Key issues meet ‘shows progress’

More than 800 ladies from the Shree Prajapati (SPAUK) Samaj attended the 36th Mahila Samelan (women's conference) earlier this month at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham.

MORE than 800 Indian women attended a conference in Oldham to discuss sensitive issues such as child sexual exploitation.

Representatives from the Hindu charity Shree Prajapati Association UK (SPA UK) attended the 36th Mahila Samelan (women’s conference) earlier this month at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Hosted by the SPA Tameside branch the audience listened to speakers talk about the sensitive issue of child sexual exploitation and how to be more aware of it in their communities.

The day also included Indian-themed dance routines. Presenters included Rebekah Sutcliffe, assistant chief constable of Greater Manchester Police.

Kim Scragg, Oldham Council’s director of safeguarding, spoke about the support available through local councils and Pradip Mistry, an e-safety expert, talked about e-device safety and parent awareness.

Traditional

Further speakers highlighted the ‘Care in the Community’ services available to help people manage their physical and mental health problems in the community. A key highlight was the need for care homes with Asian-specific needs addressed. Jitubhai Mistry, SPA UK president, said: “We are aware that grooming and child sexual exploitation are not topics discussed in our households. However, we need to face reality.

“With regards to Care in the Community, it is traditional for our families to take the self-help route. But this brings its own stresses.

“It’s time our community understand there is help out there. I am proud of the programme the Mahilas have put together and shows how progressive our community is.”