Friday the 25th of March 2022, (exactly two years since the start of COVID) saw BMHS , SCVS, Swansea University and Swansea Bay University Health Board come together for ‘The Unsung Hero Community Cohesion Event’ award ceremony at the Brangwyn Hall covered by BBC Wales.
The awards were created to acknowledge groups and individuals that have been nominated for their exceptional efforts, and services to the community during the pandemic.
One of the nominations of the night was BMHS, a trusted voice when it comes to public health guidelines and early intervention health information for ethnic minorities in Wales.
The organization played an active role throughout the pandemic including vaccination enlightment campaigns and the provision of support to vulnerable community members. The organization has also helped provide mental health training, health awareness sessions and fitness sessions- as well as helping in practical and tangible ways to several community members in Wales.
Other achievements include raising the profile of the Mental Health Act 1983 Reformation and contributing to the overall aims and objectives of the Race Equality Action Plan. Alongside this the organization has been mentioned on the BBC, Wales Online, ITV News amongst others.
The Director of BMHS, Alfred Oyekoya "saw months of triumphant headlines about the success of the coronavirus vaccine rollout, with targets set and smashed, he knew the figures quoted didn’t tell the whole story," says National Wales.
The nomination and winner list for the event includes Bukunola Okunade, Aisha Rayhanna Amer, Claire, Lottie and children Edward & Cassie, Dr Saloni Jain & Dr Sowndarya Shivaraj, Dr Mahaboob Basha, Fiona Hughes, Abdul Mustak, Bamidele Adenipekun, Bukola Babajide, Kokisa Buka ,amongst others.
One group celebrated on the night was the Swansea Muslim Community Service - a group of mums who turned out to help neighbours, becoming a well-oiled machine.
The woman behind it all was Aisha Rayhanna Amer, who saved a life during one of her many food deliveries. The group of Muslim women began their work after Aisha witnessed a mother of young children break down in tears in the middle of a supermarket, surrounded by panic buyers. Organizing themselves into administration, shopping, and referral teams, they distributed food packs and essentials seven days a week to vulnerable people.
On the night , the Fantastic Four Organizing Committee which include, Shaz Abedean, Riaz Hassan, Emily Bollington and Alfred Oyekoya said, “this goes without saying how grateful we are to our partners; SCVS, BMHS, Swansea University, Swansea Council and Swansea University Health Board, who worked hand in hand to create this magical evening for diverse communities gathering together.”
“this goes without saying how grateful we are to our partners; SCVS, BMHS, Swansea University, Swansea Council and Swansea University Health Board, who worked hand in hand to create this magical evening for diverse communities gathering together.”
Swansea Bay NHS discussed the brilliance of community care during the pandemic and other important topics such as early intervention. Their organization took to social media before the event and said "we’ve all faced and overcome challenges during the pandemic. But some of our communities have gone further and helped others along the way, and we are so glad they get the recognition."
Attendees of the event were blessed with performances from DJ Denny Hus, Steve Sax, Honest Poet , Blank Face to name a few, and a huge selection of food, drinks and music was enjoyed throughout the evening.
Congratulations to all our winners and nominees, we are so proud of you all.
Find out more about the event and see all our winners here
Video highlights below:
