HSE supported Intercultural Health Outreach Programme

Carlow County Development Partnership works to address inequality and create opportunities for people to improve their lives.  One of our Community Health Initiatives is to deliver services, health and wellbeing programmes to International Protection Applications that are residing in accommodation centres and to improve access to mainstream and targeted health services for these vulnerable and excluded group.

Our goal is to help people improve their health by reaching out to them directly, build trusting relationships, and provide one to one supports making it easier for them to find and use health services and access information.

IPA’s with chronic health conditions usually have a very limited supply of essential medication and need immediate support to address this.  Applications for medical cards may take months to process therefore healthcare interventions during this period are needed urgently, especially for IPA’s with insufficient English or those with literacy difficulties.  IPA’s are generally not familiar with the Irish healthcare system and need support with navigating this – including appropriate use of health services.

A dedicated Intercultural Health Outreach Worker has initial contact with them and will quickly identify any urgent health needs and requirements that persons may have.  This builds rapport with our target group and instils confidence and trust.

Health Advocacy Supports to people seeking international protection and people recognised as refugees:  To improve the health outcomes through: One to one support to residents of International Protection Accommodation Centres in the following areas: accessing health information, sourcing translation, referral to appropriate health services, capacity building and empowerment to self-advocate and engage with healthcare providers and their services.

Identify and challenge inequalities that may exist in healthcare provision for people seeking international protection and people recognised as refugees.

Participation supports to people seeking international protection and people recognised as refugees: Use the Community Development principles, values and approaches of empowerment, participation, equality, social justice, collaboration & collective action.

Encourage IPA and Refugee involvement in health-related groups and forums to share important health issues and identified needs with local and community organisations, agencies and national organisations.  This develops community leadership and results in positive health outcomes which is needs led and tailored to those target groups.

Facilitate the development of health initiatives for people seeking international protection and people recognised as refugees: Identify their primary health concerns and develop appropriate programmes and interventions to address these through a multi-agency response. This ensures a multidisciplinary approach.

The benefits to the IPA’s will ensure that:

  • IPA’s are fully supported in applying for medical cards and renewal of same
  • Access and signposting to health services is prioritised to ensure individuals and family needs are met.
  • General health advocacy and referral support services are provided.
  • Additional supports are provided to pregnant women.
  • Attendance at and arrangement of medical appointments is supported.
  • Language supports are prioritised within services.
  • Information is provided and awareness is increased on different health issues and Irish services available to support them.
  • Health literacy programmes are developed and delivered where possible
  • Awareness is raised of the cultural sensitivities of IPA’s
  • Additional supports are provided from the wider Company strategies and actions to smooth integration efforts into Irish society.
  • Links to existing services are created and aligned with Social Determinants of Health, ensuring a quality-of-life approach.
  • IPA’s are empowered to engage with appropriate services e.g. childcare, housing, social welfare etc.
  • Actions and activities are initiated to strengthen inclusion in local communities, and are promoted where possible.
  • A solution-focussed approach is applied to identify inequities in accessing services.
  • Support is provided in navigating the healthcare system and understanding patient rights and responsibilities.

Continuity of care is ensured through consulting with healthcare providers during transitions, such as moving between different housing accommodations.