Naseem Shah - Outreach Worker

"I work with disabled Asian women and children and their carers, making contact to ensure they know about the services and benefits that they are entitled to. There are all sorts of differences that can create problems for people and marginalise them - gender, culture, religion, language. My role is to enable women to make informed choices about using services like health care, respite care, day centres and facilities for the disabled living at home.

There's a knock-on effect if people don't take up services. It shows up later in ill health for carers, or families not being able to cope any more. I've always wanted to work with people, and the position of Asian women in our society is a real concern for me. I think I get some of that from my Mum who worked with disabled children."

Naseem has had various roles within social care and voluntary work since she left school. She understands several Asian dialects, which is especially important in establishing relationships with the people she is now working with. She works with a charity but has frequent contact with local health and social services.