THE ETHNIC MINORITY CENTRE(EMC) NEWSLETTER 2020 Serving the Community in Merton

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SPECIAL ISSUE – CORONOVIRUS

W elcome to the May-June 2020 edition of the EMC’s newsletter.

The EMC has been active in the London Borough of Merton since 1989 and its aims and objectives have always been “to bring the communities together, build community cohesion and improve the quality of lives of the BAME communities living and working within the London Borough of Merton”. Through our work we have always recognised a need in the communities for more health awareness projects and made the decision to develop this aspect of our services. This message to EMC’s members, clients, users and well-wishers from The Ethnic Minority Centre’s Chair, Trustees, Staff and Volunteers is that in March 2020 the EMC had to make difficult decisions about their many projects. They had to look at the problem from two prospective: one is human life and another one is stay safe and healthy. The impact of CORONOVIRUS pandemic challenges lay ahead. “Stay at Home” was the Government order that was first issued to the world and now “Stay alert” so that we will come together again and win the fight against Coronavirus.

Message from Sabitri Ray-Project Director As you are all aware during this lock down the EMC office at the Vestry Hall is temporarily closed and staff are now working from home. I have kept in contact with our funders and I am very happy to report that we have secured funding for late 2020/21 for Swimming lessons at The Canons when life will returned to normal and it is safe to proceed.I have also tried to keep in contact with as many members of our communities who have attended our many projects and find out how they are managing. We really care about you all. I have included some of their personal stories (with their permission) in this newsletter.I thank all our funders specially London Community Foundation, Get Set Get Active, Clarion Futures, Mayor of London’s Cultural Seeds, Merton Giving for their support and grants. If you wish to contact me please use sabitriray@hotmail.com

Thank you Sabitri Amazing stories – personal experiences Clovis said

A sudden virus(covid-19) has hit the entire world. This pandemic has had a negative effect on the elderly and the very young., Since the covid-19 I have been in good health but have been amazed at the many people who have lost their lives. This sudden shift has drawn me closer to God. It has allowed me to see and learn more about the effect of a praying church and the outstanding results I have experienced in getting closer to God. He has been keeping me from day to day.

I am never bored. I sometimes feel really isolated at times since I live alone, and I am accustomed to going out daily to various classes specially for EMC’s so many activities.I make myself busy by studying my bible, knitting, packing away things in my bedroom, learning more cooking techniques etc. and doing my daily exercises. I sometimes go to do a little shopping and even taking time out to relax as a daily routine. I have not been able to see my family and friends but l have kept in touch using social media. My regular church services are interrupted because of the lock down but God is good we connect using Zoom for services. I have learnt to adjust myself and be happy because loved ones have passed away and I am thankful to God I am still alive. I am giving God thanks for He has been my keeper each day.

Julia saidI wouldn’t say that I am enjoying this lockdown I wish it was over. I miss Ethnic Minority Centre (EMC) ‘s activities. Lovely atmosphere company. However, it has given me time to reflect and to think of the things we took for granted. Sometimes I look out and cannot see one person on my street. I appreciate having learnt how to use my phone. I am keeping in touch with relatives in England and abroad. I played games with my daughters and their friend one in Brighton one in Croydon and three at my home. I am so touched by all the people offering to help sending messages and

sharing humour. There is a great community spirit which I hope would last. I do hope this lockdown will end soon. We will unite again and celebrate life.

Vipa saidThis unusual situation we are all facing today has been a blessing in disguise for me. Simply because:

I got my family to understand each other as we have TIME !Secondly working as a team & testing our skills in patience. We do VALUE life and appreciate what nature has given US.STOP people abusing their power for their own interest only and create a sensible society.

Finally, I managed to find time to pursue my little hobbies like embroidery, play some loud music (headphone), yoga, chatting away on video calls with all my brother’s sisters’ cousins included😀. God exists.

Vipa and Dr Reena Ball were helping us in our Ephemeral Art Exhibitions at Mitcham Library. Reena Ball is a retired doctor, but she is busy gardening and helping people. Both are committed and dedicated volunteers.

Dhaarmistha & TilakTilak is our Creative maths students, very regular and cute, loves to talk in the class. Whenever any question is asked by the Tutor Rita, his hand is always up to answer. At present he is very upset of not being able to attend the Maths class due to COVID-19. There are more students are also in the same situation, who are keen to comeback to the Maths class.

Dharmistha (Tilak’s Mum) although tired of coping with the situation as well as her young children and lots of her other home works, she is happy to have quality time with her full family in this COVID-19 lockdown.

ONGOING PROJECTS 2020/21 WHEN LOCKDOWN OVER

Knitting Every Monday morning at Mitcham Library Time: 11.00am – 1.00pmWe welcome everyone EMC’s Free Exploration of Creative & Problem-Solving Maths Sessions These classes having been running since 2016—and have been so successful Funded by Clarion Futures is in three groups, 7-14 years–Beginners 8-18 years Intermediate and 50+ at Mitcham Library on Tuesdays.

ESOL on Wednesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Vestry Hall.EMC’s advice and information service.

Believe in Yourself” A Health & Wellbeing Club (Tea Talk and gentle exercise) every Friday at Colliers Wood Community Association at 11.00amThe aim: To promote awareness of the importance and benefits of diet/nutrition and activity. With talks from Health providers and gentle exercises.

“Maths to help you live your life” every Tuesday The Merton Dementia Hub is a unique community-based service for people with dementia, their family and carers. The Hub provides a beautifully calming

environment specifically designed around people with dementia. Funded by London Community Foundation __________________________________________________________________________ Great Loss

Mrs Pingla Naidoo, our great friend and long-time volunteer passed away in March 2020 after a long illness. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by us all. We pray to god for her soul rest in peace.

Important Message from our Chair Mr A. Sandiford

Let me first of all wish you and your family good health and safety during this period of our life and extend sincere condolences to those who have lost dear ones especially connected with COVID19. May their souls RIP. The Ethnic Minority Centre (EMC) began the New Year with high hopes after having secured funding for new projects which were extremely beneficial to the members of our BAME communities. Our projects were well attended but of course nothing could have prepared any of us for the terrible effects of the pandemic that was about to spread across the world .and brought us to an abrupt halt The Corona Virus -Covid 19.

Government guidelines soon came into place which altered the entire way in which we had intended carrying out our services, We had to make some quick adjustments to our planned agenda. Self- isolation became important and paramount. This meant we like other groups could no longer function the way we used to . This all happened at a time when our attendance numbers were growing especially in the “Help You Live Your Life Maths Project.”. It was therefore with great reluctance having consulted with representatives of the Funders to temporarily suspend the project until further notice. That was at the beginning of March and of course since then this country has been in a Lock down situation with no immediate date of resuming but let me reassure you that all projects will be continued when the time is right and it is safe to do so..Our Staff, Trustees and volunteers who were in some ways able to carry out minor tasks from their homes wish you well during this period and will keep you updated as we go along.Be Alert, Keep safe.

Tony Sandiford Chair of The Ethnic Minority Centre

_______________________________________________________________________EMC, Vestry Hall, 336 London Road, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 3UD, T: 02086480084, E: ethnicminority@btconnect,com