Features / Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2020
Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2020, day 8: Nilaari
Nilaari works across Bristol to support the emotional wellbeing and mental health of people who are Black and Asian, and people from an ethnic minority group (BAME).
Led by BAME people for BAME people, the Nilaari team use offer a host of “culturally sensitive” projects to help people fulfil their full potential.
The charity has established projects such as Jabari, a project to engage men with complex needs, Exhale, a informal weekly drop-in session for women, and Weaver Bird, supporting BAME women, including refugees and asylum seekers, with mental health needs,
is needed now More than ever
In addition, the Yellow Bird project, for women aged 25 and older, provides a range of interventions for women with mental health issues who may have previously struggled to engage with support, and the Bluebird project helps women aged 24 and under who are dealing with day-to-day struggles which could become overwhelming and can have a negative impact.
Staff at Nilaari. Photo: Nilaari
2020 has seen the launch of even more projects, such as the C19 Crisis Support Partnership Project, seeking to address the wider effects on mental health and wellbeing of BAME people, and Black Women Pause, which as been set up in response to the pandemic and the events around Black Lives Matter.
Nilaari, which means “to have self-worth and value” is located on Stapleton Road in Easton but currently operating remotely, and works with several Bristol partners to offer services.
The charity is one of 19 Bristol organisations working with Golden Key to improve services for those with the most complex needs, is part of the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership and has partnered with Bristol Black Carers and Bristol Somali Resource Centre among others.
Nilaari also runs outreach projects such as USAWA, a cultural confidence and competence training course for organisations, including universities. Photo: Nilaari
“We help to deal with (re)offending behaviour, mental health and problematic substance use,” say the Nilaari team. “We use our understanding and experience to advocate for equality and social justice in key strategic policy forums.
“As a street level agency in the heart of the most ethnically diverse ward in the city, one of our key strengths is our local knowledge and understanding of diversity.
“We believe that feeling heard and understood can help the healing process. Everyone who visits will be listened to and treated with respect and dignity.”
Main photo of Jean Smith, staff at Nilaari: Ellie Pipe
Read more: Bristol University to request amendment to the Equalities Act
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