The Coronavirus pandemic continues to have a devastating impact across the UK. As we mark one year since the first UK case of Covid-19, we are heading towards the horrible statistic of over 100,000 deaths in the UK this week.
We know that the pandemic has disproportionately affected the country’s ethnic minority communities.
To help address the specific concerns of these diverse communities, a group of celebrities have independently been producing a number of video messages over the past year that have been watched, shared and broadcasted when it matters most, helping to inform communities and save lives.
Today, there is increasing concern over the uptake of the Covid-19 vaccines among ethnic minority communities.
Please find details of a new advice video that includes actors Adil Ray OBE, Meera Syal CBE, Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE, Boman Irani, Asim Chaudhry, Shobna Gulati, Nina Wadia OBE, Colin Salmon, cricketer Moeen Ali, presenters Konnie Huq, Ranvir Singh, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, Mayor Sadiq Khan and more.
The video titled ‘If You Could Save Someone’s Life…’ is aimed at reaching the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to help address the hesitancy around the Covid-19 vaccine.
Following the disproportionate impact of the virus across ethnic minority communities, it is vital that all communities continue to follow and share the correct guidance and information about the vaccine.
Unfortunately, like many others across the UK, these communities have been subject to misleading information and confusing interpretations around the vaccine.
It is important that we all understand the facts so we can help get the country out of the pandemic.
Once more, a group of celebrities who have been deeply concerned by this have collaborated to independently write and produce a five minute video message which not only shares their heartfelt thoughts and advice on the vaccine, but also their personal experiences of the vaccine thus far, with several family members having already received it.
Adil Ray OBE, who helped organise the video explains “After taking part in the Stay At Home campaign last year, we felt that once again we had to do something to help.
“Unfortunately we are now fighting another pandemic – misinformation, where communities who are ignored are preyed upon and voices that endanger lives are amplified.
“Whilst these communities must accept some responsibility too, and take the vaccine to save lives, we all must do what we can and come together to fight this deadly virus.
“We hope this video can help dispel some of the myths and offer some encouragement for everyone to take the vaccine.”
Featuring on the video, actor and author Shobna Gulati also adds: “We will find our way through this, and be united once again with our friends and our families. All we have to do is take the vaccination.
“My sister’s had the vaccine and I’m really looking forward to when it’s my turn.”
Actor and author Meera Syal CBE adds: “I’m so pleased that my Mum has had the vaccine and I look forward to having mine.”
The video was produced independently but with advice and guidance from the NHS.
Check out the video below.
The full list of participants in order of appearance in the video:
Meera Syal CBE, actor and author
Shobna Gulati, actor and author
Moeen Ali, cricketer
Adil Ray OBE, actor and broadcaster
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Konnie Huq, broadcaster and author
Abdullah Afzal, actor and comedian
Boman Irani, actor
Sean Fletcher, broadcaster
Nazir Afzal OBE, solicitor
Rageh Omaar, broadcaster
Colin Salmon, actor
Asma Khan, chef and author
Shobu Kapoor, actor
Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE, actor
Romesh Ranganathan, comedian
Bhavna Limbachia, actor
Sonali Shah, broadcaster
Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, solicitor and activist
Asim Chaudhry, actor and comedian
Mehreen Baig, broadcaster
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, politician and solicitor
Ria Hebden, broadcaster
Nina Wadia OBE, actor
