In a first of its kind in the UK, the new guidance is based on the evaluation of alcohol service initiative for a Punjabi community in the West Midlands.
Led by Professor Sarah Glavani from Manchester Metropolitan, the guide offers advice on how to work productively with local communities, while addressing alcohol problems within South Asian communities in general, and the Punjabi community in particular.
Professor Galvani, Professor of Social Research and Substance Use at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Far more attention is needed to support our diverse communities and to determine the most effective ways of supporting people, and their families. As one community member told me, there is a habit of “parachuting in ‘white’ services” and expecting that to work.”
Richard McVey, Aquarius’ Head of Service, said: “It is really important that all alcohol and drug services listen to the particular needs of our diverse communities. We must avoid a ‘one size fits all’ approach. To do this, partnership with the community from the outset is vital.”
Report co-author, Dr Surinder Guru, Senior Lecturer at the University of Birmingham, said: “Drinking within the Punjabi community is very gendered. Heavy drinking by men is common practice but women’s drinking is frowned upon. This creates tensions in families and women can suffer rejection and shame within the community and family. The original research underpinning Shanti showed that young Punjabi people notice this unequal treatment of men and women and see it as unfair. We need to give attention to women’s drinking and the impact of men’s drinking on women and children with the Punjabi community.”
