Interview: Working for a Latin American Charity

As I was writing Lending a Helping Hand: Organisations Supporting Latin Americans in the UK, I realised the importance of having an authentic insight into what it is actually like to be that helping hand. So I asked a friend of mine to talk about her experience working for a charity that supports the Latin American community.

Due to the nature of her role, she asked me not to publish her name as she wanted to be as open as possible. She has been working for the charity sector for several years and has extensive front-line experience working with service users, as well as ‘behind the scenes’ operations expertise.

Can you tell me about your Latin heritage?

I am a proud Peruvian, I was born in the highlands of the country, and raised in the coastal region. My parents were from different regions of the country making my home a beautiful blend of the Andes and the Amazonian region. I feel deeply connected to my roots through their memories and the love for their land. 

What made you decide to work for a charity that supports Latin American people in the UK?

As an immigrant, I was constantly looking for a way to feel closer to home and I embraced every experience that could allow me to have meaning in my own journey miles away from home. On this path I found myself in spaces where  I could relate to others, including the challenges and acts of resilience. 

I witnessed how painful it was holding feelings of “not being heard or seen” and how powerful it was feeling understood and supported. The latter kindled my desire to do my bit. I did not know how, but I just wanted to be on board. That is why, when the opportunity came my way, I embraced it and I have never looked back. At last, I found the place where I wanted to be and the cause close to my heart that I was so eagerly looking for.  

What does it mean for you to work in a Latin American charity?

For me, it is a synonym of trust and representation. It means that I feel confident that we, as a team, recognise and understand the experiences of the people we support not only by implementing empathetic support, but also through a recognition of intersectionality and the multiple forms of discrimination and additional barriers faced by people from our community. What it means for me is being part of a team that is closely connected to the human experience of the many women we support, and through their expertise are able to offer the best support available. 

What are the challenges facing the Latin American community at the current time?

Many of the challenges that the Latin American community is currently facing were magnified by the world health crisis due to COVID-19. As part of a minority and marginalised group, we continue to be on the receiving end of political measures that do not contemplate the needs and challenges of our community. We continue to endure intersectional discrimination and our safety and security could be taken away from us without warning. Our community continues to endure precarity and financial insecurity shaped by low-pay, insecure contracts and lack of awareness of their rights. Precarious migrant Latin American workers are disproportionately affected and put at a higher risk of exploitation and abuse. 

Language barriers and digital inclusion issues also  prevent people from being able to access public services and resources such as health, housing and education. Added to that, the implications of vulnerabilities associated with an insecure migrant status makes people from our Latin American community particularly at risk.  

Securing appropriate housing and guaranteeing food on the table is a colossal task that only adds to the stress of financial hardship. Mental health issues are also a current concern within our community.  Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are the most common clinical presentations. As a specialist service with an extensive experience in domestic violence, we have seen a spike in domestic violence cases and we have seen, in horror, how in many cases, the UK system is unable to offer protection and justice. 

What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

Providing services with very limited resources. The demands of our community are increasingly high and COVID19 played a huge part  in exacerbating the already existing needs. Like many charity organisations, we are constantly under the threat of not being able to continue providing the services that are very much needed by our community. We are permanently testing our creativity, resilience and stretching our efforts to make it happen as we know how important it is to create a safe space for the women we support. Fortunately, we are a very committed team of staff and volunteers, and it is this commitment that helps us push forward. 

And the most rewarding thing about it?

The most rewarding part of my work is being able to be part of someone’s else's journey in life and witness their strength. There are no words to describe how wonderful it feels to have been in the position of helping someone in a time of need, embracing their experience and being fortunate enough to use your knowledge to ensure that the person seeking for support makes the best decision for themselves. It is really an honour.