NHS Long Term Plan - Refugee and Asylum Seekers Men's Focus Group

Healthwatch Barnsley undertook research on the views of asylum seeker and refugee men about the NHS Long Term Plan. The focus group was held with the Refugee Council Men’s Group on 27 March 2019 and involved six participants. The discussion explored how health services could better support local communities and improve access to care. 

Participants were particularly supportive of greater use of digital technology within healthcare. They welcomed text message reminders and digital communication and suggested that universal access to electronic medical records could improve people's experiences of healthcare. The group felt that digital tools could also help people navigate health services and access information in different languages.

The men also supported further development of community-based health services and social prescribing, believing that these approaches could reduce pressure on GP services and improve access to support. They highlighted the important role that voluntary and community organisations can play in providing health information, raising awareness of disease prevention, and helping people to maintain their wellbeing. 

Mental health support for children and young people was identified as a priority, with participants advocating for greater awareness and support within schools. The group also called for clearer information about how to access different health services. Key recommendations included expanding digital healthcare solutions, developing social prescribing services, strengthening the role of voluntary organisations within the health system, and building stronger partnerships between health services, schools and community organisations.