Community Health Matters

Somali Parents provide drop-in sessions at the White City community center twice a week, community members to pop in and learn more about the healthcare system i.e. learn how to communicate with their GP using PATCHS, NHS App, and online consultation platforms. The project coordinator and volunteers will provide one-to-one sessions to teach and show clients step-by-step how to use these online platforms. Many members wait long periods to see their GPs but this new approach will help to communicate with GPs better. GPs can give the client a call or video call at a specific arranged time, making a more convenient way to contact their GP instead of waiting considerable time on the phone and then getting no appointment which makes them more disappointed and frustrated.

The project will also give information about different options for accessing treatment, for example, self-care at pharmacies, when to call 111, walk-in centers, 999, and so on. The project will help to increase awareness of changes in services in the health sector and the role pharmacies can play in helping patients. The project will also look at the barriers to health services and how this can be improved.

Many health services are now accessible online, and because of this, many community members will be disadvantaged as they are not digitally friendly. Increasing awareness of the help available by health providers particularly different options to access treatments is important to minimize health risks.

The Somali community needs initiatives and programs to assist them in understanding their needs and increase awareness of various options for health services that can be accessed easily and at a convenient time.

The lack of information and support makes many members of the community frustrated, demotivated, and lost confidence in the health system.  In this project, we want to help members improve their access to health services and options available to them