identifying gaps, developing innovative practice; Service Developer - promoting joint working, education and training; Capacity Builder in BME communities; and Access Facilitator to services; community resources; overcoming language and cultural barriers.   The role of the CDW may vary according to, and  be shaped by local community needs.

CDWs have a strategic role rather than being a support or link worker whose focus is concentrated on the individual service user. Essentially, in conjunction with others, the role is to harness the strengths, capabilities, knowledge and support of the community in its widest sense to help ensure people from BME communities both engage with and receive a better level of mental health services across health and social care.

The underlying principle or message for CDWs is the need to identify trends; analyse the reasons behind what is happening; and with others, work out what needs to be done, by whom, when and what support or resources they require at a strategic, developmental level. It is not (necessarily) about directly helping to effect a change in individual, personal circumstances although the strategic changes will help this to occur.

On their own, CDWs cannot deliver all the help and support required by BME communities. They will need the help and support of the BME community, their colleagues at work including their employers and Race Equality Leads as well as other relevant stakeholders, all working closely together. It is important to be clear about what a CDW can deliver as opposed to what they can influence and to be clear about what indicators or milestones can be agreed and put in place locally to measure outcomes.

How do they do this?

CDWs work by:

·         seeking out strengths and abilities within local BME communities to help them to manage and address mental distress;

·         supporting community development: helping groups and individuals to identify needs and concerns, and work out local solutions;

·         supporting local groups and networks so they can be partners in developing and improving mental health and social care services;

·         helping to develop leadership locally;

·         developing the skills, knowledge and confidence of individuals and communities to enable them to create local solutions; and

·         signposting people to information, resources and sources of funding.

The aim of Appendix D in the Final Handbook - A “month” in the life of a CDW -  gives a flavour of the sort of service activity a CDW might undertake to help them fulfil their strategic role successfully. It will almost certainly mean making personal contact with those who are responsible for, manage and/or are closely involved with the activity or areas shown, to include service users, carers and families, coupled with appropriate local knowledge and intelligence. The areas or activity shown in that Appendix are not set out in any particular order of importance, magnitude or timescale. That is clearly for local determination.

What sort of person might undertake the CDW role?

On appointment, a CDW starts with a blank canvas. This is not a process driven role where in response to situation X a CDW will (automatically) do Y. CDWs need to be the sort of person who can think on their feet, can think “outside of the box” and can adopt a flexible approach confident of their ability to work independently and on their own initiative as appropriate.

CDWs should apply both practical skills and common sense in their every day work based on a clear understanding of the needs of people from BME communities.

^{July 2008}