ANALYSIS OF BME
SURVEY
By the Lewisham Pensioners
Forum
2013
HISTORY
• There are about 275,888 people living in
Lewisham.
• Everyone has access to education,
employment, healthcare, cultural, sporting
and other experiences.
• We are diverse in socio-cultural and socioeconomic terms.
• Over 170 different languages spoken.
• It is the 15th most ethnically diverse local
authority in England.
History - continued
• Black and Minority Ethnic groups comprise
40% of the residents.
• Seventy-four percent of the Borough’s 38,106
school pupils are from this group.
• The population of over 65s is 26,135 - 9.5%.
• The under fives is 22,004 - 8.0%.
• LPF is by far the largest campaigning group
looking after the interests of the Borough’s
older residents.
• LPF is now in its 26th year, and has 1,400
History continued
•
•
•
•
older people from diverse communities.
LPF have bi-monthly Forum meetings.
Members lobby local decision-making
politicians and MPs, and officers of the
Council.
LPF members meet with local MPs at the
House of Commons.
LPF members are given an opportunity to
learn how to become an effective voice for
older people.
INTRODUCTION TO THE
RESEARCH
• Small qualitative survey undertaken by
Elizabeth Sclater and Bridgit Sam-Bailey.
• Purpose was to establish how BME elders
were managing their money once retired.
• Process was by a questionnaire (see
sample).
• Some people thought some questions too
personal. So did not answer them.
• The results were used to inform the planning
of the Financial Fair held on 2 October.
Research - continued
• Bridgit visited a couple of Day Centres in
Southwark.
• Communication problems encountered.
• Bridgit visited Asian and Tamil groups and a
Refugee Centre in Lewisham.
• Elisabeth visited the Indo-Chinese group in
Lewisham.
• Together they visited the Lewisham
Pensioners Action Group.
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING
THE CENTRES
THE SURVEY
• Small.
• Anonymity guaranteed.
• Some questions not answered. Too
personal.
• Quote: They say you have to die in
dignity - but you have to live in dignity to
know how to die in dignity. Cynthia.
RESULTS
• Although the results are not statistically
significant, we were able to ascertain and
appreciate the concerns of the people.
• Of the AC and IC communities, over one half
had state pensions only.
• Five of the respondents received interest
from savings and investments.
• The majority of AC respondents did not
receive council tax benefit.
• Fewer than half of the IC respondents did.
RESULTS
Continued
• The Freedom Pass and Winter Fuel were
valued the highest.
• TV Licence and Energy Efficiency schemes
less valued.
• Three-quarters of AC respondents owned
their own homes.
• Fewer than one quarter lived in public
housing.
• Twenty-two had family living with them, and
five lived with their children in their homes.
RESULTS
Continued
• The great majority concerned about bills.
• Some respondents had BS or Bank Accounts
- some had both.
• Nineteen sent money family members.
• Limited funds meant they could not afford
luxuries or gifts, or to pay for a new boiler or
other appliance if it broke down.
• Despite the above, most felt they could
manage their money if they were careful.
• Some did not mention their age or gender.
CONCLUSION
• Significant conclusions could not be drawn.
• Issues facing BMEs are no different from
those facing the host community.
• Day Centres for the most vulnerable elders
are vital.
• Meeting bills and replacing large household
items are a constant worry.
• They cut their clothes according to their cloth.
AND FINALLY…
AND FINALLY