Refugees experience individual, organisational and system level barriers to accessing health care in NSW. The project is examining the impact of the Health Navigation volunteer program on refugees’ understand of and access to health services.  

Chief investigators

Dr Zelalem Mengesha, Danielle Weber, Dr Patrick Harris, Dr Mitchell Smith, Professor Evelyne de Leeuw

Project Rationale

The Refugee Health Service’s (RHS) Health Navigation Program assists newly arrived refugees to access health services. Volunteers are recruited, trained, and supported to take new arrivals to health appointments, guiding them through the public transport and health systems respectively. This study is designed to provide empirical evidence and insights on the impact of the Health Navigation Volunteer Program in improving newly arrived refugees’ access to health care. It will also inform practices and policies aimed at utilising volunteers to support refugees in the early periods of resettlement in Australia.

Project Aim/s

The aim of the project is to examine and understand the impact of a volunteer support program on refugees’ experiences of and access to health care.

Project Design and Method

This is a qualitative evaluation of the Health Navigation Volunteer program involving face-to-face and phone interviews with refugees, volunteers and Refugee Health staff.

Contact

Zelalem Mengesha Phone: 0414637321 Email: z.mengesha@unsw.edu.au

Key Partners

SWSLHD, NSW Refugee Health Services

Funding

NSW Refugee Health Services

Project lead centre
CHETRE
Project stream
Action for Equity