The Roma Support Group (RSG) is a community organization led by Roma people that works with over 900 Roma families in London. RSG's health projects aim to improve access to healthcare for Roma communities through advocacy, raising health awareness, and empowering community members. Key aspects of RSG's work include building trust in the community, employing Roma staff, and taking a holistic approach. RSG runs various health projects that provide advocacy, raise awareness of health services and issues, and facilitate communication between Roma communities and healthcare providers.

1. Roma Support GroupWorld Café Session23 September 2011Access to Universal Healthcare in the Age of Migration Conference

2. World Café Session - What we will focus on: RSG’s Health Projects, methodology of our work and models of good practice Communication and dialogue with the Roma community Information on health-related issues, customs and taboos

3. Roma Support Group RSG The Roma Support Group is a community organisation working with East European Roma refugees and migrants since 1998; The RSG was established by the Roma people and it is led by them today; We are now working with over 900 Roma families in London offering a variety of services, mobilising the community through advice and advocacy volunteering schemes and promoting an understanding of Roma culture in the UK.

4. Methodology The key to our work with the Roma community is: Trust built over many years Respect Unconditional positive regard Empowering community members through projects, such as: a/ focus groups; b/ community meetings; c/ recruiting Roma staff members and volunteers; Holistic approach

5. Holistic approach Advice and Advocacy

6. November 2008, RSG Annual General Meeting and 10th Anniversary Celebrations

7. Rationale of the RSG Health Projects Short life expectancy Main health Problems Lack of information about the Health System and how to access services Language Barriers

8. Health Awareness and Advocacy Project 2005 - 2008 Aim To improve the health and well-being of the Roma community in London. Activities Volunteer Health Advocacy Scheme and Newham PCT PALS Link Scheme. Organising health awareness trainings, events and activities.

9. RSG Health ProjectsRoma Health Communication Project This project started in May 2009 and is a part of Newham NHS DH Pacesetters Programme Aims & Objectives: Facilitating access to services; Raising awareness of health services available to the Roma community in the L.B. Newham; Increasing awareness of health needs of the Roma community within the health sector.

10. RSG Health ProjectsRoma Health Communication Project Main activities: Work with individual clients (e.g. GP registration); Provide information about services available; Training for health professionals delivered with our NHS partner. Organising health awareness events;

11. November 2009, RSG Roma Health Awareness Day

12. RSG Health ProjectsRoma Mental Health Advocacy Project The Roma Mental Health Project started in August 2008 and is funded by the King’s Fund Project aims: To provide 1-to-1 advocacy to empower Roma, who already use or have expressed an interest in using mental health services.

13. RSG Health ProjectsRoma Mental Health Advocacy Project The Project Co-ordinator and Mental Health Advocates facilitate access to mental health services by: Offering information on available services and choices; Supporting Roma beneficiaries to recognise their mental health needs; Empowering Roma service users to speak for themselves and ensuring that they can communicate their issues, questions and experiences; Working with mental health professionals to increase knowledge of Roma culture and customs.

14. February 2009 RSG office, Young People Focus Group

15. RSG Health ProjectsRoma Mental Health Project This project started in September 2009 and is a part of East London Mental Health Trust DH Pacesetters Programme Project aims: To increase awareness of the health needs of the Roma Community within the mental health sector; To raise awareness of mental health issues within the Roma community.

16. RSG Health ProjectsRoma Mental Health Project Main Activities: Training for mental health professionals; Exploring mental health and wellbeing issues through focus group meetings with the Roma community, rehearsals and forum theatre performance.

17. February 2010, Exploring Mental Health and Wellbeing issues, Rehearsal for Forum Theatre Performance

18. Young Roma Refugees’ Advocacy and Campaigning Project One-to-one advice and advocacy for young Roma in the fields of health, welfare, housing, debts, employment Local and regional advocacy and campaigning to: Achieve recognition of Roma children’s needs and barriers to integration; Achieve and oversee implementation of changes in policy and practice;

19. Roma Support & Engagement Programme The Roma Support & Engagement Programme is our response to a growing need amongst service providers to ensure specialist and cost-effective interventions for Roma families across the UK. The Programme offers the following services to statutory and voluntary organisations working with Roma refugees and migrants: training expert advice regional forums capacity building workshops resources

20. Recommendations 1. Engaging the Roma community in informing and shaping health services Methods: Group consultations Focus groups Individual face to face meetings Organising health information events Involving Roma individuals and community organisations such as Roma Support Group in the role of Cultural Awareness consultants.

21. Recommendations 2. Improving Roma experience of using NHS service Methods: Employing bilingual health advocates and interpreters who have a good understanding of Roma culture and customs and taboos related to health, Producing information leaflets and DVDs in community languages

22. Recommendations 3. Enhancing understanding of Roma culture and barriers, which they face in accessing health services Methods: Cultural awareness training for NHS staff Providing written material for NHS staff about Roma, their culture and health-related customs e.g. articles, quizes etc in internal newsletters, websites, information leaflets and learning packs.

23. Facilitators Gabriela Smolinska – Poffley Roma Support & Engagement Programme Leader gaba@romasupportgroup.org.uk Aleksandra Hall Young Roma Refugees Advocacy project Co-ordinator alexandra@romasupportgroup.org.uk www.romasupportgroup.org.uk