Health Access Project
The Health Access Project aims to improve the general health outcomes and reduce the health inequalities experienced by refugees and asylum seekers in Lewisham. We offer advice and support to those who do not have proper access to primary and secondary health care, due to factors such as immigration status, lack of awareness of services, cultural barriers and general isolation. Specific obstacles include being unable to access a GP, no access to an interpreter to explain medical problems, being unaware of the services available to them and fragmented care pathways. We have an interpreting service available for those who need it.
The services we offer include:
- Giving information and advice about access and rights to NHS treatment
- Arranging interpreters to attend GP and hospital appointments
- Writing letters or making phone calls on behalf of the client to relevant health and social care agencies
- Completing welfare benefit forms for the client that relate to health such as Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit
- Helping clients who are exempted from healthcare costs complete HC1 forms
- Signposting client to GP’s, dentists, mental health and other services
Clients can access our services by booking an appointment. Appointments can be made on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10 and 3pm.
To book an appointment to see Margot Lawrence (Health Access Officer) ring 0208 694 0323