Motor Neurone Disease Association

Diversity of volunteers and clients in North West Kent

The purpose of this project was to understand local demographics in North West Kent, and engage with communities to ensure all people with MND in Kent access available support. The focus was on North West Kent as the most diverse area of the county, with findings being applied across Kent.  

Outcome, aims, objectives and deliverables 

• Analyse the makeup of the community to understand how demographics should be reflected in service users and volunteers. Ensure this includes younger people as well as BAME groups.  

• Map communities, assets, stakeholders and H&S Care services in the area 

• Develop and plan an approach to engaging with local ethnic minority communities  

• Ensure local branches understand how best to meet the needs of diverse communities  

• Produce a report with recommendations for service improvements  

Activities:  

• Map the communities, assets and stakeholders in the area 

• Engage with local branch volunteers as part of the project 

• Engage with the local multidisciplinary teams 

• Consult with neighbouring areas such as Bexley and Medway who have higher numbers of service users and volunteers from diverse communities 

• Investigate the approaches of other similar charities ensure diversity e.g. Parkinsons UK, MS Society 

• Make contact and engage with the local community to ensure the branches understand how to best meet their needs  

• Produce a report on recommendations for service improvement