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Upfront Teenage Pregnancy Team and Sure Start, Bradford - Engaging BME Young Fathers
Upfront are currently developing and delivering services for BME young fathers in Bradford based on research undertaken by a member of the team. Positive links with Sure Start Bradford (Manningham and West Bowling) means the team have developed considerable expertise in engaging with BME teenage fathers (particularly those from Pakastani and Bangladeshi communities). Following a series of interviews with team members and two interviews with the Sure Start young fathers workers (in West Bowling and Manningham) these learning points emerged.What's gone well
- Understanding the sexual health needs of BME young men through research and consultation has been a useful route to developing services.
- Parenting programmes delivered by Sure Start young fathers workers are enjoyed by the young fathers and have led to many successes including helping fathers gain access to their children, gain employment, and improving relationships with their children.
- Creating a strong network of community contacts has been invaluable. A positive relationship with the Council of Mosques has been a huge ally in gaining access to young BME fathers who are Muslim.
Challenges
Territory - distinct territory boundaries in some communities mean some young men will not stray into each others areas. Consequently, young fathers are unlikely to attend if services are not located within their specific territory - even if geographically, it is just next door.
Isolation - many of the youngest BME fathers do not want others to find out they are a parent, particularly if the relationship is outside of marriage. This is compounded by concerns that professionals will pass on their details to others in the community.
Perceptions - Sure Start settings are perceived as being primarily for women - meaning young men do not go or feel that the services are for them. Furthermore, some BME (young) men will not participate in mixed-gender activities such that if both partners (or someone of the opposite sex) turn up to an event, one or the other will leave.
Islamic perspectives - Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) rarely incorporates Islamic perspectives on sexual health issues (e.g. contraception, abortion etc). This can be difficult to address because there is no homogenous Islamic perspective. There are many Islamic perspectives and work needs to recognise the diversity of views.
Current challenges involve work with Asian teenage fathers of children of White teenage mothers. Upfront's sexual health outreach worker reports there have been real difficulties in accessing both the young parents together, particularly when the young parents own parents are not aware of, or do not condone the relationship.
Recommendations
'Workers need to have a sound knowledge and understanding of Islam and its many facets, it can really open doors.'
- The key to addressing cultural concerns regarding SRE programmes is often negotiation, for example, agreeing with parents on the most appropriate ways to depict sexual images.
- Young fathers workers need to engage with the local community figures. Extensive outreach into the community is vital for reaching and engaging BME young fathers. 'People who know people' are crucial, but it is important to remember that local figures (irrespective of the community they come from) will inevitably have their own values or agendas. Workers need to be alert to how to make the most of such contacts without compromising the agency's position.
- Knowledge of culture sensitivities is important in understanding why young fathers don't access services. Many men may not want to discuss fathering issues openly for worries about perceptions of weakness, but also worries about people passing information on and others finding out. Developing knowledge of local cultures and communities is important in breaking down these barriers.
- Spaces where young fathers from specific religious and cultural groups can go and mix only with other men may be important in engaging some young men with support services.
- Building relationships and trust over time is essential. Workers must be patient and be willing to be available outside the 9-5 working day.
- Language skills are useful, though not essential. The ability to speak/understand Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, and English can help to engage with others significant to the BME young father (e.g. his own parents, grandparents etc). Moreover, as there are some faith and cultural concepts that are not easily translated into English, being able to offer a multi-lingual service will clearly enhance the quality of interaction between the worker and young father.
Contacts:
Upfront Teenage Pregnancy Team
Nicola Corrigan (Teenage Pregnancy Advisor)
Claire Whiteley (Teenage Pregnancy Coordinator)
Zed Shaffi (Sexual health outreach worker)
Tel: +44 (0)1274 432 445
Sure Start
Ali Asgar (Dad's Involvment Worker and Family Support Worker, West Bowling)
Tel: +44 (0)1274 201 493
Rashed Hussain (Young Fathers Worker, Manningham)
Tel: +44 (0)1274 323 603
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