Access to healthcare

Safe from harm? Health and social care for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers

These conferences looked at the problems refugees and asylum seekers face when trying to access healthcare. Two conferences were held 01 Nov 2006 in London and 07 Nov 2006 in York.

Restrictions to access and entitlements to health and social care can have a devastating impact on already vulnerable refugees who have come to the UK for protection. Providing a comprehensive and joined up service to this group, at the same time as meeting the demands of new policy, is a real challenge. It is essential that the distinct needs and experiences of vulnerable refugees are considered as particular and part of mainstream service provision.

		Download a copy of the conference report (PDF)
		Download a copy of the speech made by Nancy Kelley, Head of UK and International Policy at the Refugee Council (PDF)
		Download the Conference flyer (PDF) Includes information on all confirmed speakers, plenaries and workshops.
		In order to download this report you will need Adobe Reader. You can get this free on the Adobe website

The 'Safe from Harm?' conference aimed to

Bring together staff working with or developing policy for refugees from a range of backgrounds
Identify needs within the context of overall service provision
Clarify the legislative and policy background
Examine the current needs of health and social care professionals
Relate health and social care needs to roles, rights and entitlements across the sectors
Determine subjective and practical barriers access
Discuss recommendations for ensuring access to mainstream and specialist services
Share and develop good practice in the field

Seven speakers provided information on a range of key policy and legislation areas. Around 280 people from a wide range of voluntary and statutory organisations attended the conferences and contributed through questions to the speakers and in afternoon workshops.

These Refugee Council conferences are supported by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).


		In order to download this flyer, you will need Adobe Reader. You can get this free on the Adobe website