The ALLIANCE and community groups mark Black History Month 2023

The ALLIANCE joins forces with community organisations to ‘Salute our Sisters and Matriarchs’ in 2023.

This October the ALLIANCE and partners are excited to be focussing on the theme of Black History Month: inviting us to salute our sisters and matriarchs; to celebrate the accomplishments of women in their networks, projects and passions. 

The rallying call is timeous. Why? Because women are experiencing the sharper end of life post-austerity, COVID-19 pandemic and now in the midst our cost of living crisis.  Disabled women, ethnic minority women, unpaid carers (mostly, women), low wage women: They have borne some of the heaviest consequences of global and local events and by logic, have had to dig deeper to overcome adversity.

Now is a good time to acknowledge our ‘local sheroes’ – women who many of us know, who have created meaningful change (at any level) for the betterment of themselves, their communities or the networks they represent. In this contemporary landscape there are stories of disadvantage and struggle. But by reflecting on the stories of these sisters and matriarch we can celebrate their triumphs today.

The ALLIANCE is an organisation that champions the third sector, rights of disabled people and unpaid carers.

Our programmes have a significant proportion of really active women members who are contributing to positive shifts in services and policies for better access.  

The ALLIANCE is excited to be working in partnership with a diversity of organisations representing/supporting women across Scotland. We are planning Black History Month online content and we’d like you to get involved.  Even just some reflection, ‘liking’ and re-posting of our social media posts over the course of the next few weeks.

• Join us to celebrate:

Why not showcase your organisation or project? Like Networking Key Services’ Digital Inclusion project: allowing ethnic minority people access to help using their devices to make healthcare choices; or Dr Harriette Campbell – retired nurse, co-founder of the African and Caribbean Women’s Association who has campaigned tirelessly on public health  and advocacy issues for over 30 years.

Join our series of BHM2023 Talking Heads – submit a video/audio clip showcasing amazing women. They will feature across multiple social media platforms over the months of September and October. The ALLIANCE will provide technical support for all participants. Contact dhcscot@alliance-scotland.org.uk or call 0141 404 0231 for more information.

• Help us promote good self care:

Look out for weekly posts, radio programming and news pieces focussing on updates and reviews of health/wellbeing topics that affect women. We’ll be looking at this from the perspective of the ALLIANCE’s: Digital Health and Social Care, Women’s Health and Self Management programmes.

Share these items across your networks – we’d like to hear back your thoughts and experiences too.

• Our Networks and Representation:

What makes a ‘good’ network? How are we supporting women across Scotland?

Find out more about The ALLIANCE’s Digital Citizen Panel, Women’s Health and Self Management Networks, Amina – Muslim Women’s Resource Centre, African and Caribbean Women’s Association. Exploring the benefits of networking, inclusion and representation.

Listen out for dates of Jambo Radio programmes covering this theme and other topics during October.

• My Call to Action?

If you’re passionate about women’s rights/wellbeing and interested in digital inclusion then why not join the Digital Citizen Panel? The Panel is striving for more diverse representation and wants to support more digital awareness activities across diverse communities. They also want to strengthen their voice, working together across the ALLIANCE programmes when needed to influence real change. To hear more about the Panel/Scottish Government’s ongoing work on digital health and social care engagement contact:

Email:        Chigozie.joeadigwe@alliance-scotland.org.uk

Mobile:       07485 377 769

Landline:    0141 404 0231

Address:    The Health And Social Care Alliance, Venlaw Building, 349 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4AA

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