The aim of HSE Social Inclusion Services is to improve access to mainstream services, target services to marginalised groups, address inequalities in access to health services and enhance the participation and involvement of socially excluded groups and local communities in the planning, design, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of health services. Substantial research evidence demonstrates the links between socioeconomic status and health status and has resulted in a better understanding of the determinants of health that impact on access to health services. In Ireland evidence of health inequalities by socioeconomic status shows a sharp class gradient in mortality and morbidity.

The main policy and legislation that underpin Social Inclusion include the following; Quality and Fairness (the National Health Strategy);Towards 2016 Partnership Agreement; National Anti Poverty Strategy, Homelessness - An Integrated Strategy; National Drugs Strategy; National Travellers Strategy, Equality legislation; and the National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR).

The following come within the remit of the HSE Social Inclusion services:

• Homeless Services
• Services for Minority Ethnic Communities
• Traveller Health Services
• Drug and Alcohol Services
• Services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual/Transgender Communities
• Community Welfare Services
• Community Development
• HSE RAPID and CLAR Programmes
• HIV/STI Services

Click here to link to HSE Publications on Social Inclusion

Policy document links

• Review of the Methadone Treatment Protocol (2005)
• Mid Term Review of the National Drugs Strategy (March 2005).pdf (size 899.6 KB)
• National Action Plan Against Racism (2005-2008).pdf (size 2.4 MB)
• National Report for Ireland on Strategies for Social Protection and Social Inclusion.pdf (size 702.8 KB)
• Men who have sex with Men: HIV prevention among those who are HIV positive: A resource paper (2005).pdf (size 142.7 KB)
• Report of Care and Management Sub-Committee of the National AIDS Strategy Committee on HIV/STI Services in Ireland (2005).pdf (size 282.6 KB)
• Review of the Implementation of the Government's Integrated & Preventative Homeless Strategies (2006) (PDF, 2,044 kbs)

Traveller Health a national strategy 2002-2005 (2002)

• Traveller Health a national strategy 2002-2005 (2002)
• AIDS Strategy 2000: Report of the National AIDS Strategy Committee (2000).pdf (size 946.6 KB)
• First All Ireland Census of Traveller Population

Related Links:

Link to Gay Men's Health Service celebrates its 17th Birthday and launches extended services

Link to 2008 Report on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People's Experience of the Health Services - " Recognising Sexual Identities in Health Services" (PDF 1.5MB)

Link to HSE National Intercultural Health Strategy documents 2008

Link to National Strategy for Service User Involvement in the Irish Health Service

Link to Census of Traveller Community in Co. Wexford

Link to HSE Performance Monitoring Report - April 08 Minority Groups and Cultures (PDF 162.4 KB)

Link to 7th All Ireland Gay Health Forum (GHF7)

Link to HSE Alcohol Report 2009 - A Standard Drink in Ireland What Strength? (PDF 595)

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