Eunice Olumide has given her support to a new initiative from AAI EmployAbility.
Scottish supermodel Eunice Olumide is backing a new initiative providing professional and personal support to minority ethnic people during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Diversity Works programme has been designed to provide people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds with the tools to improve their personal and professional circumstances over six weeks of tailored support.
Developed and delivered by Edinburgh-based social enterprise AAI EmployAbility with backing from the Scottish Government’s Wellbeing Fund, the scheme will hold its first group event over Zoom on 24 June.
It comes after studies revealed the Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected BAME communities. Out of every 2,000 coronavirus patients, 35% are non-white, despite BAME individuals making up only 13% of the UK population.
Olumide, who has a portfolio of businesses involved in art, publishing, film, television and her own clothing and accessories range, said: "I've been an activist for social justice over nearly a decade. Finally, people are now focusing on race, equality and diversity and taking action.”
“Some incredibly positive things are happening, but the pandemic has really affected people's lives,” she added.
“It's imperative that organisations take this seriously and back it up with action. Having been a part of AAI's diversity work in the past, I'm excited to see this next step in support for black and minority ethnic people in Scotland"
Project manager Nick Murray added: “Through our ongoing work with different BAME communities we know there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the various issues people currently face. This programme offers person-centred support and tools via online training and the emphasis is on enabling participants to take what they have learned, and apply it to their own lives within their individual culture and circumstances.”
Transformational coach Reham Nasr is working with AAI on the project. She said: “The pandemic has had an incredible impact on the job market and people’s personal finances. The added strain of lockdown, and the current discussions of racism and wider societal change has put a huge strain on home life and wellbeing.
“This project looks to address all of these issues head-on, and offer people a semblance of control through the current uncertainty.”
