The aim of the project is to visit the elderly Bangladeshi people in Ipswich and Suffolk in their own homes and provide support and guidance in accessing mainstream services. We work closely with Age Concern Suffolk and other voluntary and statutory organisations to share information and ideas.

The other aim of the project is to help them get the assistance they need to improve the quality of life, be more independent and build their confidence.

To date we have visited 18 elderly Bangladeshi people in their homes, many of whom are needing continual support. We have dealt with various issues such as pensions, benefits, health and housing. We have also realised that many older people do not claim the benefit they are entitled to simply because they don’t understand the system or are put off by complicated forms.

We helped a client to get extra financial help from his former employer and another to have adaptation done to his house to meet his disability needs.

We have worked with people before but not in this capacity.

We may not be able to solve all their problems but I have realised even a little chat means so much to them. We have also learnt a lot from them, about how they lived and worked in the 50’s and 60’s. They always seem to have something interesting to say.

For more information contact: Moshud, Bangladeshi Befriending Co-ordinator at The Bangladeshi Support Centre,Room 2919, Tower Street,Ipswich,IP4 3BE