TWO new digital platforms have been launched to help people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the Wirral.
The platforms, Drug Talk and the Wirral Multicultural Organisation (WMO) Digital Hub, have been designed to provide support to those worried about drug and alcohol use.
They aim to break down barriers and make it easier for those whose first language is not English to access advice and guidance.
The Drug Talk platform, co-designed with people from ethnic minority backgrounds, includes 'harm reduction' information about a range of drugs and alcohol.
It also provides details of health risks and laws, along with street names for each substance.
The website is designed to be culturally and religiously sensitive, using non-stigmatising language.
It also features a 'Recite' tool, which can translate text or audio into more than 100 languages.
The sites will be a valuable resource for communities across the borough (Image: Supplied) Councillor Jean Robinson, chair of Wirral’s health and wellbeing board, said: "We all deserve access to support services we may need – but access can look different for different people.
"Drug Talk is a powerful education resource for residents from ethnic backgrounds who may wish to access the same services available as their neighbours – but may struggle due to various barriers."
The WMO Digital Hub has been redesigned to help the multilingual community access resources related to health and wellbeing and harm reduction.
Aline Macready, CEO for Wirral Multicultural Organisation, said: "We’re excited that our experience and expertise have resulted in developing the websites.
"This will enable people from ethnic minority backgrounds to access support, services and information in their preferred language."
Inspector Susan Stribling, lead for Project ADDER (Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement and Recovery) at Merseyside Police, said: "We are pleased to have instigated and funded the WMO Digital Hub to bring it up to date with technology, design and information.
"This accessible platform will help our diverse communities access up-to-date harm reduction and treatment advice for drugs, alcohol, gambling and signposts support if someone becomes a victim of cuckooing, a form of criminal exploitation when someone takes over a person’s home for criminal activity."
The Drug Talk platform was developed following a research project with English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students at Wirral Met College.
The websites are open to all residents and can be accessed online.
