The Need To Raise Awareness of Health Services Among The Somali Community in Camden

by Agram Muse by Agram Muse by Agram Muse by Agram Muse by Agram Muse by Agram Muse by Agram Muse
The Need to Raise Awareness The Need to Raise Awareness The Awareness The Need to Raise Awareness The Need to Raise Awareness The Need to Raise Awareness The Need to Raise Awareness of Health Services among the of Health Services among the of Health among of Health Services among the of Health Services among the of Health Services among the of Health Services among the Somali Community in Camden Somali Community in Camden Somali in Camden Somali Community in Camden Somali Community in Camden Somali Community in Camden Somali Community in Camden
Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community Empowerment Course:
Development and Presentation of ofResearch Skills Development and Presentation of Research Skills Development and Presentation Research Skills Development and Presentation of of ResearchSkills Development and Presentation of Research Skills Development and Presentation Research Skills Development and Presentation Research Skills
2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012
Agram Muse Agram Muse Agram Muse
Contents Page Contents Page Contents Page
Contents Page ................................................................................................................ 1 Contents Page ................................................................................................................ 1 Contents Page ................................................................................................................ 1 Chapter 1: ....................................................................................................................... 2 Chapter 1: ....................................................................................................................... 2 Chapter 1: ....................................................................................................................... 2 (i) Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2 (i) Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2 (i) Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2 (ii) Literature review .................................................................................................. 4 (ii) Literature review .................................................................................................. 4 (ii) Literature review .................................................................................................. 4 (iii) Methodology ....................................................................................................... 6 (iii) Methodology ....................................................................................................... 6 (iii) Methodology ....................................................................................................... 6 Chapter 2 ...................................................................................................................... 16 Chapter 2 ...................................................................................................................... 16 Chapter 2 ...................................................................................................................... 16 Conclusions ............................................................................................................ 17 Conclusions ............................................................................................................ 17 Conclusions ............................................................................................................ 17 Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 19 Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 19 Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 19
1 1 1
The Need to Raise Awareness of Health Services Among the Somali Community in Camden The Need to Raise Awareness of Health Services Among the Somali Community in Camden The Need to Raise Awareness of Health Services Among the Somali Community in Camden
Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Chapter 1:
(i) Introduction (i) Introduction (i) Introductionresearch This paper aims to
the level of awareness of health services available This paper aims to research the level of awareness of health services available This paper aims to research the level of borough of Camden. Itservices available among Somali women living in the London awareness of health is hoped that this among Somali women living in the London borough of Camden. It is hoped that this among Somali will inform in the London borough a project to is hoped that this research paperwomen living a funding proposal for of Camden. It encourage health research paper will inform a funding proposal for a project to encourage health research paper will inform a funding proposal for a project to encourage health promotion among Somali women. promotion among Somali women. promotion among Somali women. I have selected this topic as I have 5 year experience working with Somali women I have selected this topic as I have 5 year experience working with Somali women I have selected this with advice on year experience working with Somali women and providing them topic as I have 5 welfare, health, education and employment. and providing them with advice on welfare, health, education and employment. and providing them with advice to me that poor access to health services was an During this time it became clear on welfare, health, education and employment. During this time it became clear to me that poor access to health services was an During this timeto overcomeclear to me the quality access to health services was an important issue it became to improve that poor of life of my clients. important issue to overcome to improve the quality of life of my clients. important issue to overcome to improve the quality of life of my clients. Somali women can be quite isolated and are at risk of suffering from poor health. Somali women can be quite isolated and are at risk of suffering from poor health. Somali womenthen answer the following questions: of suffering from poor health. This essay will can be quite isolated and are at risk This essay will then answer the following questions: This essay will then answer the following questions: What are the health services currently available to Somali women? What are the health services currently available to Somali women? What are the health services currently available to Somali women? To what extent are they accessed by the community? To what extent are they accessed by the community? To what extent are they accessed by the community? What, if any, are the barriers preventing Somali women from accessing health What, if any, are the barriers preventing Somali women from accessing health What, if any, are the barriers preventing Somali women from accessing health services? services? services? This paper is based on the analysis of 20 questionnaires distributed among Somali This paper is based on the analysis of 20 questionnaires distributed among Somali This paper is based on the analysis of 20 questionnaires distributed amongShadow women recruited as participants amongst my clients at my organisation Somali women recruited as participants amongst my clients at my organisation Shadow women recruited andparticipants residents. my clients at my organisation Shadow Womens Centre as other local amongst Shadow Womens Centre is a Horn of Womens Centre and other local residents. Shadow Womens Centre is a Horn of Womens Centre organisation based in Kings Cross, in the borough of Camden. We Africa community and other local residents. Shadow Womens Centre is a Horn of Africa community organisation based in Kings Cross, in the borough of Camden. We Africa with womenorganisation based in Kings Cross, in the borough of Camden. We work community from Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan and Eritrea and we run health work with women from Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan and Eritrea and we run health work with women fromadvice services, employmentand Eritrea and we rungroups, awareness workshops, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan services, and womens health awareness workshops, advice services, employment services, and womens groups, awareness workshops, advice services, employment services, and womens literacy activities such as sewing and educational classes such as ESOL and Somali groups, activities such as sewing and educational classes such as ESOL and Somali literacy activities I also ran 2 focus groups run with a total of 10 ESOL and Somali part of classes. such as sewing and educational classes such asSomali women. As literacy classes. I also ran 2 focus groups run with a total of 10 Somali women. As part of classes. I also ran 2 focus groups run with a total of 10 Somali women. As part of
2 2 2
my research I also identified Camden based organisations targeting Somali women. my research I also identified Camden based organisations targeting Somali women. my research I also identified Camden based organisations targeting Somali women. Organisations were contacted by phone to find out whether they run any health Organisations were contacted by phone to find out whether they run any health Organisations collectcontacted by phone to findthey whether they be the barriers services and were their feedback on what out perceive to run any health services and collect their feedback on what they perceive to be the barriers services and collect their from accessingwhat they perceive to contacted 2 GP preventing Somali women feedback on health services. I also be the barriers preventing Somali women from accessing health services. I also contacted 2 GP preventing Somali women from accessing health services. I in contacted 2 the local surgeries to find out whether they have a support systemalsoplace to meet GP local surgeries to find out whether they have a support system in place to meet the local surgeries of Somali women. they have a support system in place to meet the specific needs to find out whether specific needs of Somali women. specific needs of Somali women. In my conclusion I will make recommendations to identify ways to improve access to In my conclusion I will make recommendations to identify ways to improve access to In my services from Somali recommendations to identify ways to improve access to health conclusion I will makewomen. health services from Somali women. health services from Somali women. This project has been completed thanks to the support of the Africa Educational This project has been completed thanks to the support of the Africa Educational This project has been completed thanks to the support of the Africa Educational Trust and the Evelyn Oldfield Unit. Trust and the Evelyn Oldfield Unit. Trust and the Evelyn Oldfield Unit.
3 3 3
Recent research indicates that the Somali community is one of the largest refugee Recent research indicates that the Somali community iswar for morelargest refugee communities in the UK. Somalia has now been in a civil one of the than 30 years; communities in the UK. Somalia has now been in a civil war for more than 30 years; communities in the UK. has collapsednow been in a civil war for more than 30 years; the central government Somalia has and the country lives in economic and political the central government has collapsed and the country lives in economic and political the centralA large number of Somali refugees country arriving economic and political instability. government has collapsed and the started lives in in the 1980s following instability. A large number of Somali refugees started arriving in the 1980s following instability. A large number of Somali break-out started arriving in the Somaliland and independence from Britain and the refugees of civil war between 1980s following independence from Britain and the break-out of civil war between Somaliland and independence is the needs ofthe break-out of civil rather than UK-born Somali Somalia. It from Britain and Somali migrants, war between Somaliland and Somalia. It is the needs of Somali migrants, rather than UK-born Somali Somalia. It is the needs is Somali in. communities that this research of interestedmigrants, rather than UK-born Somali communities that this research is interested in. communities that this research is interested in. The Census 2001 identified 33838 Somali born people living in Greater London, thus The Census 2001 identified 33838 Somali born people living in Greater London, thus The Census 2001 identified 33838 Somali born peopleof Somali migrants in the UK 1. making London the city with the highest concentration living in Greater London, thus making London the city with the highest concentration of Somali migrants in the UK 1. 1 making London the the highest highest concentration of Somali migrants in London The Census places city with the percentage of Somali-born population in thethe UK . The Census places the highest percentage of Somali-born population in the London The Census places the Tower Hamlets, 3045 and 1353 respectively 2. in the London borough of Ealing and highest percentage of Somali-born population This research borough of Ealing and Tower Hamlets, 3045 and 1353 respectively 2. This research borough of the Somali population in Camden as it is respectively 2. This research focuses on Ealing and Tower Hamlets, 3045 and 1353 where I live and started my focuses on the Somali population in Camden as it is where I live and started my focuses on organisation, Shadow Womens Centre. is where I live and started my community the Somali population in Camden as it Moreover, the Somali refugee community organisation, Shadow Womens Centre. Moreover, the Somali refugee community organisation, Shadow Womens Centre. Moreover, London borough of community is the largest refugee community based in the the Somali refugee community is the largest refugee community based in the London borough of community then my refugee their needs should the London borough of Camden3. Itisisthe largestbelief thatcommunity based in be clearly identified and Camden3. It is then my belief that their needs should be clearly identified and 3 Camden . to ensure that the Council implements effective clearly identified and addressed It is then my belief that their needs should bepolicies for its refugee addressed to ensure that the Council implements effective policies for its refugee addressed to ensure that the Council implements effective policies for its refugee residents. residents. residents. The needs of the Somali community are great and complex, ranging from enormous The needs of the Somali community are great and complex, ranging from enormous The needs of the Somali community are great to dealing with trauma, racism and cultural, religious and language differences and complex, ranging from enormous cultural, religious and language differences to dealing with trauma, racism and cultural, religiousstudy of Somali refugees hasto dealing with trauma, racism and discrimination. A and language differences to consider these complex factors to discrimination. A study of Somali refugees has to consider these complex factors to discrimination. A study of Somali refugees has to consider these complex factors to make a serious attempt to address the communitys needs. make a serious attempt to address the communitys needs. make a serious attempt to address the communitys needs.
1 The Census 2001, Somalis in the United Kingdom, 1 The Census 2001, Somalis in the United Kingdom, 1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somalis_in_the_United_Kingdom#Population_and_distribution
(ii) Literature review (ii) Literature review (ii) Literature review the Somali community is one of the largest refugee Recent research indicates that
The Census 2001, Somalis in the United Kingdom, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somalis_in_the_United_Kingdom#Population_and_distribution http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somalis_in_the_United_Kingdom#Population_and_distribution 2 ibid 2 ibid 2 3 ibid Khan, S. and Jones, A, Somalis in Camden: Cchallenges faced by an emerging community, Camden Council, 3 Khan, S. and Jones, A, Somalis in Camden: Cchallenges faced by an emerging community, Camden Council, 3 2002 S. and Jones, A, Somalis in Camden: Cchallenges faced by an emerging community, Camden Council, Khan, 2002 2002
4 4 4
Limited literacy, unemployment and poverty are sadly common among the Somali Limited literacy, unemployment and poverty are sadly common among the Somali Limited literacy, unemployment and povertyto meet their basic living expenses and community. Many depend on state benefits are sadly common among the Somali community. Many depend on state benefits to meet their basic living expenses and community. Many depend on is another important issue. basic living expenses and lack of unity in the community state benefits to meet their lack of unity in the community is another important issue. lack of unity in the community is another important issue. Somali refugees often arrive in the UK under extremely difficult circumstances, Somali refugees often arrive in the UK under extremely difficult circumstances, Somali experienced drama such as war, trauma and poverty. When in the UK, they having refugees often arrive in the UK under extremely difficult circumstances, having experienced drama such as war, trauma and poverty. When in the UK, they having experienced drama such as war, trauma and poverty. When a result of poor often continue to live in poverty, relying on state support often as in the UK, they often continue to live in poverty, relying on state support often as a result of poor often continue to live and lack of relying on state support often as aseems of poor communication skills in poverty, qualifications/work experience. It result evident communication skills and lack of qualifications/work experience. It seems evident communication of warand lack social isolation, change of status andseems evident that the impact skills trauma, of qualifications/work experience. It poverty make that the impact of war trauma, social isolation, change of status and poverty make thatintegration process trauma, social isolation, serious attempt to and poverty make the the impact of war particularly difficult. Any change of status meet the needs of the integration process particularly difficult. Any serious attempt to meet the needs of the integration process particularly difficult. Anydealing with the to meet the needs of the Somali refugee community cannot avoid serious attempt baggage of trauma the Somali refugee community cannot avoid dealing with the baggage of trauma the Somali refugee community cannotThe Somali refugees the baggage of trauma Somali refugees often carry with them. avoid dealing with experience is so unique Somali refugees often carry with them. The Somali refugees experience is so unique Somali refugees need assessment should be designed and experience is so unique that I believe a often carry with them. The Somali refugees introduced: this enable that I believe a need assessment should be designed and introduced: this enable that I believe athe priority needs and effective allocation ofintroduced: thisimprove agreement on need assessment should be designed and resources to enable agreement on the priority needs and effective allocation of resources to improve agreement on the priority needsmore effective allocation of resources to improve health and reduce inequalities and effectively. In 2001 the Camden Council health and reduce inequalities more effectively. In 2001 the Camden Council health and reduce inequalities more effectively. In 2001 the Camdenidentified commissioned a study where health issues in the Somali community where Council commissioned a study where health issues in the Somali community where identified commissioned a study where health issues inproblems such as liver where identified in every aspect4. There are serious health the Somali community diseases, often in every aspect4. There are serious health problems such as liver diseases, often 4 in every poor quality of water in Somalia (causing Hepatitis A, diseases, TB, linked to aspect . There are serious health problems such as liver B and C),often linked to poor quality of water in Somalia (causing Hepatitis A, B and C), TB, linked to strokes and asthma. Mental health is also poor with many B and C), TB, diabetes, poor quality of water in Somalia (causing Hepatitis A, refugees being diabetes, strokes and asthma. Mental health is also poor with many refugees being diabetes,by traumatic stress and depression. is also poor with many refugees being affected strokes and asthma. Mental health Mental health problems such as Postaffected by traumatic stress and depression. Mental health problems such as Postaffected byStress Disorder are very importantMental health problems such as affect Traumatic traumatic stress and depression. to address as they particularly PostTraumatic Stress Disorder are very important to address as they particularly affect Traumatic Stress Disorder are very important to address as they particularly affect refugee communities. refugee communities. refugee communities.
4 Khan, S. and Jones, 4 Khan, S. and Jones, 4 2002, page 31
A, Somalis in Camden: challenges faced by an emerging community, Camden Council, A, Somalis in Camden: challenges faced by an emerging community, Camden Council, Khan, S. and Jones, A, Somalis in Camden: challenges faced by an emerging community, Camden Council, 2002, page 31 2002, page 31
5 5 5
(iii) Methodology (iii) Methodology (iii) study is based on the finding of 20 questionnaires, 2 focus group and phone Methodology The
The study is based on the finding of 20 questionnaires, 2 focus group and phone The study is based on the finding of 20 questionnaires, 2 focus group and phone interviews. interviews. interviews. A questionnaire is a research method that allows researchers to present a statistical A questionnaire is a research method that allows researchers to present a statistical A questionnairerespondents answers. that allows researchers to present a statistical overview of the is a research method I designed a questionnaire to collect feedback overview of the respondents answers. I designed a questionnaire to collect feedback overview of the respondents answers. I designed a questionnairetrend about Somali from Somali women and produce statistics to identify a general to collect feedback from Somali women and produce statistics to identify a general trend about Somali from Somali women and produce statisticsof health services available to them in womens knowledge and understanding to identify a general trend about Somali womens knowledge and understanding of health services available to them in womens knowledge and understanding tick health where people were to themtick Camden. The questionnaire consisted of of boxes services available able to in Camden. The questionnaire consisted of tick boxes where people were able to tick Camden. The questionnaire consistedcircumstances. I distributed and collected the choice that most suited their of tick boxes where people were able to tick the choice that most suited their circumstances. I distributed and collected the choice that most women. This was a relevantly easy method to use collected questionnaires from 20 suited their circumstances. I distributed and because questionnaires from 20 women. This was a relevantly easy method to use because questionnaires from 20 women. Thisdone a relevantly easy methodthem. because people understand what needs to be was and the options are clear to use people understand what needs to be done and the options are clear them. people understand what needs to be done and the options are clear them. The research is then based on feedback collected during two focus groups involving The research is then based on feedback collected during two focus groups involving The research is then based on focus group is a method two focus groups involving a total of 10 Somali woman. A feedback collected during of qualitative research that a total of 10 Somali woman. A focus group is a method of qualitative research that a total one toSomali woman. A focus group is a methodfeedback based on the very allows of 10 collect more sophisticated and subjective of qualitative research that allows one to collect more sophisticated and subjective feedback based on the very allows one to collect more sophisticated and subjective was important to listen tovery personal experiences of the research participant. I felt it feedback based on the the personal experiences of the research participant. I felt it was important to listen to the personal experiences of the researchwomen to help me was important to listen to the experiences and feelings of Somali participant. I felt it produce a more informative experiences and feelings of Somali women to help me produce a more informative experiences and feelings of Somali women to help mecan aspire to meet the real and accurate research and eventually a project that produce a more informative and accurate research and eventually a project that can aspire to meet the real and accurate research and eventually a focus group the researcher sets a the real needs of Somali women in Camden. In a project that can aspire to meet general needs of Somali women in Camden. In a focus group the researcher sets a general needs of Somali women in participants talk in group the researcher sets a general agenda for discussion and Camden. In a focusa group and share their beliefs and agenda for discussion and participants talk in a group and share their beliefs and agenda for discussion andasked the participants lots of questions and improvised as ideas. In this focus group I participants talk in a group and share their beliefs and ideas. In this focus group I asked the participants lots of questions and improvised as ideas. In this focus group peoplesthe participants different health issues. I also used I went along, to find out I asked opinion about lots of questions and improvised as I went along, to find out peoples opinion about different health issues. I also used I went along, to find out peoples opinion about different health issues. I alsoIn my phone interviews to contact people working directly with Somali women. used phone interviews to contact people working directly with Somali women. In my phone interviews to contact of questionnaires directly because its an easy method opinion I think that the usage people working is good with Somali women. In my opinion I think that the usage of questionnaires is good because its an easy method opinion I think that the usage of questionnaires is good because its an easy method to collect feedback from a large number of participants when trying to identify a to collect feedback from a large number of participants when trying to identify a to collect feedback from a the focus group was the mostwhen trying to identify a trend. However I feel that large number of participants fruitful research method trend. However I feel that the focus group was the most fruitful research method trend. However I feel that the focus group was athe mostmanner, research method because it allowed me to ask many questions in flexible fruitful therefore a lot of because it allowed me to ask many questions in a flexible manner, therefore a lot of because it allowed me to askinformation can be gathered manner, therefore a more more personal and detailed many questions in a flexible rather than using a lot of more personal and detailed information can be gathered rather than using a more more personal and detailed information can be gathered rather than using a more structured method like questionnaires. structured method like questionnaires. structured method like questionnaires.
6 6 6
During the questionnaire, due to perhaps their limited English some people didnt During the questionnaire, due to perhaps their limited English some people didnt During the questionnaire, beingto perhaps their limited English some people wrong understand the questions due asked and thats why they answer within the didnt understand the questions being asked and thats why they answer within the wrong understand the questions beingthought and thats why to answer all the the wrong context, for example people asked theyd have they answer within questions context, for example people thought theyd have to answer all the questions context, for example people question is meaning, so hence people the questions regardless of what the actual thought theyd have to answer all would tick the regardless of what the actual question is meaning, so hence people would tick the regardless of what the actual question is meaning, so hence people organisations, box about being dissatisfied with the support they receive from local would tick the box about being dissatisfied with the support they receive from local organisations, box about being reality the respondents didntthey receive of thelocal organisations, when in factual dissatisfied with the support even know from existence of such when in factual reality the respondents didnt even know of the existence of such when in factual reality the respondents didnt even know of the existence ofposed organisation and the support they can offer. Conducting phone interviews also such organisation and the support they can offer. Conducting phone interviews also posed organisation and the support they can offer. Conducting phone interviews topic posed its challenges as it was difficult to speak to the right person and, as the also of my its challenges as it was difficult to speak to the right person and, as the topic of my its challenges as it was difficult to speak to the right personnot able to disclose any questions was health, I was frequently told that they were and, as the topic of my questions was health, I was frequently told that they were not able to disclose any questions was health, I was frequently told that they were not able to disclose any information. information. information. ETHICS OF THE RESEARCH ETHICS OF THE RESEARCH ETHICS OF THE RESEARCH Talking about health issues is a clearly sensitive issues and it is easy to imagine how Talking about health issues is a clearly sensitive issues and it is easy to imagine how Talking about health issues is a clearlyto share issues and it is easy to imagine how some participants may be reluctant sensitive their conditions and what may be some participants may be reluctant to share their conditions and what may be some participants may be reluctant to services when they need to. what may be preventing them from accessing health share their conditions and When asking preventing them from accessing health services when they need to. When asking preventing them from accessing health services when they need to. When asking participants to be involved by either completing the questionnaire or taking part in the participants to be involved by either completing the questionnaire or taking part in the participants toI be involvedthe either completing the questionnaire or taking part inand focus group, explained by nature and purpose of my research very clearly the focus group, I explained the nature and purpose of my research very clearly and focus group, the people who nature and purpose ofto decline to be involved. Both ensured that I explained the I approached felt free my research very clearly and ensured that the people who I approached felt free to decline to be involved. Both ensured that the people whogroup and questionnaireto decline to be involved. Both the participants of the focus I approached felt free respondents were guaranteed the participants of the focus group and questionnaire respondents were guaranteed the participants of the focus group and questionnaire respondents were guaranteed anonymity. Participants were asked to sign an informed consent confirming they anonymity. Participants were asked to sign an informed consent confirming they anonymity. Participants were asked to sign an informed consent confirming they understood that they were taking part in a research project and that the information understood that they were taking part in a research project and that the information understood that they were taking part in a research project andinform myinformation they volunteered would have been used, albeit unanimously, to that the paper and they volunteered would have been used, albeit unanimously, to inform my paper and they volunteered would have with women albeit unanimously, to inform my paper and ultimately a project to be run been used, at the Somali Womens Centre. ultimately a project to be run with women at the Somali Womens Centre. ultimately a project to be run with women at the Somali Womens Centre. GENERAL ISSUES WITH HEALTH SERVICES GENERAL ISSUES WITH HEALTH SERVICES GENERAL ISSUES WITH HEALTH SERVICES Existing literature has found that there is a general lack of awareness of health Existing literature has found that there is a general lack of awareness of health Existing literature locally among the Somaliarefugee community. This is particularly general lack of awareness of health services available has found that there is services available locally among the Somali refugee community. This is particularly services availablenumber among the refugeesrefugeefrom complex health particularly worrying: a large locally of Somali Somali suffer community. This is conditions worrying: a large number of Somali refugees suffer from complex health conditions worrying: a large number of Somali refugees suffer from complex health conditions
7 7 7
which, if left untreated, can have terrible consequences. Even when health issues which, if left untreated, can have terrible consequences. Even when health issues which, if left left untreated, can leave the person feeling isolatedwhenunable to lead are minor, if untreated, can have terrible consequences. Even and health issues are minor, if left untreated, can leave the person feeling isolated and unable to lead are minor, if left untreated,wish to. In the personSomalis isolated andstudy identified his/her life as s/he would can leave 2001 the feeling in Camden unable to lead his/her life as s/he would wish to. In 2001 the Somalis in Camden study identified his/her life as s/hepreventing Somali 2001 the Somalisaccessing health identified several barriers would wish to. In refugees from in Camden study services several barriers preventing Somali refugees from accessing health services several barriers preventing Somali refugees from accessing health services effectively. effectively. effectively. Communication was identified as the obvious issue. It was noted that there are very Communication was identified as the obvious issue. It was noted that there are very Communication was identified as the obvious GP surgeries. This clearly are very few Somalis working in hospitals or in issue. It was noted that there creates few Somalis working in hospitals or in GP surgeries. This clearly creates few Somalis problems, hospitals or in GP surgeries. This they often have communicationworking inparticularly serious for Somali refugees as clearly creates communication problems, particularly serious for Somali refugees as they often have communication problems, particularly be argued that a lack of experiencedoften have very limited English. Moreover it can serious for Somali refugees as they staff from very limited English. Moreover it can be argued that a lack of experienced staff from very limited English. Moreover it can be argued that a lack of experienced staff from a Somali background is preventing the community from developing an understanding a Somali background is preventing the community from developing an understanding a Somali background is preventing systems such as booking an appointment with a of how the system works. Simple the community from developing an understanding of how the system works. Simple systems such as booking an appointment with a of how the system works. Simplehave been identified as difficult to understand for GP following the surgerys rules systems such as booking an appointment with a GP following the surgerys rules have been identified as difficult to understand for GP following the surgerys rules haveaccessing emergency servicesunderstand for many Somali refugees leaving many been identified as difficult to instead, even many Somali refugees leaving many accessing emergency services instead, even many Somali refugees leaving many accessing emergency services instead, even for minor health concerns. for minor health concerns. for minor health concerns. Very interestingly the study highlighted that effective communication cannot simply Very interestingly the study highlighted that effective communication cannot simply Very interestingly thethe usehighlighted interpreters. Instead it promoted the need to be achieved through study of Somali that effective communication cannot simply be achieved through the use of Somali interpreters. Instead it promoted the need to be achieved through the use English health system. Instead it promoted the need to build an understanding of the of Somali interpreters. build an understanding of the English health system. build an understanding of the English health system. The Camden Council study goes on to identify a wider range of barriers. These can The Camden Council study goes on to identify a wider range of barriers. These can The Camden two categories:goes on to identify a wider range of barriers. These can be divided in Council study be divided in two categories: be divided in two categories: barriers that exist because of the particular circumstances of the barriers that exist because of the particular circumstances of the refugee community because of the particular circumstances of the barriers that exist refugee community refugee community barriers that are created by the host community barriers that are created by the host community barriers that are created by the host community Cultural differences can lead women to refuse treatment from men; isolation and lack Cultural differences can lead women to refuse treatment from men; isolation and lack Cultural often implies that Somali refugees, and womenfromparticular, do not share of trust differences can lead women to refuse treatment in men; isolation and lack of trust often implies that Somali refugees, and women in particular, do not share of trust often implies that Somali lead to possibly very dangerous consequences if their health concerns which may refugees, and women in particular, do not share their health concerns which may lead to possibly very dangerous consequences if their health concerns which mayOther to possibly very dangerous consequences if the condition remains untreated. lead issues identified included: long waiting times the condition remains untreated. Other issues identified included: long waiting times the condition remains untreated. Other issues identified included: long waiting times
8 8 8
to see a GP and the limited amount of time available to discuss your concerns with to see a GP and the limited amount of time available to discuss your concerns with to see atransport the limited inadequate time available to discuss your concerns with the GP; GP and problems; amount of access to specific services such counselling. the GP; transport problems; inadequate access to specific services such counselling. the GP; transport problems; inadequate access to specific services such counselling. Sadly the study also identified responsibilities in the way health providers deliver Sadly the study also identified responsibilities in the way health providers deliver Sadlyservices to also Somali refugee community. the way health providers deliver their the study the identified responsibilities in This include a limited ability to their services to the Somali refugee community. This include a limited ability to their services withthe Somali refugee community. attitudes and poor customer care, communicate to non-English speakers, negative This include a limited ability to communicate with non-English speakers, negative attitudes and poor customer care, communicate withand healthcare professionals against Somali refugees and asylum stigma from GPs non-English speakers, negative attitudes and poor customer care, stigma from GPs and healthcare professionals against Somali refugees and asylum stigma from GPs and healthcare professionals against Somali refugees and asylum seekers; poor levels of commitment to deliver culturally and religious sensitive seekers; poor levels of commitment to deliver culturally and religious sensitive seekers; poor levels of services within the NHS. commitment to deliver culturally and religious sensitive services within the NHS. services within the NHS. It is obvious that such issues need to be addressed quickly and effectively to It is obvious that such issues need to be addressed quickly and effectively to It is obvious healthsuchSomali refugees and addressed quicklytheir experience to improve the that of issues need to be indeed improve and effectively of improve the health of Somali refugees and indeed improve their experience of improve the health their new community. and indeed improve their experience of essential services in of Somali refugees essential services in their new community. essential services in their new community. Unfortunately a later study commissioned by the Camden BME alliance did not Unfortunately a later study commissioned by the Camden BME alliance did not Unfortunately a later improvement5. The issues identified as barriers preventing record a significant study commissioned by the Camden BME alliance did not record a significant improvement5. The issues identified as barriers preventing 5 record a significant accessing health services are very similar barriers preventing Somali refugees from improvement . The issues identified as to those highlighted Somali refugees from accessing health services are very similar to those highlighted Somaliprevious Camden Council health services are veryaimed at identifying a BME in the refugees from accessing study. This later study similar to those highlighted in the previous Camden Council study. This later study aimed at identifying a BME in the previous Camden recommendations to later study aimed at preventing a BME needs assessment and Council study. This address the issues identifying Somali needs assessment and recommendations to address the issues preventing Somali needs assessment and recommendations to address the issues preventing Somali refugees from accessing health services. refugees from accessing health services. refugees from accessing health services. The recommendations included The recommendations included The recommendations included running workshops in schools to educate the community on mental health running workshops in schools to educate the community on mental health issues and reduce stigma running workshops in schools to educate the community on mental health issues and reduce stigma issues and reduce stigma
5 Camden BME Alliance, Young Peoples Conference , 2004 5 Camden BME Alliance, Young Peoples Conference , 2004 5 http://www.camdenbmealliance.org.uk/publications/YPconferenceRecommendations.pdf
Camden BME Alliance, Young Peoples Conference , 2004 http://www.camdenbmealliance.org.uk/publications/YPconferenceRecommendations.pdf http://www.camdenbmealliance.org.uk/publications/YPconferenceRecommendations.pdf
9 9 9
working with religious groups to plan health care suitable to the needs of the working with religious groups to plan health care suitable to the needs of the working with religious groups to plan health care suitable to the needs of the community (i.e. access to spiritual counselling etc) community (i.e. access to spiritual counselling etc) community (i.e. access to spiritual counselling etc) introduce schemes to encourage Somali workers to access employment in introduce schemes to encourage Somali workers to access employment in introduce schemes to encourage Somali workers to access employment in mental health mental health mental health introduce social/cultural awareness training for health care staff so that they introduce social/cultural awareness training for health care staff so that they introduce social/cultural awareness training for health care staff so that they are more prepared to meet the specific needs of the Somali refugee are more prepared to meet the specific needs of the Somali refugee are more prepared to meet the specific needs of the Somali refugee community community community Many Somali women often live only within a very small community and moreover Many Somali women often live only within a very small community and moreover Many Somali of their time at home. within often cannot community and moreover spend much women often live only They a very small access information about spend much of their time at home. They often cannot access information about spend much of their time at home. means that they miss out information about services available to them. This often They often cannot accesson important social services available to them. This often means that they miss out on important social services available to them. This often means that they miss out on important social opportunities. opportunities. opportunities. The mental health problems identified in a large proportion of the Somali community The mental health problems identified in a large proportion of the Somali community The mental health problems identified in a large proportion of Program community led to the commissioning of the Camden Somali Mental Healththe Somaliwith the aim led to the commissioning of the Camden Somali Mental Health Program with the aim ledprovidecommissioning of the Camden Somali Mental Health Program with the aim to to the mental health services to refugees and migrants though a community to provide mental health services to refugees and migrants though a community to provide mental health services to refugees and variety of outpatient services for health approach. The Mental health clinic provides a migrants though a community health approach. The Mental health clinic provides a variety of outpatient services for health approach. The Mental health clinic provides a variety of outpatient services for Somalis including psychiatric assessments, medication management, individual and Somalis including psychiatric assessments, medication management, individual and Somalis including psychiatric assessments, medication management, individual and group therapy, and case management for adults and children. Day treatment group group therapy, and case management for adults and children. Day treatment group group therapy, and case serious and persistently mentally ill adults. Counselling and services provide help for management for adults and children. Day treatment group services provide help for serious and persistently mentally ill adults. Counselling and services provide help for seriousabuse victims and victims of domestic abuse and advocacy is provided for child and persistently mentally ill adults. Counselling and advocacy is provided for child abuse victims and victims of domestic abuse and advocacy is provided mental health clinic has forged partnerships with Somali sexual assault. The for child abuse victims and victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. The mental health clinic has forged partnerships with Somali sexual assault. The mental health clinic has information, support and treatment community health clinics to provide mental health forged partnerships with Somali community health clinics to provide mental health information, support and treatment community health clinics to readily accessible by the people who need it most on-site so that help is more provide mental health information, support and treatment on-site so that help is more readily accessible by the people who need it most on-site so that help is more readily accessible by the people who need it most One of the main research questions of this essay is identifying the current offer of One of the main research questions of this essay is identifying the current offer of One ofservices available to questions thethis essay is identifying the current offer of health the main research Somali in of Camden borough. health services available to Somali in the Camden borough. health services available to Somali in the Camden borough. Women can clearly access help and advice from GP surgeries, hospitals and any Women can clearly access help and advice from GP surgeries, hospitals and any Women canagencies. In addition, there are from GPcommunity organisations that other NHS clearly access help and advice several surgeries, hospitals and any other NHS agencies. In addition, there are several community organisations that other NHS agencies. In addition, completed several community of local community Somali women can contact. I then there are an online research organisations that Somali women can contact. I then completed an online research of local community Somali women can contact. I then completed an online research of local community
10 10 10
organisations and charities and I was able to contact via phone organisations. Out of organisations and charities and I was able to contact via phone organisations. Out of organisations and charities answered. able to contact via phone numbers were Out of the 29 contacted, only 19 and I was The other organisations organisations. either the 29 contacted, only 19 answered. The other organisations numbers were either the 29 contacted, only 19 nobody to answer (despite the fact Inumbers were call at not working or there was answered. The other organisations attempted to either not working or there was nobody to answer (despite the fact I attempted to call at not working or there on different days). This(despite the factfinding as it to call at different times and was nobody to answer is a worrying I attempted probably different times and on different days). This is a worrying finding as it probably different that possible different days). This is a worrying finding as probably indicates times and onnearly a third of the organisations contacted haveitnow been indicates that possible nearly a third of the organisations contacted have now been indicates that possible nearly a third of the organisations contacted have why been forced to close down. Whilst I would not know the exact reason now such forced to close down. Whilst I would not know the exact reason why such forced to close longer exist, it is fair to assume it is not down toreason why in the organisations no down. Whilst I would not know the exact a decrease such organisations no longer exist, it is fair to assume it is not down to a decrease in the organisations no longer exist, it is probably in funding available. to a decrease in the demand for the services but more fair to assume it is not down demand for the services but more probably in funding available. demand for the services but more probably in funding available. Out of the 19 organisations I managed to contact, only 9 run projects involving Out of the 19 organisations I managed to contact, only 9 run projects involving Out of the 19 Only 4 are organisations working specifically with Somali people. Somali people. organisations I managed to contact, only 9 run projects involving Somali people. Only 4 are organisations working specifically with Somali people. Somali people. Onlyfrom these organisations has specifically with Somali people. Feedback collected 4 are organisations working revealed that organisations run Feedback collected from these organisations has revealed that organisations run Feedback collected fromservices. I think 3 runhas revealed that organisations run different types of health these organisations projects well designed to meet the different types of health services. I think 3 run projects well designed to meet the different needs of health services. I think 3 run projects Brunswick Neighbourhood specific types of Somali women. Kings Cross and well designed to meet the specific needs of Somali women. Kings Cross and Brunswick Neighbourhood specific needs of Somali a health project addressing the needs Neighbourhood Association (KCB), runs women. Kings Cross and Brunswick of the Somali Association (KCB), runs a health project addressing the needs of the Somali Associationin(KCB), runs a other organisations commented that theyof the Somali population particular. The health project addressing the needs do not have a population in particular. The other organisations commented that they do not have a population in particular. but run fitness classes commented thatworkshops to raise specific health project The other organisations and/or regular they do not have a specific health project but run fitness classes and/or regular workshops to raise specific health project but run fitness organisation established workshops meet the awareness of health issues. KCB is an classes and/or regular in 1980 to to raise awareness of health issues. KCB is an organisation established in 1980 to meet the awarenessthe health issues. KCBthus catering for people fromina wide range the needs of of local community, is an organisation established 1980 to meet of needs of the local community, thus catering for people from a wide range of needs of the However, they have recently introduced a Somali project in response backgrounds. local community, thus catering for people from a wide range of backgrounds. However, they have recently introduced a Somali project in response backgrounds. However, they haveSomali people living a Somali project part of their to an increase in the number of recently introduced in Camden. As in response to an increase in the number of Somali people living in Camden. As part of their to an increase meet the needsof Somali people living in is running weekly Doctors commitment to in the number of Somali residents, KCB Camden. As part of their commitment to meet the needs of Somali residents, KCB is running weekly Doctors commitment to meet theclients canSomali residents, KCB Somali speaking doctor on Sessions where Somali needs of access advice from a is running weekly Doctors Sessions where Somali clients can access advice from a Somali speaking doctor on Sessionsrange of issues. Othercan access advicewelfare Somali speaking doctor on a broad where Somali clients services include from a advice, ESOL and sewing a broad range of issues. Other services include welfare advice, ESOL and sewing a broad and women only fitness classes. include welfare advice, ESOL and sewing classes range of issues. Other services classes and women only fitness classes. classes and women only fitness classes. Among the organisation working exclusively with Somali communities, I contacted Among the organisation working exclusively with Somali communities, I contacted Among the organisation working exclusivelyIt with Somali communities, I contacted Kentish Town Somali Welfare Association. is an organisation based in Camden Kentish Town Somali Welfare Association. It is an organisation based in Camden Kentish Town Somali Welfare Association. It is an organisation Health awareness, supporting Somali people on a broad range of issues, including based in Camden supporting Somali people on a broad range of issues, including Health awareness, supporting activities, Yoga a broad range of issues, including Health programme recreationalSomali people on and welfare advice. Their health related awareness, recreational activities, Yoga and welfare advice. Their health related programme recreational activities, and occasional workshops on broad range of health issues. includes yoga classes Yoga and welfare advice. Their health related programme includes yoga classes and occasional workshops on broad range of health issues. includes yoga classes and occasional workshops on broad range of health issues.
11 11 11
GlSCYA (Greater London Somali Community Youth Centre) provides health, advice GlSCYA (Greater London Somali Community Youth Centre) provides health, advice GlSCYA (Greater London Somali Community Youth Centre) provides health, Centre and training support to Somali communities. The Kingsgate Resource advice and training support to Somali communities. The Kingsgate Resource Centre and training support to Somali communities. from a wide range of communities, Somali Elders Groups offers services for people The Kingsgate Resource Centre Somali Elders Groups offers services for people from a wide range of communities, Somali Elders Groups offers services for servicesfrom a wide range of communities, including Somali. They have very good people including intercultural counselling including Somali. They have very good services including intercultural counselling including Somali. They HIV/AIDS good services including intercultural counselling and psychotherapy, and have very counselling projects. However when I called them and psychotherapy, and HIV/AIDS counselling projects. However when I called them and psychotherapy, project workerscounselling projects. However when I called them I found out that the and HIV/AIDS are not Somali speakers. I am therefore not sure I found out that the project workers are not Somali speakers. I am therefore not sure I found out that good services are easily accessiblespeakers. Imigrant women whose that such really the project workers are not Somali to Somali am therefore not sure that such really good services are easily accessible to Somali migrant women whose that such really good services Iare easily accessible to Somali migrant women Somali English is often limited. When asked how they manage to communicate with whose English is often limited. When I asked how they manage to communicate with Somali Englishthey replied that When I asked how they manage to communicate with Somali clients is often limited. they do their best and use strategies like speaking slowly etc. clients they replied that they do their best and use strategies like speaking slowly etc. clients they has both advantages and disadvantages. I think it is good that Somali I think this replied that they do their best and use strategies like speaking slowly etc. I think this has both advantages and disadvantages. I think it is good that Somali I think are encouraged to interact with people from different communities as Somali womenthis has both advantages and disadvantages. I think it is good that they do women are encouraged to interact with people from different communities as they do women city encourageddiversity. However as English is such a barrier for they do live in are with great to interact with people from different communities as Somali live in city with great diversity. However as English is such a barrier for Somali live in city with I great diversity. that the service may not be easily barrier for Somali migrant women am concerned However as English is such a accessible and as migrant women I am concerned that the service may not be easily accessible and as migrant women I amto them. useful as it could be concerned that the service may not be easily accessible and as useful as it could be to them. useful as it could be to them. The British Somali Community also provides health activities such as health drop-ins The British Somali Community also provides health activities such as health drop-ins The other womensCommunity also provides health activities such as health drop-ins and British Somali only project. and other womens only project. and other womens only project. The next step in my research was to determine the awareness Somali women have The next step in my research was to determine the awareness Somali women have The next step in myavailable them to determine the awarenessthey may face when of health services research was and identify any barriers Somali women have of health services available them and identify any barriers they may face when of health services available them and identify any barriers they may face when accessing them. accessing them. accessing them. As part of my research I designed and distributed 20 questionnaires among refugee As part of my research I designed and distributed 20 questionnaires among refugee As part womenresearch the Camden borough. Questionnaires were distributed at the Somali of my living in I designed and distributed 20 questionnaires among refugee Somali women living in the Camden borough. Questionnaires were distributed at the Somali women living in thein Somali borough. could easily target women with limited Shadow Womens Centre Camden so that I Questionnaires were distributed at the Shadow Womens Centre in Somali so that I could easily target women with limited Shadow Questionnaire was selected so that I could method to collect feedback from English. Womens Centre in Somali as a research easily target women with limited English. Questionnaire was selected as a research method to collect feedback from English. number of people selected as number of method to collect feedback were a large Questionnaire was on a large a research topics. The respondents from a large number of people on a large number of topics. The respondents were a large number the age of 21 and 61 and over topics. The respondents that women between of people on a large number ofand, crucially, they all agreewere women between the age of 21 and 61 and over and, crucially, they all agree that women between concern for Somali women. over and, crucially, they all agree that health is a major the age of 21 and 61 and health is a major concern for Somali women. health is a major concern for Somali women. Here are the main findings emerging from the analysis of their responses. Here are the main findings emerging from the analysis of their responses. Here are the main findings emerging from the analysis of their responses.
12 12 12
A clear majority of respondents, 88%, reported having health problems. They were A clear majority of respondents, 88%, reported having health problems. They were A clear majority of a GP. When they have a health problem, they repliedThey were all registered with respondents, 88%, reported having health problems. that they: all registered with a GP. When they have a health problem, they replied that they: all registered with a (100%), asktheyhelp toafamily and friendsthey replied that they: attend GP surgeries GP. When for have health problem, (65%) or access local attend GP surgeries (100%), ask for help to family and friends (65%) or access local attend GP surgeries (100%), ask It would to family andthat some progress has been community organisations (20%). for help then appear friends (65%) or access local community organisations (20%). It would then appear that some progress has been community the studies (20%). It would then appear that some progress 2004 as made sinceorganisations commissioned by Camden Council in 2001 and has been made since the studies commissioned by Camden Council in 2001 and 2004 as made since the studies commissioned by Camden Council in 2001 and 2004 as access to GP surgeries does not seem to be a problem. access to GP surgeries does not seem to be a problem. access to GP surgeries does not seem to be a problem. However, only 5% of respondents reported being very satisfied with the support of However, only 5% of respondents reported being very satisfied with the support of However, only 55%of respondents reported being very satisfied with the whereas of GP surgeries. 5% of respondents commented that they are satisfied, support a GP surgeries. 55% of respondents commented that they are satisfied, whereas a GP surgeries. 55% of respondents commented with the service (10% dont know). total of 30% are not satisfied or very dissatisfied that they are satisfied, whereas a total of 30% are not satisfied or very dissatisfied with the service (10% dont know). total of the support provided by community organisations 45% are very dont know). As for 30% are not satisfied or very dissatisfied with the service (10% dissatisfied, As for the support provided by community organisations 45% are very dissatisfied, As for thenot satisfied and 0% community organisations 45% (35% diddissatisfied, 20% are support provided by feel satisfied or very satisfied are very not know). 20% are not satisfied and 0% feel satisfied or very satisfied (35% did not know). 20% are not satisfied and to be then the favourite form of support when having a Family and friends appear 0% feel satisfied or very satisfied (35% did not know). Family and friends appear to be then the favourite form of support when having a Family concern: 65% being satisfied, 25% very satisfied and only the when having a health and friends appear to be then the favourite form of support remaining 10% health concern: 65% being satisfied, 25% very satisfied and only the remaining 10% health concern: very dissatisfied. I was quite concernedand thesethe remaining 10% reporting to be 65% being satisfied, 25% very satisfied by only results, especially reporting to be very dissatisfied. I was quite concerned by these results, especially reporting to be very dissatisfied.satisfaction with services provided by community with regards to the levels of I was quite concerned by these results, especially with regards to the levels of satisfaction with services provided by community with regards to then spoke to the respondents and it became clearby community organisations. I the levels of satisfaction with services provided that they had organisations. I then spoke to the respondents and it became clear that they had organisations. I then forms of health support regardless of whether they had ever mistakenly rated all spoke to the respondents and it became clear that they had mistakenly rated all forms of health support regardless of whether they had ever mistakenlyit. After all forms of health support regardless of whetherthey interpreted accessed rated speaking to the respondents they explained that they had ever accessed it. After speaking to the respondents they explained that they interpreted accessed it. After speaking to the respondents they explained that they interpreted being dissatisfied as the fact that they did not even know that health support is being dissatisfied as the fact that they did not even know that health support is being dissatisfiedcommunity organisations. not even know that health support is available through as the fact that they did available through community organisations. available through community organisations. Respondents were very clear about what they believe to be suitable indicatives to Respondents were very clear about what they believe to be suitable indicatives to Respondents were very clear women: improve health among Somali about what they believe to be suitable indicatives to improve health among Somali women: improve health among Somali women: 100% would like to see more health awareness classes 100% would like to see more health awareness classes 100% would like to see more health awareness classes 95% believe that Somali women need to attend fitness classes 95% believe that Somali women need to attend fitness classes 95% believe that Somali women need to attend fitness classes 90% of respondents believe that introducing more women-only services would 90% of respondents believe that introducing more women-only services would 90% of respondents believe that introducing more women-only services would encourage and improve access to essential health services encourage and improve access to essential health services encourage and improve access to essential health services 70% would like to see more healthy eating classes 70% would like to see more healthy eating classes 70% would like to see more healthy eating classes
13 13 13
65% would like more counselling services 65% would like more counselling services 65% would like more counselling services A perhaps surprising 40% only would like to have interpreters at GP appointments. A perhaps surprising 40% only would like to have interpreters at GP appointments. A perhaps surprising 40% only would like to have interpreters at GP appointments. Health is a very personal issue and so are the barriers that prevent individuals from Health is a very personal issue and so are the barriers that prevent individuals from Health is a essential services. and so are the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing very personal issue For this reason I ran two focus groups where accessing essential services. For this reason I ran two focus groups where accessing essential opportunityFor share reason I ran two I believegroups where respondents had the services. to this their experiences. focus the fact that I respondents had the opportunity to share their experiences. I believe the fact that I respondentsand can opportunity to share their experiences. an environment where am Somali had the speak the language helped creating I believe the fact that I am Somali and can speak the language helped creating an environment where am Somali speak freely and honestly. people couldand can speak the language helped creating an environment where people could speak freely and honestly. people could speak freely and honestly. In the focus groups it was clear that whilst they all have access to a GP, respondents In the focus groups it was clear that whilst they all have access to a GP, respondents In the focusthey have was clear that whilst they all have access to a GP,improve their do not feel groups it adequate access to a broad range of services to respondents do not feel they have adequate access to a broad range of services to improve their do not health. feel they have adequate access to a broad range of services to improve their health. health. The focus groups identified the following as ongoing issues: The focus groups identified the following as ongoing issues: The focus groups identified the following as ongoing issues: 1. Language problem 1. Language problem 1. Language problem 2. Cultural differences 2. Cultural differences 2. Cultural differences 3. Religion 3. Religion 3. Religion 4. Lack of awareness 4. Lack of awareness 4. Lack of awareness 5. Lack of accessible services 5. Lack of accessible services 5. Lack of accessible services In particular they commented that it is impossible to talk about health issues with the In particular they commented that it is impossible to talk about health issues with the In particular the language barrier; it is impossible to talkthat health services with not GP due to they commented that they also explained about health issues are the GP due to the language barrier; they also explained that health services are not GP due to the language barrier; environment. Unfortunately this means that many provided in a culturally sensitive they also explained that health services are not provided in a culturally sensitive environment. Unfortunately this means that many provided in a culturally sensitive with other people, will not be able to access many Somali women, who do not mix environment. Unfortunately this means that such Somali women, who do not mix with other people, will not be able to access such Somali women, who do not mixand education levels are be able to issue. Other services. Poor literacy skills with other people, will not also an access such services. Poor literacy skills and education levels are also an issue. Other services. Poor literacy skills and education levels are also an issue. Other
14 14 14
respondents also explained that they cannot access health services as they do not respondents also explained that they cannot access health services as they do not respondents also explained single parent solely responsible for theas theyof their have the time (many are that they cannot access health services care do not have the time (many are single parent solely responsible for the care of their have the More (many are single parent solely responsible for the care of need children). time importantly, women at the focus groups stressed that they their children). More importantly, women at the focus groups stressed that they need children). More importantly, women at the focus groups stressed that they need Somali only services and groups. Somali only services and groups. Somali only services and groups. The following were identified as initiatives useful to improve access to health The following were identified as initiatives useful to improve access to health The following were identified as initiatives useful to improve access to health services: services: services: a) Health awareness a) Health awareness a) Health awareness b) Create Elderly lunch clubs b) Create Elderly lunch clubs b) Create Elderly lunch clubs c) Create Somali women clubs c) Create Somali women clubs c) Create Somali women clubs d) Language classes d) Language classes d) Language classes e) Healthy Eating classes e) Healthy Eating classes e) Healthy Eating classes f) Interpreters at GP f) Interpreters at GP f) Interpreters at GP g) Culturally sensitive Counselling g) Culturally sensitive Counselling g) Culturally sensitive Counselling In order to gain a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the issues I In order to gain a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the issues I In order to gain2a local GP and more comprehensive understanding of theso that I broader surgeries. 2 GPs were then asked questions issues I also contacted also contacted 2 local GP surgeries. 2 GPs were then asked questions so that I also contacted 2 local GP surgeries. 2 GPs were thento improve access so health could present their perspectives on what could be done asked questions to that I could present their perspectives on what could be done to improve access to health could present their perspectives on what could be done to improveprotection issues, services. I was only able to speak to receptionists. Due to DATA access to health services. I was only able to speak to receptionists. Due to DATA protection issues, services. unable to comment on howreceptionists. Due to DATA registered at their they were I was only able to speak to many Somali women are protection issues, they were unable to comment on how many Somali women are registered at their they were Both practices could on how that they dont women are registered at their practices. unable to comment confirm many Somali have any specific services for practices. Both practices could confirm that they dont have any specific services for practices. Both practices could confirm that they dont when any specific services for Somali women. However they can provide women GP have requested and can book Somali women. However they can provide women GP when requested and can book Somali women. needed. they can provide women GP when requested and can book an interpreter if However an interpreter if needed. an interpreter if needed.
15 15 15
Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Chapter 2
One of the main findings of this project is that there is very much limited data on the One ofand the issues faced thisthe Somalithat there is very much limited data on into needs the main findings of by project is refugee community. Further research the needs and the issues faced by the Somali refugee community. Further research into needs and the very important to improve existing services and Furtherplan for future such issues is issues faced by the Somali refugee community. better research into such issues is very important to improve existing services and better plan for future such issues is very importantresearch needs to be undertaken better plan for future ones. It is evident that more to improve existing services and to better understand ones. It is evident that more research needs to be undertaken to better understand ones. It is evident that more research needs to be undertaken to better understand the barriers preventing Somali women from accessing appropriate health providers. the barriers preventing Somali women from accessing appropriate health providers. the barriers preventing Somalithe findings identified in appropriate health produce a I hope to be able to build on women from accessing this research and providers. I hope to be able to build on the findings identified in this research and produce a I hope to be able to on theon the findings identified in this research and produce a more specific paper build issues preventing Somali women from accessing mental more specific paper on the issues preventing Somali women from accessing mental more specific paper on thelocal health providers. It women also accessing mental health support from the issues preventing Somali would from be interesting to health support from the local health providers. It would also be interesting to health support issues the localliteracy/English levels, would also be interesting to determine how from such as health providers. It employment and other factors determine how issues such as literacy/English levels, employment and other factors determine how issues such as literacy/English levels, employmentthat this research like single parenthood affect access to health support. I believe and other factors like single parenthood affect access to health support. I believe that this research like single produced better access respondents were identified amongst different could haveparenthood affectresults if to health support. I believe that this research could have produced better results if respondents were identified amongst different could have producedand theresults if respondents were identified amongst different demographic groups better results for each group compared. demographic groups and the results for each group compared. demographic groups and the results for each group compared. However, I hope that this study can still contribute to highlight the perspectives and However, I hope that this study can still contribute to highlight the perspectives and However, I hope Somali study can still contribute to highlight I am confident these ideas of ordinary that this refugee women living in Camden as the perspectives and ideas of ordinary Somali refugee women living in Camden as I am confident these ideas of ordinary Somali refugee health servicesin Camden as Ireal peoples needs. are crucial to create patients led women living responding to am confident these are crucial to create patients led health services responding to real peoples needs. are crucial to create patientsdonehealth services Somali refugee women are able to Much work still needs to be led to ensure that responding to real peoples needs. Much work still needs to be done to ensure that Somali refugee women are able to Much work still needs to beservices. ensure that Somali refugee women are able to access the relevant health done to I believe that to achieve this, health providers access the relevant health services. I believe that to achieve this, health providers access the relevant healthSomali community that to achievesuch as the providers need to work with local services. I believe organisations this, health Shadow need to work with local Somali community organisations such as the Shadow need to Centre. These Somali community community and have the advantage Womens work with localare well placed in theorganisations such as the Shadow Womens Centre. These are well placed in the community and have the advantage Womens Centre. These are well placed in the community and have users. This is of having built a rapport of trust and understanding with their servicethe advantage of having built a rapport of trust and understanding with their service users. This is of having what a rapport from the report completed at the endservice users.lifestyle definitely built emerged of trust and understanding with their of a healthy This is definitely what emerged from the report completed at the end of a healthy lifestyle definitely what emerged from organisation, Shadow at the endTheaproject aimed to promotion project run by my the report completed Women. of healthy lifestyle promotion project run by my organisation, Shadow Women. The project aimed to promotion project run use my organisation, it also aimed to raise awareness of the encourage women to by health services; Shadow Women. The project aimed to encourage women to use health services; it also aimed to raise awareness of the encourage women to use mutilation (FGM), also aimed to raise awareness health risks of female genital health services; it breast cancer and coronary of the risks of female genital mutilation (FGM), breast cancer and coronary health risks of female genital mutilationthe qualitybreast cancer socially excluded and problems. We worked to improve (FGM), of life of the and coronary health problems. We worked to improve the quality of life of the socially excluded and problems. We worked to improve the quality of life of the socially excluded and
Conclusions Conclusions Conclusions One of the main findings of this project is that there is very much limited data on the
16 16 16
disadvantaged refugee women, and particularly the elderly, from Somalia and disadvantaged refugee women, and particularly the elderly, from Somalia and disadvantagedinrefugee women, and particularly the elderly, from and supported Ethiopia living the borough of Camden. The project was successful Somalia and Ethiopia living in the borough of Camden. The project was successful and supported Ethiopia living in thelevels: participants were given a was successful andsocial club clients on different borough of Camden. The project healthy lunch at a supported clients on different levels: participants were given a healthy lunch at a social club clientsaon different levels: participants were given a healthy lunch at aavailable to twice week; they reported feeling more aware of the health services social club twice a week; they reported feeling more aware of the health services available to twice a Camden and were also able to establish of the health services available to them in week; they reported feeling more aware a social network. Unfortunately the them in Camden and were also able to establish a social network. Unfortunately the them incame to an end andalso funding has been a social network. Unfortunately It is project Camden and were no able to establish secured to replicate this work. the project came to an end and no funding has been secured to replicate this work. It is project came to an end and no be useful tobeen securedplanning of a new health hoped that this research will funding has inform the to replicate this work. It is hoped that this research will be useful to inform the planning of a new health hoped that project to be run at the Shadowto inform the planning of a new health awareness this research will be useful Womens Centre. awareness project to be run at the Shadow Womens Centre. awareness project to be run at the Shadow Womens Centre. I believe that the most worrying finding of this research is the inability of mainstream I believe that the most worrying finding of this research is the inability of mainstream I believe that the most worrying finding of this research is the inability of mainstream organisations, as for instance represented by GPs surgeries, to effectively meet the organisations, as for instance represented by GPs surgeries, to effectively meet the organisations, as women. It is represented by GPs surgeries, to effectively meet the needs of Somali for instance than hoped that the finding of this research and the needs of Somali women. It is than hoped that the finding of this research and the needs of Somali feedbackIt is than hoped thatSomali women this research and part experiences and women. collected from local the finding of could be used as the experiences and feedback collected from local Somali women could be used as part experiences and feedback collectedto sensitize Somali women could be usedneed of of an awareness raising campaign from local local health providers to the as part of an awareness raising campaign to sensitize local health providers to the need of of an awareness raising campaign to sensitize local health providers to the need of Somali women in Camden. Somali women in Camden. Somali women in Camden. It is evident that more research needs to be undertaken to better understand the It is evident that more research needs to be undertaken to better understand the It is evident that more research needs to be undertaken to better understand the barriers preventing Somali women from accessing appropriate health providers. I barriers preventing Somali women from accessing appropriate health providers. I barriers preventing Somali women from accessing in this research andproviders. a hope to be able to build on the findings identified appropriate health produce I hope to be able to build on the findings identified in this research and produce a hope specific paper build on the findings identified inwomen from accessing mental more to be able to on the issues preventing Somali this research and produce a more specific paper on the issues preventing Somali women from accessing mental more specific paper on thelocal health providers. It women also be interesting to health support from the issues preventing Somali would from accessing mental health support from the local health providers. It would also be interesting to health support issues the localliteracy/English levels, would also be interesting to determine how from such as health providers. It employment and other factors determine how issues such as literacy/English levels, employment and other factors determine how issues such as literacy/English levels, employmentthat this research like single parenthood affect access to health support. I believe and other factors like single parenthood affect access to health support. I believe that this research like single parenthoodbetter results if to health support. I believe that this research could have produced affect access respondents were identified amongst different could have produced better results if respondents were identified amongst different could have producedand the results if respondents were identified amongst different demographic groups better results for each group compared demographic groups and the results for each group compared demographic groups and the results for each group compared
17 17 17
Bibliography Bibliography Bibliography The Somali Community in the UK: What we know and how 1. Harris, H. (2004)
1. Harris, H. (2004) The Somali Community in the UK: What we know and how 1. we know it(2004) The Somali Community in the UK: What we know and how Harris, H. http://www.icar.org.uk/?lid=4855 we know it http://www.icar.org.uk/?lid=4855 2. we knowGuildhall University Metropolitan university; needs assessment of London it http://www.icar.org.uk/?lid=4855 2. London Guildhall University Metropolitan university; needs assessment of 2. Somali young people in Tower hamlets 2001 university; needs assessment of London Guildhall University Metropolitan Somali young people in Tower hamlets 2001 3. Somali young people in Tower hamlets 2001 Jill Rutter, London Metropolitan University (2004) - Somali childrens 3. Jill Rutter, London Metropolitan University (2004) - Somali childrens 3. Jill Rutter, and life experiences. educational London Metropolitan University (2004) - Somali childrens educational and life experiences. 4. educational and life experiences. Ahmed, E. (1991) The Educational and Training Needs of the Somali 4. Ahmed, E. (1991) The Educational and Training Needs of the Somali 4. Community in South Glamorgan, unpublishedTraining Needs of the Somali Ahmed, E. (1991) The Educational and report Welsh Refugee Council Community in South Glamorgan, unpublished report Welsh Refugee Council 5. Community (1997) educating Somali children in Britain, Refugee on Trent: Kahin, M. in South Glamorgan, unpublished report Welsh Stoke Council 5. Kahin, M. (1997) educating Somali children in Britain, Stoke on Trent: 5. Trentham Books Kahin, M. (1997) educating Somali children in Britain, Stoke on Trent: Trentham Books Trentham Books 6. The Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees in the UK (ICAR), The 6. The Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees in the UK (ICAR), The 6. Somali community in the about Asylum and Refugees in the UK (ICAR), The The Information Centre UK, Kings College London, 2004 Somali community in the UK, Kings College London, 2004 7. Somali community in the MappingCollege London, 2004 LaCoST services-HUB UK, Kings out Somali-led organisations in tower 7. LaCoST services-HUB Mapping out Somali-led organisations in tower 7. LaCoST 2006 hamlets services-HUB Mapping out Somali-led organisations in tower hamlets 2006 8. hamlets 2006Organisations Forum (COF), Somali organisations needs Community 8. Community Organisations Forum (COF), Somali organisations needs 8. Community Organisations Project (COF), Somali organisations needs assessments 2004- Iskaashi Forum assessments 2004- Iskaashi Project 9. assessments 2004- Iskaashi Project Shire, Somali households, Oxford house, 1999 9. Shire, Somali households, Oxford house, 1999 9. Shire, Somali households, Oxford house, 1999 10. Abdilla, Oxford House Somali Projects unpublished report; 2001 10. Abdilla, Oxford House Somali Projects unpublished report; 2001 10. Abdilla, Oxford House Somali Projects unpublished report; 2001 11. David J. Griffiths, (2002), Somali and Kurdish Refugees in London New 11. David J. Griffiths, (2002), Somali and Kurdish Refugees in London New 11. David J. in the Diaspora, Ashgate Publishing Limited, Aldershot identities Griffiths, (2002), Somali and Kurdish Refugees in London New identities in the Diaspora, Ashgate Publishing Limited, Aldershot 12. identitiesal mental illness in black Publishing Limited,minorities; pathways to Bhui et in the Diaspora, Ashgate and Asian ethnic Aldershot 12. Bhui et al mental illness in black and Asian ethnic minorities; pathways to 12. care, et al mental illness in black and Asian ethnic minorities; pathways to Bhui 2002 care, 2002 13. care, consultants, 1999 Jones, C. and Ali, E. (2000) Meeting the Educational CVS 2002 13. CVS consultants, 1999 Jones, C. and Ali, E. (2000) Meeting the Educational 13. CVS consultants, 1999 Jones, C. and Schools, London: London Educational Needs of Somali Pupils in Camden Ali, E. (2000) Meeting the Borough of Needs of Somali Pupils in Camden Schools, London: London Borough of Needs ofavailable on Camden Somali Pupils in Camden Schools, London: London Borough of Camden available on Camden available on
18 18 18
Africa Educational Trust and Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Africa Educational Trust and Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Africa Educational Trust and Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Africa EducationalTrust and Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Africa Educational Trust and and Evelyn Africa Educational Trust and Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Africa Educational Trust Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Unit, 2012

The Need To Raise Awareness of Health Services Among The Somali Community in Camden

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Need To Raise Awareness of Health Services Among The Somali Community in Camden

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

by Agram Muse by Agram Muse by Agram Muse by Agram Muse by Agram Muse by Agram Muse by Agram Muse

2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012

Agram Muse Agram Muse Agram Muse

Contents Page Contents Page Contents Page

Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Chapter 1:

(i) Introduction (i) Introduction (i) Introductionresearch This paper aims to

Agram Muse Agram Muse Agram Muse

Agram Muse Agram Muse Agram Muse

4 Khan, S. and Jones, 4 Khan, S. and Jones, 4 2002, page 31

Agram Muse Agram Muse Agram Muse

Agram Muse Agram Muse Agram Muse

Camden BME Alliance, Young Peoples Conference , 2004 http://www.camdenbmealliance.org.uk/publications/YPconferenceRecommendations.pdf http://www.camdenbmealliance.org.uk/publications/YPconferenceRecommendations.pdf

Agram Muse Agram Muse Agram Muse

Agram Muse Agram Muse Agram Muse

Agram Muse Agram Muse Agram Muse

Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Agram Muse Agram Muse Agram Muse

You might also like