A ‘pioneering’ app that provides valuable support and information to help migrants integrate into life in Coventry is giving advice on Ramadan during the ongoing COVID-19 emergency.
The Welcome to Coventry web app, created as part of the Building Bridges Project, covers issues including health, education and employment, and much more. It has an interactive map of local services, and BrowseAloud technology that allows users to translate its content into several languages.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the app’s ‘health’ pages have been updated daily with the most recent guidance and links to signpost users to important resources that range from how to identify and report loan sharks, to accessing mental health resources and translated materials.
With Ramadan approaching, the app now includes sources to support the many Muslims in Coventry that face a very different Ramadan this year, Coventry council says.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, during which families and friends usually gather to celebrate, fast and participate in prayers to become closer to God.
Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport said: “I want to congratulate Muslims across our great city for the special month of Ramadan. At this time of year, those that follow the Muslim faith usually share food and prayer with their loved ones.
“With the COVID-19 crisis requiring that people stay inside and avoid social gatherings, this year will be different. It is essential that whilst people follow the national guidance surrounding COVID-19, they are able to practice and celebrate their faith at this holy time”.
Over 400 people having accessed the COVID-19 information on the app since the start of the pandemic.
