Community Programme: 2022-2025

"Cwm Taf People First is a self-advocacy charity run by and for people with learning disabilities who live in the areas of Rhondda-Cynon-Taff, Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen. Our aim is to empower people with learning disabilities to have greater voice, choice and control over their lives and to challenge prejudice and discrimination through training, education and support."

BIHR worked with Cwm Taf People First to create a human rights game in Easy Read (an accessible format that uses short sentences and pictures to convey information). The game is designed for adults with learning disabilities in the UK to support them to understand human rights and to speak up for their rights and have their voices heard. The game features stories and issues that come up in real life.

"Parent and Carer Alliance CIC work with families living in Gloucestershire, whose children have additional needs and disabilities, to ensure they get their needs met and live better lives. We want to work with BIHR to provide families with a human rights support solution to influence positive changes."

BIHR worked with Parent Carer Alliance to create an in-depth written resource, focusing on the right to private and family life, home and correspondence. We produced a really detailed explainer for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities, so that they feel empowered to use this human right when challenging decisions of local authorities and schools. There are videos to go alongside the resources, and hopefully parents and carers will use this to protect the rights of their whole families.

"BOMOKO NI is the Northern Ireland Refugees and Asylum Seekers Women Association, created by and for refugees and asylum seekers women. We applied to this programme to actively engage in the design process. We believe that our involvement will play a pivotal role in shaping the development of tools and resources that will have a tangible impact on the lives of our service users, who are our valued members."

BIHR worked with Bomoko NI to create a pocket-sized leaflet for women seeking asylum and refugees in Northern Ireland. The leaflet will include information about key human rights and real-life stories of rights in action. It is available both online and in hard copy so women can take it with them to meetings and carry it around easily. It has been translated into multiple languages to meet the needs of Bomoko NI’s community.

"The African Women Empowerment Forum (AWEF) is dedicated to empowering African women in the UK and beyond. We provide a platform for social interaction, integration, and skill development through various programs. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and co-design a human rights support solution for African women refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers in the UK."

BIHR worked with the African Women’s Empowerment Forum to create a brochure that supports people seeking asylum and refugees to navigate and access public services and ensure that their human rights are upheld. The brochure looks at key rights, such as the right to private and family life, the right to be free from inhuman and degrading treatment, the right to be free from discrimination and the right to life.