Touch of Love Workshop: Amplifying Voices Through the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry’s Let’s Be Heard Initiative

Touch of Love Outreach recently organized a workshop designed to empower minority ethnic communities, including New Scots, aimed at equipping them with essential life skills while providing with an opportunity to contribute to a significant national dialogue. One of the key sessions was led by representatives from the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry’s Let’s Be Heard team, who are gathering personal experiences from people across Scotland to inform the Inquiry’s investigation into the pandemic's impact.

This initiative is crucial for New Scots, as many faced unique challenges during the pandemic, such as language barriers and difficulties accessing healthcare. By participating in this initiative, New Scots can share their stories, helping to shape future policies that better support their integration into Scottish society.

The Power of Sharing Experiences

During the workshop, the Let’s Be Heard team introduced their initiative, emphasizing the importance of capturing diverse perspectives, especially from minority ethnic communities that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry’s Let’s Be Heard project is fundamentally about equity, diversity, and inclusion, addressing the specific needs of all communities in Scotland. The team explained that the Let’s Be Heard project is the primary channel through which the Scottish public can contribute to the Inquiry, sharing personal stories, challenges, and the lessons they believe should be learned.

Our Young Achievers were invited to share their personal experiences of the pandemic, discussing how the crisis impacted their mental health, financial stability, and relationships. With 73 young persons in attendance, the session provided a crucial platform for open dialogue, resonating deeply with many who expressed a profound sense of relief and validation. For these young individuals, having their voices heard and their experiences acknowledged was also empowering, as they realized the potential of their stories to influence broader societal change and inform future policies.

Impact on the Community

For many of the young people attending the workshop, the session with the Let’s Be Heard team provided a unique opportunity to engage with a significant national inquiry. The discussion not only highlighted the importance of public participation in shaping future policies but also empowered individuals to speak out about their experiences, knowing that their voices would help guide the Inquiry’s recommendations.

The inclusion of this session in the workshop aligns with Touch of Love Outreach’s mission to empower the most vulnerable in Aberdeen. By connecting the community with initiatives like Let’s Be Heard, Touch of Love is ensuring that the voices of minority ethnic groups and New Scots are not only heard but also actively shape Scotland’s response to future public health crises.

Looking Forward

Touch of Love Outreach remains committed to supporting our community in participating in this crucial dialogue that promotes integration. By doing so, we contribute to a collective understanding that will help build a more resilient and equitable society.

Our Gratitude

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry’s Let’s Be Heard team for their invaluable contribution to this workshop. Their dedication to capturing the diverse experiences of Scotland’s communities, especially those of New Scots and minority ethnic groups, is commendable. Through their work, they are ensuring that these voices are not only heard but also play a crucial role in shaping Scotland’s future. Touch of Love Outreach is proud to have collaborated with them and looks forward to continued partnerships that amplify the voices of those who need to be heard the most.