#SpeakUp: United Women's Affiliation

United Women’s Affiliation (UWA) received a Healthwatch Sheffield #SpeakUp grant to explore the experiences of African women and women of African heritage accessing health and social care services. Through 15 discussion sessions involving 147 participants, the project examined a wide range of topics including medication, mental health, women's health, long-term conditions, housing, access to nature and wellbeing. Participants described significant barriers to accessing services and understanding health information, with language and communication difficulties affecting many aspects of their experiences. 

A major theme was dissatisfaction with communication and support within healthcare services. Many women felt medication was offered too quickly without sufficient explanation or discussion of alternative options such as counselling or lifestyle changes. Participants often reported not fully understanding why medication had been prescribed, how to take it correctly or the potential side effects. Difficulties accessing suitable interpreters were also common, with women reporting that interpreters frequently spoke different dialects and were unable to communicate effectively. Many participants said they needed longer appointments to allow enough time for meaningful discussion and understanding. 

Women also described challenges accessing GPs and dentists, including difficulties booking appointments, long waiting times and concerns about not being listened to by healthcare professionals. Some participants felt their symptoms were dismissed or attributed to existing conditions rather than being fully investigated. There was also confusion about NHS dental and prescription charges, with some women believing they had been incorrectly charged and lacking access to clear information about their entitlements. Beyond healthcare, participants highlighted housing issues such as damp, mould, poor repairs and neighbourhood safety concerns, which they felt were having a significant impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. 

The project found that women highly valued opportunities to receive health information and support in trusted community settings. Sessions involving healthcare professionals were particularly well received, helping participants ask questions, improve understanding and build trust. Recommendations included improving access to appropriate interpreters, providing clearer information about medications and healthcare charges, offering longer appointments where language barriers exist, strengthening cultural competence within services, increasing community outreach activities and improving support for people facing housing and environmental issues that affect their health and wellbeing.