Advisers' spotlight: Forward Maisokwadzo
Forward Maisokwadzo, RAMP Deputy Adviser on Inclusion to the Mayor of Bristol
We are living in extraordinary times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One way or the other we are all affected by this coronavirus crisis. Bristol is one of the cities that was supposed to have held local and mayoral elections on May 7th. Understandably, Government postponed all these elections in England for a year due to the coronavirus outbreak. Naturally, because of his role, the Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees is on the forefront of leading the city’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, and just like in many places, there is no manual to follow on how to respond to this pandemic. Due to the nature of my role advising the Mayor of Bristol on Inclusion, especially on migration-related issues locally, nationally and internationally, I hear not only stories of pain but immeasurable acts of kindness by people responding to the crisis. A lot of amazing work continues to take place across Bristol but in this post, I will highlight some of the responses relating to refugees and new migrant communities.
The impact of COVID-19 is huge. The ‘business as usual’ approach doesn’t work; therefore, our primary focus is to be creative and explore new ways of working aimed at keeping everyone safe. In this pandemic, information dissemination, having common values and shared leadership is vital. The Mayor provides daily video updates to ensure Bristolians are aware of council services, Government guidelines and legislation. Utilising the resources of our diverse city’s communities, the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leaders Group and the NHS have produced a video with clear messaging in eight different languages.
Through our award-winning WeAreBristol campaign, the council launched a free We Are Bristol coronavirus 7-day a week hotline to help the city’s most vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic. It offers a potential lifeline to isolated and worried residents across the city regardless of their immigration status. Call handlers provide support for people with a wide range of needs, including obtaining food supplies, other essential items and medication. They can also help arrange follow-up support with different organisations. The team is offered support by the council’s translation and interpreting service.
Our recruitment drive for volunteers to help with the response to coronavirus, a joint initiative with Can Do Bristol, was also publicised via refugee and migrant groups to encourage volunteers from the city’s diverse communities. This resulted in many groups getting involved. One example is Bristol4Muslim, an initiative where taxi drivers from across the city and predominantly from BAME communities are offering their support, especially with food deliveries.
The Council has also offered accommodation to homeless people and rough sleepers during the crisis irrespective of immigration status, including to people with No Recourse to Public Funds. To ensure collaboration with the refugee sector, the Mayor’s advisors attend refugee agencies’ meetings regularly. The Council’s Staff Working Group, which has the responsibility to implement the recently approved Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Inclusion Strategy across all service areas will also convene at the end of this month. The main agenda item will be the current pandemic and how departments can continue to work together.
Amidst the coronavirus crisis, the Mayor made sure to express his views about the injustices faced by the Windrush generation as highlighted by the Lessons Learned Review in this written piece. This is just another example of the Mayor’s commitment to standing up for justice and vulnerable people within our communities.
COVID-19 presented us all with huge challenges. But both in the media and on the ground, we’re seeing an outpouring of generosity as Bristolians are coming together to support the most vulnerable within our communities while adopting the necessary social distancing measures. It is only by continuing to work together and following Government guidelines that we can keep everyone safe.