Roma Mental Health Project started in August 2008 and its aim is to provide 1-2-1 advocacy to empower Roma, who already use or have expressed an interest in using mental health services. To ensure the most effective advocacy service we have appointed Mental Health Advocates, who understand the experiences of disadvantage and social exclusion of Roma with poor mental health.
The Project Co-ordinator and Mental Health Advocates facilitate access to culturally appropriate mental health services by:
Roma Health Communication Project gives an opportunity to work together with Newham Primary Care Trust as part of a Pacesetters programme to increase awareness of health needs of the Roma community within the health sector, while raising awareness of health services available to the Roma community in the L.B. Newham.
The main aim of the project is achieved by the implementation of the Health Advocacy Scheme, which is run by a number of Volunteer Health Advocates under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator. The Volunteer Health Advocates are offered extensive training and support in order to provide one-to-one health advocacy, ensuring access to local surgeries and hospitals; and language support.