Roma Support Group World Café Session 23 September 2011

Access to Universal Healthcare in the Age of

Migration Conference

World Café Session - What we will focus on:

RSG’s Health Projects, methodology of our work and models of good practice

Communication and dialogue with the Roma community

Information on health-related issues, customs and taboos

Roma Support Group RSG The Roma Support Group is a community

organisation working with East European Roma refugees and migrants since 1998;

The RSG was established by the Roma people and it is led by them today;

We are now working with over 900 Roma families in London offering a variety of services, mobilising the community through advice and advocacy volunteering schemes and promoting an understanding of Roma culture in the UK.

Methodology

The key to our work with the Roma community is:

Trust built over many years Respect Unconditional positive regard Empowering community members through projects, such

as: a/ focus groups; b/ community meetings; c/ recruiting Roma staff members and volunteers;

Holistic approach

Holistic approach

Advice and Advocacy

November 2008, RSG Annual General Meeting and 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Rationale of the RSG Health Projects

Short life expectancy

Main health Problems

Lack of information about the Health System and how to access services

Language Barriers

Aim

To improve the health and well-being of the Roma community in London.

Activities

Volunteer Health Advocacy Scheme and Newham PCT PALS Link Scheme.

Organising health awareness trainings, events and activities.

Health Awareness and Advocacy Project 2005 - 2008

RSG Health ProjectsRoma Health Communication Project

This project started in May 2009 and is a part of Newham NHS DH Pacesetters Programme

Aims & Objectives: Facilitating access to services;

Raising awareness of health services available to the Roma community in the L.B. Newham;

Increasing awareness of health needs of the Roma community within the health sector.

RSG Health ProjectsRoma Health Communication Project

Main activities:

Work with individual clients (e.g. GP registration);

Provide information about services available;

Training for health professionals delivered with our NHS partner.

Organising health awareness events;

November 2009, RSG Roma Health Awareness Day

RSG Health Projects Roma Mental Health Advocacy Project

The Roma Mental Health Project started in August 2008 and is

funded by the King’s Fund

Project aims:

To provide 1-to-1 advocacy to empower Roma, who already use or have expressed an interest in using mental health services.

RSG Health Projects Roma Mental Health Advocacy Project

The Project Co-ordinator and Mental Health Advocates facilitate access to mental health services by:

Offering information on available services and choices; Supporting Roma beneficiaries to recognise their mental

health needs; Empowering Roma service users to speak for

themselves and ensuring that they can communicate their issues, questions and experiences;

Working with mental health professionals to increase knowledge of Roma culture and customs.

February 2009 RSG office, Young People Focus Group

RSG Health ProjectsRoma Mental Health Project

This project started in September 2009 and is a part of East London Mental Health Trust DH Pacesetters Programme

Project aims:

To increase awareness of the health needs of the Roma Community within the mental health sector;

To raise awareness of mental health issues within the Roma community.

RSG Health ProjectsRoma Mental Health Project

Main Activities:

Training for mental health professionals;

Exploring mental health and wellbeing issues through focus group meetings with the Roma community, rehearsals and forum theatre performance.

February 2010, Exploring Mental Health and Wellbeing issues, Rehearsal for Forum Theatre Performance

Young Roma Refugees’ Advocacy and Campaigning Project

One-to-one advice and advocacy for young Roma in the fields of health, welfare, housing, debts, employment

Local and regional advocacy and campaigning to: Achieve recognition of Roma children’s needs and

barriers to integration; Achieve and oversee implementation of changes in

policy and practice;

Roma Support & Engagement Programme The Roma Support & Engagement Programme is our

response to a growing need amongst service providers to ensure specialist and cost-effective interventions for Roma families across the UK. The Programme offers the following services to statutory and voluntary organisations working with Roma refugees and migrants:

1. training2. expert advice3. regional forums4. capacity building workshops 5. resources

Recommendations 1. Engaging the Roma community in informing and

shaping health services

Methods:

Group consultations Focus groups Individual face to face meetings Organising health information events Involving Roma individuals and community

organisations such as Roma Support Group in the role of Cultural Awareness consultants.

Recommendations

2. Improving Roma experience of using NHS service

Methods:

Employing bilingual health advocates and interpreters who have a good understanding of Roma culture and customs and taboos related to health,

Producing information leaflets and DVDs in community languages

Recommendations3. Enhancing understanding of Roma culture and

barriers, which they face in accessing health services

Methods:

Cultural awareness training for NHS staff

Providing written material for NHS staff about Roma, their culture and health-related customs e.g. articles, quizes etc in internal newsletters, websites, information leaflets and learning packs.

Facilitators

Gabriela Smolinska – Poffley

Roma Support & Engagement Programme Leader

gaba@romasupportgroup.org.uk Aleksandra Hall

Young Roma Refugees Advocacy project Co-ordinator

alexandra@romasupportgroup.org.uk

www.romasupportgroup.org.uk