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‘Tell Me More…about coronavirus in our communities and Covid-19 vaccinations’ will be a free, online Q&A session, taking place at 5.30pm on Wednesday 17 November 2021.

The live event is being supported by University of Wales Trinity Saint David. It will provide an opportunity to understand more about the impact of coronavirus and to take part in an open and honest discussion about any concerns or fears about vaccination, including the roll-out of the vaccine amongst 12 to 15 year olds. Participants will able to put questions to a panel of health experts and local community leaders.

Henry Gilbert, former High Sheriff of West Glamorgan and Chair of the Tell Me More Campaign, said:

“The disproportionate impact of coronavirus on people with Black, Asian, Minority or Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds has been widely reported and, sadly, since Covid-19 vaccines were first introduced there has been a growth in dangerous and untrue anti-vaccination propaganda and misinformation.

“With winter on the way, and the roll-out of vaccinations for the 12 to 15 year age groups taking place, the Tell Me More stakeholder group agreed that it would be timely to hold an event to talk about and understand more about the impact on members of our BAME communities, and to help dispel myths and provide reassurance about the vaccinations.

“Of course, vaccination is a personal choice, but the Covid-19 vaccines are saving lives, and our aim is to provide people with the facts and information to help them make an informed decision about the vaccines for themselves and their families.”

The panel for the event will be announced shortly, but is set to include health experts and local community leaders.

Mr Gilbert added:

“I would encourage anyone who has questions about coronavirus or the safety or effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccines, concerns linked to religious or moral beliefs or any other questions on whether taking the vaccine is right for them and their family to come along and discuss these with our expert panel.”

Anyone wishing to attend should register by 5pm on Monday 15 November. The registration and submit a question form, together with more information about the event can be found at www.tellmemore.wales

While the event is tailored for residents of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, anyone is welcome to join the discussion.

The Tell Me More campaign was set up by representatives of the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to dispel fear and mistrust, and encourage take-up of the Covid-19 vaccination. It aims to do this by signposting to honest and accurate information from trusted local sources including medical practitioners, faith and community leaders, as well as ordinary people, friends and neighbours, who live and work in the community so that people from BAME communities can truly make informed decisions.