Health Access for Refugees Programme (HARP)

Title of the project/ Program	Health Access for Refugees Programme (HARP)
Town/City	London, Doncaster, Hull, Leeds, Wakefield, Sheffield and Middlesbrough, UK
Implementing institution/organization	Refugee Council (Charity)
Age of target group	No age limitations
Scope of target group/Group size	Awareness training for health professionals who include GPs, health care professionals, GP Trainees and social care professionals – up to 50 in a group
Innovative elements	Successful cooperation and partnership with the Department of Health.
Why is this project considered good practice?	The project addresses important issue: people seeking asylum suffer disproportionally with illness. Programme offers holistic approach to the well-being of an individual.
Objectives	To diminish barriers preventing healthy lifestyle: social isolation, illiteracy, low self-esteem To improve health outcomes and health services for all new refugees and migrants To decrease inequalities
Key activities	Confidential advice, signposting to the services Befriending Training for the health sector professionals to improve their understanding of the health needs of refugees and asylum seekers Social and educational activities
Duration	2015 – End of December 2017
Expected results	Support pathways for refugees and asylum seekers are built Health professionals understanding of the health needs of refugees and asylum seekers is improved Refugees and asylum seekers are able to access appropriate services
Number of engaged persons	109 Health Professionals Number of newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees supported by HARP since February 2015 was 2324 The cumulative number of newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees receiving befriending support since February 2015 stood at 400 as at June 2016.
For further reading or information	https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/what_we_do/refugee_services/the_health_access_for_refugees_programme