Holding On to the Gains: The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on BAME groups in Wales

The All Wales BAME Engagement Programme is pleased to launch this report by Dr Royiah Sultas:  ‘Holding On to the Gains’ Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on BAME groups in Wales.

The report details the EYST Wales Engagement programmes’ series of topical forums during the beginning of the Covid- 19 Pandemic (March to August 2020). Dr Sultas evaluates the content of the forums with themes ranging from the impact of Covid-19 on the mental health of children and young people to the impact on employment and security for Black, Asian and minority Ethnic people across Wales, and draws out the findings and solutions proposed by over 800 attendees at the forums. 

‘’ Findings echo those emerging from similar engagement work across the UK …… Of importance is a collective sense of loss and fear – and the deep dismay, frustration and anger felt by many – as it became evident that long-standing and persistent social and health inequalities meant that not only were BAME groups (to varying extents) at a disproportionate risk of infection and death due to COVID-19 but also that the pandemic was set to further exacerbate their quality of life and life opportunities in multiple ways.’’( Saltus R (2020), Holding On to the Gains: Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on BAME Communities in Wales. University of South Wales, Pontypridd)  

The report highlights the persistent systemic inequalities, be they social, political or health – based which face Welsh society, and calls on policy makers and others to work together, ‘hold on to the gains’ and address the issues exposed and exacerbated by the pandemic in order to move towards a fairer and safer Wales for all.  

Read the full report here: Holding on to the Gains 151220

For questions about the report or the work of the All Wales BAME Engagement programme at EYST please contact ginger@eyst.org.uk