Dhek Bahl

"The men’s group for whom we run gentle activity sessions are very warm, enthusiastic and demonstrate commitment to regular exercises.” We welcome the opportunity to work with Dhek Bhal and further develop our relationship.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with Dhek Bhal’s staff, Zehra Haq and others in promoting culturally responsive services to support Carers.  Activities and projects undertaken include the "Mental well-being Awareness workshop"; "Drop in sessions" at Montpelier Health Centre; raising awareness of mental health issues on Ujima Radio. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Dhek Bhal over the coming year.”

"We have been working with Dhek Bhal to extend their services into South Gloucestershire. Asian carers in S Glos are more isolated than within Bristol due to their small numbers. Our a community development worker engaged in reducing the number of BME people suffering from anxiety, stress and depression who need care set up with Dhek Bhal this year a support group for South Asian men, including male carers. This project has so far been very successful and we are particularly pleased to note the presence of residents from South Gloucestershire. One of them shared their experience with health professionals, and others, at the South Gloucestershire Better Health Forum, on the improved health benefits to the group even by a once monthly meeting and called for an increase in the frequency of meetings."

“North Bristol Older People's Service AWP has formed a very constructive and productive partnership with Dhek Bhal, which has given us a valuable insight into the needs of the local community. Dhek Bhal staff are always very helpful and enthusiastic in all the activities we jointly undertake such as bimonthly partnership meetings, and workshops. I look forward to the on going collaborative work with Dhek Bhal.”

A successful joint bid to St Monica’s Lottery Fund in 2009 has enabled Battle Against Tranquillisers to begin an important partnership with Dhek Bhal.  Two successful training sessions have been held for the South Asian Community and we look forward to developing joint services.

“Dhek Bhal has for some years provided placements for social work students in the first year of their Masters in Social Work programme at Bristol University. Students have been involved in individual, group and project work and have greatly benefitted from the learning opportunities involved, including the opportunity to engage with and learn about the cultural groups who use the services of Dhek Bhal.

The partnership between Dhek Bhal and the University of Bristol has been further strengthened recently because Dhek Bhal has provided a workshop for students on experiences of caring, and is also becoming involved in the Service User and Carer Forum. This partnership is very valuable to the University,and helps to ensure that students are equipped to provide appropriate services in our diverse society in their future practice.”

"Having worked with Dhek Bhal colleagues now for some years, I have come to appreciate how special and committed each and every member of Zehra’s team really are. Led and managed by Zehra and the Trustees of Dhek Bhal, they continue to serve the South Asian communities with respect, professionalism and a real drive towards ensuring a “person-centred” approach.

I have greatly appreciated the relationship that has been developed over the years. Our joint work has led to some magnificent “events”; including a joint conference in October 2008, attended by over 100 people, which aimed to promote a greater understanding of disability and mental health support needs from within the BME communities.

The most recent event was to promote greater understanding of the importance of cultural and religious needs, presented eloquently by Dhek Bhal colleagues, speaking personally about their experiences as Muslims, Sikhs and as Hindus.

We have come to value this “shared learning”, as individuals, and as an organisation. We await our next ”event” with great anticipation!"