Laeeq Rehman

Chairman @Perth Taxis

Perth, GB

Perth Minorities Association (PMA) is a voluntary community group established at the beginning of 2022 due to the support and work the community group provided during lockdown. Majority of the service users supported are ethnic minorities and/or have vulnerable characteristics living in Perth. PMA’s main agenda is that everyone has equal opportunities to be supported, provided, and ensured that social and economic welfare can be attained as we are an organisation that upholds the Equality Act 2010. Evidence shows a major increase in demand for mental wellbeing support in our communities. During the pandemic especially the older people who encountered critical stages of isolation and loneliness as they were not allowed visitors and were digitally excluded (didn’t have access to the internet or devices). With the lack of support over the past two years, PMA saw the mental and physical deteriorated of the community’s older people during this period. PMA have provided culturally suitable meals and groceries and delivered prescriptions through our doorstep programme. There are current reports that highlight ethnic minority older people are among the most lonely and isolated as there are insufficient services and facilities in place to support them. With this in mind, there is a demand for a part-time befriender/carer to focus on our older people’s needs.Through conversations and feedback from our service users, they would like to create closer ties within Perth, by inviting the local community to participate in culturally inclusive activities and events. This will improve their mental and physical wellbeing as well as the positive impact on the social needs through meaningful engagements. To date, we have conducted several events such as: Career days: to provide a platform for everyone that needs help in finding a job or any support they require. Mental health awareness: focusing on the importance of mental health for migrants and refugees

NC Business Perth College

Hospitality Administration/Management

Perth grammar school

Highers