#SpeakUp: City of Sanctuary Sheffield

Healthwatch Sheffield’s #SpeakUp-funded project with City of Sanctuary Sheffield explored how asylum seekers and refugees access health information and services, and what types of health and wellbeing activities they found most useful. The project involved a Health and Wellbeing Day attended by 62 people, including 40 asylum seekers and refugees. Activities included workshops on how the NHS works, health information sessions, wellbeing activities such as yoga and dance, healthy eating advice and opportunities to engage with a range of health and voluntary organisations. Volunteer interpreters were available to support participation. 

Participants reported very positive experiences of the event. Feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction, with many people describing the sessions as informative, useful and enjoyable. Attendees particularly valued learning how the NHS works and how to access services, alongside information about health conditions, healthy living and wellbeing. Activities such as yoga, dance and relaxation sessions were especially popular, and many participants said they had learned new information that would benefit both themselves and their families.

The project highlighted an ongoing need for accessible health information among asylum seekers and refugees. Participants demonstrated strong interest in understanding healthcare services, improving their health and wellbeing, and accessing practical information. The workshop explaining how the NHS operates was particularly well received, reinforcing earlier findings that many people new to the UK are unfamiliar with how to access and navigate healthcare services. The availability of interpretation support, culturally appropriate food and a welcoming atmosphere were also important factors in enabling participation and engagement.

The report concluded that there is significant demand for more health and wellbeing activities within Sheffield’s refugee and asylum-seeking communities. Recommendations included running regular workshops on accessing NHS services, offering more health and wellbeing events, increasing opportunities to participate in activities such as yoga, walking and dance, and improving the availability of clear, accessible information about healthcare and local support services. The report also encouraged health organisations to work closely with community groups supporting refugees and asylum seekers to improve engagement and reduce barriers to accessing information and care.