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Roma Health Needs- building bridges between voluntary sector organisations and

public sector (NHS)

HEAR conference25.03.2015

Gabriela Smolinska-PoffleyRoma Support & Engagement Programme LeaderAnd RSG Deputy Co-ordinator

Roma Support Group – profile: The Roma Support Group (RSG) is a registered charity and community-led organisation, which has been working with East European asylum seekers, refugees and migrants since 1998.Last year we offered direct support to 2,220 Roma refugees and migrants in London through:

General Advice & Advocacy, Older Roma Engagement Project, Education Support and Aspiration Projects, Social Inclusion Schemes: Sport and Art and Policy and Campaigning Project

Furthermore, last year we provided indirect support to hundreds Roma refugees and migrants across the UK through our Roma Engagement and Support Programme by working with professionals through training, specialist advice; and dissemination of our publications.

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Roma Support Group’s health projects:

Between 2005 – 2012 the RSG has conducted many health projects which provide valuable data on Roma health:

o 2005 - 2008 – Roma Health Awareness and Advocacy Project (DoH, Opportunities for Volunteers)

o 2009 – 2010 - Pacesetters Programmes (DoH) in collaboration with Newham NHS and East London NHS Foundation Trust to reduce health inequalities amongst Roma in East London

o 2008 - 2012 - Roma Mental Health Advocacy Project (King’s Fund Partners for Health in London)

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Roma Support Group’s health projects:

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Findings from the RSG’s health projects: 60% of Roma beneficiaries (2005-12) had poor physical health

(e.g.: cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, hepatitis B, cardiovascular and respiratory alignments, multiple sclerosis)

43% of Roma beneficiaries (2005-2012) of the above, were suffering from mental health problems (including depression, personality disorders, learning disabilities, suicidal tendencies, self-abuse, dependency/misuse of drugs)

Many health professionals have a poor understanding of their Roma patients’ health needs and culture

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How is health viewed in Roma communities? Health (in particular sexual health, mental health, substance

misuse and disabilities) is taboo subject, often not to be discussed even among closest family members.

Particular fear and stigma is associated with mental illnesses

Fear of being isolated from the community when diagnosed

Very little knowledge about health conditions

No specific vocabulary in Romanes to explain certain terms, emotions, feelings and even some parts of the body

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Barriers that Roma face in seeking support Lack of knowledge of where to go – many will approach only these

organisations and professionals, whom they feel they can trust.

Language/ communication barriers – communicating in second language and a necessity to explain certain concepts that are non-existent in their mother-tongue.

Illiteracy & English Language Barriers: Not understanding appointment letters, diagnosis and treatment

Inability to use administrative procedures to re-arrange appointments and consequently being taken off the waiting lists. Not knowing how to be re-referred.

Lack of trust: questionnaires and questions – especially for older members of the community, who can be very suspicious of the questions. Their purpose needs to be carefully explained.

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Overcoming the barriers – recommendations

Communication: Events, which allow the communities and professionals to come together and learn from each other;

Bi-lingual health advocates: employing health advocates, who have a good understanding about Roma culture, customs and health related taboos;

who have a good understanding of Increasing cultural awareness of NHS staff about Roma communities and

their needs through training, newsletters, leaflets, etc.

Increasing awareness of mental health within the community.

About Newham

Transient Community

Most Diverse Borough

Lack of Commissioned services for migrant communities

Poor communication between Voluntary and Statutory sectors

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Partnership with CCG in Newham:

Closure of bi-lingual health advocacy – March 2014

Roma refugee and migrant forum – making contact with strategic professionals - Patient and Public Engagement ManagerNewham CCG

Meetings with CCG

Research and data to support Roma specific service

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Partnership with Mind in Newham: Mind in Tower Hamlets and Newham (MITHN) has a strong presence in Newham and a proven track record of developing a partnership approach to service delivery. Some of the services and activities include: Advocacy, Mental health support, Campaign, awareness raising and

mental health awareness sessions

Vulnerable Migrant Project - support for Roma community

Training workshops for Roma community (delivered by Hestia – ASK project and MIND)

Mental Health Strategy – consultation meeting with MH comissioner E-booklet

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Partnership with public sector – Recommendations:

Understand local context and NHS structure

Identify and outreach strategic professionals

Work in partnership with larger and national charities

Research your own community and keep good records to support your case

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Resources: www.romasupportgroup.org.uk

Roma Mental Health Advocacy Project Evaluation Report, Roma Support Group, 2012

Pacesetters Programme, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Core Strand – Evaluation Report, 2010

Health and Social Care Needs Assessment of Eastern Europeans (including Roma) individuals living in Barking and Dagenham, UEL, 2010

Children of Roma (Druglink, Vol 25, Issue 6, Nov/ Dec 2010