Migrant Health
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities define vulnerable migrants as:
A rapid needs assessment undertaken by the Doctors of the World showed how COVID and the UK response has disproportionally impacted excluded groups, namely vulnerable migrants, sex workers, homeless people, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and those recently released from prison. These groups routinely face stigma and barriers when trying to access healthcare which has increased their vulnerabilities to health problems and social isolation
Individuals seeking asylum
More people are migrating than ever before, some of whom have been forcibly displaced and despite the World Health organisation Constitution of 1948 stating that everyone has a right to health, migrants experience difficulties in accessing health services and this has resulted in migration and health becoming well recognised as a global public health priority.
The kind of health and wellbeing issues that might effect migrants are:
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
Language Barriers
Language may be a barrier to engagement so you may need to use google translate to instigate some conversations initially.
Additionally, if you follow this link you will find a list of translated information on a range of health and wellbeing subjects, translated into over 60 languages. All information targets migrant communities.
https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/translated-health-information/
Once on the page, scroll down and you’ll see a language drop down box on the LHS, and all resources listed will automatically translate to the chosen language. (You’ll find more information about this service is under the ACT tab).
Some local services provide a translation service as well.
Here you will find questions you might ask if you start a conversation with a migrant about their health and wellbeing. Migrants are likely to be wary of the authorities so make it clear that you are here to help and support and try to build trust.
Are you a migrant? Don’t be afraid, I don’t need to see papers I want to know if you would you like any help or support in your current circumstances?
Can you speak English? What languages do you speak?
Would you like me to try to connect you with someone who you can speak to you in your language about your situation?
There are organisations who support refugees and asylum seekers, providing advice about applying for accommodation, financial support and accessing health services? Would you like details of those services?
Do you have a safe place to stay at the moment?
Do you need access to a GP or health professional as I can provide some service information to help you with that?
Assist
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LOCAL SERVICES
What you can do to help depends on the particular circumstances and needs of the individual.Â
Please click on the below regional links for information about Migrant Health and Wellbeing support services relating to your locality.
Act
NATIONAL SERVICES
Migrant Help
Migrant Help protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma. Â Core services include Asylum Support, and those seeking asylum in the UK can come to MH to seek help with applying for accommodation and financial support, to report issues with asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed. MH can advise individuals in their language on issues such as:
- Accessing healthcare
- How to claim asylum
- Applying for asylum support including accommodation
- Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change
- Finding legal representation
Tel: 0808 8010 503. A free asylum helpline available 24 hours a day
Web: http://www.migranthelpuk.org
Refugee Council
Refugee Council stand up for the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum – exploring the issues that affect them, informing the public, and working for fairer government policy. They provide specialist mental health support to help refugees to rebuild their lives using the resilience, strength and skills acquired on their journeys. Experienced and highly qualified therapists apply a range of evidenced-based and best practice approaches.
Tel: 0207 346 6700 Office hours
Web: https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/
Translated health information for migrants
Provides a list of translated information on a range of health and wellbeing subjects, translated into over 60 languages. All information targets migrant communities and subjects include:
- How to register with a GP and book a COVID-19 vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine information
- Flu vaccine information
- Infographics: Coronavirus overview and self-care
- Infographics: Migrants’ right to healthcare
- Keeping young people healthy
- Six steps to improve your wellbeing
Web: https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/translated-health-information/
Patients Not Passports
A toolkit designed to support you in advocating for people facing charges for NHS care, and in taking action to end immigration checks and upfront charging in the NHS.
Website: https://patientsnotpassports.co.uk/
Praxis
Praxis provide expert support to migrants and refugees in the UK. They are a leading expert in finding pathways out of destitution and supporting migrants facing homelessness, as well as survivors of trafficking and domestic violence and young people. They provide free immigration advice over the phone. Support includes securing rights, safe housing, influencing and advocacy and interpreting and training.
Tel: 020 7749 7608 or 020 7749 7605 - Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm and Thursdays from 10am to 12.30pm.
Web: https://www.praxis.org.uk/
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants
JCWI provide free legal advice to asylum seekers and refugees at all stages of the legal process, including:
- Applications to the Home Office
- Entry Clearance
- Appeals
- Judicial Review
If you are in the UK without status and need free and confidential legal advice, call the helpline:Â
Tel: 020 7553 7470. Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 1pm.
Web: https://www.jcwi.org.uk/
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Local Support and Contact Details
Derby City Council
Refugee and Asylum Seeker SupportÂ
English for Speakers of Other Languages - supporting arrivals from Ukraine - Derby City Council
Education, work, benefits, health and phones support for arrivals from Ukraine - Derby City Council
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions:
- email customerservices@derby.gov.uk
- call 01332 640000 Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm
- Deaf people can text 07774 333412.
Derby Refugee & Asylum Seekers Support | Derby City Life Links
Derby Refugee Advice Centre (DRAC):
Tuesday & Thursday, 10:00 – 16:00
TEL:Â Â 01332 294436
Derby - Supporting children from asylum seeker families
A dedicated team has been set up in Derby to support children from asylum-seeking and refugee families. It is part of the 0-19 Derby Integrated Family Health Service and involves two public health nurses dually qualified as health visitors and school nurses, a family health practitioner and child practitioner.
Contact: Virginia Hickman - Specialist Community Public Health Nurse for Asylum Seeking/Refugee Families, Derby Integrated Family Health Service
Email:Â virginiahickman@nhs.net
how-to-register-with-a-gp-asylum-seekers-and-refugees.pdf (assets.nhs.uk)
Food, clothing, and furniture support for arrivals from Ukraine
If you have any queries with any of the food, clothing and furniture support available, then Paul Brookhouse from the Derby Food 4 Thought (DF4T) Alliance is happy to assist - contact df4ta@communityactionderby.org.uk or 01332 227730.
Food
Support with food parcels is available from the DF4T Alliance by contacting Paul Brookhouse on df4ta@communityactionderby.org.uk or 01332 227730
Clothing, toiletries and kitchen equipment
The Hope Store provides good-quality donated clothing, toiletries, and kitchen equipment to those in need. These can only be accessed through a referral – call 01332 341189.
Clothing for children up to 16 years old
TOGs Clothing Bank provides clothing support for your children from new-born up to the age of 16.
Call Anthea on 07989 117929 or email anthealpeters@gmail.com.
The clothing bank is at 119 Osmaston Road, DE1 2GD and is open:
- Tuesdays from 1pm to 3pm
- Fridays from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Furniture and household items
Hope City Furnishing provide good quality furniture and household items free of charge to those who have been rehoused due to experiencing a sudden or unexpected crisis. Email info@hopecityfurniture.org.uk or call 07340 244416.
Social care out of hours
Where can I get social care support in an emergency out of office hours?
Derby City Care Line is the out-of-hours emergency social work service for people living in or visiting Derby.
It operates:
- Monday to Friday from 5pm to 9am
- on weekends and Bank Holidays - 24 hours a day.
Contact Care Line by:
- telephone:Â 01332 956606
- minicom: 01332 785642
- People who are hard of hearing of deaf please send an email to DCCcareLine@derby.gov.uk if you require Out of Hours Support.
British Red Cross Refugee Support
Wednesday 10am – 12pm
T: 01332 525423 or 01332 360790
E:Â refugeeservicesderby@redcross.org.uk
Derby City Mission
W:Â www.derbycitymission.org.uk
Opening Times:09:30 – 16:00
T:Â 01332 460346
Derby Bosnia-Herzegovina Community Association (DBHCA)
Derbyshire County Council
Supporting unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee children in Derbyshire
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Charities and organisations helping to provide help and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers
Refugee resettlement in Derbyshire - Derbyshire County Council
British Red Cross Refugee Support
W:Â www.redcross.org.uk
T: 01332 525423 or 01332 360790
E:Â refugeeservicesderby@redcross.org.ukÂ
Derbyshire Refugee Solidarity
We are part of a grassroots movement working to provide aid and support to refugees.
W:Â derbyshirerefugeesolidarity.org
T: Steve – 07881615750 or Julie – 07790900017
E:Â julie@derbyshirerefugeesolidarity.org
Upbeat
Upbeat Communities are offering free sessions for asylum seekers and refugees including English classes, creative activities and a weekly gathering for women all online. We are also able to share vital information in different languages. We are delivering at least one session per day.
Instructions for asylum seekers and refugees
- Make sure you have WhatsApp on your phone
- Save the number +447514489022 in your phone (as Upbeat)
- Send your name to +447514489022 using WhatsApp to receive information and updates (no personal data will be shared – we use WhatsApp Broadcast)
E:Â hello@upbeatcommunities.org
Open: Monday – Thursdays (10am – 4pm)