Launched in October 2020 and funded by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social care, Boloh is a national helpline targeting carers and parents from Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities, and asylum seekers. The name hails from the Hindi and Urdu, 'to talk' or 'speak', and aims to provide advice on respiratory illness and support those disproportionately affected by Covid-19.
The helpline runs two main projects:
• To support families with young children experiencing coughs, colds and chest infections this winter.
• A project to support the mental health and wellbeing of adult asylum seekers
Specialist helpline advisors work in a culturally informed manner and are knowledgeable about the lived experiences of parents and carers from these communities.
Helpline Advisors speak a range of languages including English, Punjabi, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Albanian and Polish. Callers can also access interpreters when required.
Staff do not provide clinical advice, but have been trained by health professionals to signpost callers to the right medical support when needed.
Boloh can be accessed by phone (0800 151 2605; free from mobiles and landlines), web chat and email Boloh.helpline@barnardos.org.uk
For more information please visit https://helpline.barnardos.org.uk/