News / Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group
Meet the people behind a multi-language video communicating vital coronavirus advice
Koyes Ahmed was doing some essential shopping in Sweet Mart recently when he was congratulated for his role in communicating essential coronavirus information to communities.
The NHS GP and urgent care doctor may not have expected to become a local celebrity but he recognised the need to bridge a gap in ensuring the right advice reaches everyone across Bristol, many of whom do not speak English as a first language.
Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group (BMSLG) made a film with essential advice on coronavirus presented in eight different languages that has already been widely shared across the city and beyond.
is needed now More than ever
Speaking about the idea for the video, Dr Ahmed told Bristol24/7: “I’m a GP in Bristol so I know first-hand there are people in some communities struggling to access health care even before coronavirus. We wanted to address that. In our group, we have people from all walks of life and at least eight languages spoken so we thought let’s get the message out to people so they understand it in their own language.
“We have had a number of different people from different communities sharing the video and people have said they have sent it on to friends and family.”
At a time when misinformation is rife and following the right advice vital, the aim was to get the message across as simply and effectively as possible. Dr Ahmed, who is also vice-chair of the BMSLG, says the group has already put out an audio in more languages and has plans for further videos.
The video has acted as a catalyst for change, but it is only part of what BMSLG set out to achieve.
Officially formed in 2019, the group has a vision to improve representation and communication between city stakeholders, such as the police and NHS, and its many different Muslim communities.
“Leaders of one community can’t possibly represent everyone,” explains Sheila Joy Raymond El Dieb, a member of BMSLG.
“There needs to be a channel to communicate to different communities and get views from them. This video is a perfect example of that. Many understand English, but in these challenging times it’s also about identifying with the people giving the message.
“It’s trying to give a sense of community but also opening up channels between statutory partners and communities. It’s about breaking down barriers, this is a big chance to bring people together.”
Sheila Joy Raymond El Dieb says the group hopes to bring people together over Ramadan. Photo courtesy of Sheila Joy Raymond El Dieb
BMSLG’s next role will be to bring people together during Ramadan, which for many will feel very isolating because of lockdown measures, through regular broadcasts.
“Ramadan will be very different this year and very isolating,” says El Dieb. “When we break our fast every day, we do it with family and friends or go to the mosque. It will be massively isolating and unsettling for everyone during lockdown.” She adds that annual events such as The Islamic Fair and Grand Iftar won’t be taking place this year, meaning the group’s vision to improve the lives of Bristol’s diverse Muslim communities is needed now more than ever.
The group has also been working with mosques and supporting closures during lockdown, as well as working with funeral practices about Muslim burials during such difficult times.
Main photo courtesy of Dr Koyes Ahmed
Read more: Nightingale Hospital Bristol expected to open by the end of April
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