Accessing training and support

Training and support can enable staff to address the mental health needs of refugees sensitively. It is important to involve administrative and reception staff in training, especially as they may play an important role in ensuring access to a GP. Interagency and professional networks can increase access to training opportunities and provide forums for discussion and raising awareness. The developing understanding and awareness of refugees’ experiences area of this website gives information about relevant professional networks in the UK.

Training has been developed to promote greater cultural competence amongst health professionals. For example:

• The MEDACT Refugee Health Network links those who are connected to it, to training courses and conferences.
• The Centre for Cross Cultural Studies at the Institute of Family Therapy provides a range of courses and supporting events
• Culturally Competent Care in Mental Health on the EthnoMed website is a 25 minute narrated video slide show which teaches about approaches to providing culturally competent care to immigrant and refugee patients. The presentation is based on a talk in January 2010 by psychiatrist Dr. Lorin Boynton, given at a Psychiatry Chief Resident Conference at Harborview Medical Centre.