Each Regional Health Area (RHA) has instigated programmes of work with Roma to inform and assist around pathways to healthcare. Roma/Migrant outreach workers are in place in each RHA. This can involve assistance with GP appointments, other health or state services, running catch up child and adult vaccination clinics, filling of application forms, health and wellness days, provision of food parcels and free period products, provision of information/resources. More information on two of the projects is given below.
Wexford and Waterford projects
HSE Social Inclusion South East Community Healthcare funds and supports the Wexford and Waterford Roma Health Advocacy Projects. The Wexford project is managed by the Ferns Diocesan Youth Service and Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Services manage the Waterford Project.
The services provided by the Roma Health Advocacy Projects include:
- Support with applying for medical cards and renewal of same
- Support making and attending medical appointments
- Delivery of key health and well-being messages
- Delivery of awareness raising events regarding health issues
- The provision of health information on a range of topics as well as information on access routes and referral pathways to health services and supports
- Delivery of health literacy programmes
- Provision of general health advocacy and referral support service
- Provision of cultural expertise to HSE staff
Tipperary Roma Health Project
Tipperary Roma Health Project is a collaborative project between Youth Work Ireland Tipperary, HSE Social Inclusion Mid West Community Healthcare (which covers North Tipp) and HSE Social Inclusion South East (which covers South Tipperary). This project aims to improve the health of Roma in Tipperary by supporting access to health and other services.
For further information on the projects contact Suzanne Nolan, Roma Health Lead for the South East, HSE Social Inclusion South East Community Healthcare on: suzannes.nolan@hse.ie
