It’s South Asian Heritage Month from 18th July – 17th August. This year’s theme is #RootstoRoutes,and is about exploring heritage, journeys, and connection!
To mark the month, we’re sharing a Q&A with one of our fantastic Project Workers, Shri, talking about her roots, and what she wants the local South Asian community to know about sexual health.
Name
Shri
Job Title
Project Worker – this involves working out and about in the community (things like events at education or community venues), working with diverse communities, sharing sexual health information and offering C-Card.
What does South Asian Heritage Month mean to you?
It provides a dedicated time to celebrate, recognize, and reflect on the cultures, histories, and communities of South Asia. It’s a chance to acknowledge the diverse contributions of South Asians to society, particularly in the UK, and to foster a deeper understanding of their heritage and experiences.
This year’s theme is Roots to Routes, what are the roots that shaped you?
My parents lived in Kenya, Africa, then travelled to India and finally settled in the UK. We now live in one of the most diverse cities, Leicester, which is amazing!!!
And what route have you taken to get to your role that you’re in today?
I have a marketing degree I also was a youth worker for several years working in schools and colleges before my current role.
What do you love about your job?
Helping people from all different demographics to learn about sexual health. Attending events, giving out information and answering questions services users might fine a taboo.
And finally, what sexual health messages would you like to share with Leicester’s South Asian community?
Sexual health services in Leicester are free to access.
We offer a confidential service.
We have dedicated clinics for people from a diverse background.
Sexual health needs to be treated the same as going to the doctors, opticians, or dentist – we need to remove the stigma/taboo attached to attending clinics.
The team is happy to go and support events, coffee mornings and groups 😊 If you’d like us to come to your event or venue, drop us an email on LeicesterCCard@mpft.nhs.uk.
Shri (second left), is pictured below at a World AIDS Day event, in partnership with Tesco, and Trade Sexual Health.
