Advocates and policymakers came together at the Department of Health recently for an important event hosted by the Refugee and Migrant Health Partnership. Healthcare access is not just a service issue — it’s a social determinant of health that shapes people’s lives.
The event created space to share real-life experiences of refugees, migrants and ethnic minority communities to inform policy discussions.
An example of progress was the Roma Health and Accommodation Pilot Project, delivered through Tipperary County Council and the HSE. Using the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty as a practical framework, the project tackled health inequalities at their roots — with a strong focus on access to housing.
Support from our Crosscare Housing and Welfare strengthened the initiative through training, advocacy upskilling, mentoring and case support, helping to build lasting capacity across services.
The HSE is now working to replicate the model in other parts of the Southeast and in other local authorities.
Included in the photo are Noel Neenan from Crosscare’s Information and Advocacy Service and Suzanne Nolan, Southeast Regional Roma Health Lead.
