My dad retired from the army and came to the UK in 1969 to make a living. I was 10 years old and had 4 siblings.  We were raised in Blackburn and went to school there. I worked in Blackburn as a community worker to help with the language barrier. I got married in 1976 and moved to the North East in 1979 when my husband was made redundant. Then we bought a corner shop in Sunderland, where I worked with my husband while bringing up my kids. We moved to Newcastle in 1984 because most of my family was there. I was a carer for my children.
Later, I became a volunteer in an Asian carers group. In 1999, I started working with West End Community Wardens, which later became West End Friends. My job was to work with the South Asian elderly community, helping them overcome their problems by referring them to or networking with other agencies. I enjoyed working with people and assisting them, particularly as these were individuals from the first generation who came with the intention of making money and returning to their country. Unfortunately, this did not happen, and many of the men didn’t think to teach their wives English. Sadly, when the men passed away, most of the women we worked with were lonely, isolated, and needed support to live independently in their own homes.
My job was to go out, assess their needs, and introduce volunteers who shared the same language and culture. Sometimes, the services had to be tailor-made, as these women often required someone to accompany them to hospital appointments, read their letters, and advocate on their behalf. I feel I am experienced enough to help the Elders Council deliver the needs of the South Asian community, as I am well aware of the struggles and challenges they face.