Creating a Sense of Belonging: Refugee and Migrant Report (November 2003)
Group or Institution
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)
Author(s)
Gaywyn Adams, Jane Campbell, Nway Nway Kyaw, Louisa Morton, Anna Painting, Jung Ja Shinn, Ellisha Sorensen and Yilun Yang (Tutor: Betty Blake)
Abstract
The document ‘Welcome to Citizenship”, A Pathway for Refugee and New Migrant Strategic Plan 2002-2007”, discusses the need for intersectoral service development for refugees and new migrants to be provided in Hamilton and the Waikato region. Included in this service are ethnic health workers.
The purpose of the report is to provide background information for the development of Ethnic Community Health Worker (ECHW) positions in the Hamilton region. A proposal for these roles is to be submitted mid 2004.
Eight-second year nursing students from the Waikato Institute of Technology undertook this project in partnership with Dilys Parker.
Key informant interviews were held with key people from organisations employing community health workers in the Hamilton area and in Auckland.
All those interviewed expressed the belief that ECHWs assist communities by ‘filling and bridging gaps’ between the groups and providers, and that people prefer a community health worker from their own ethnicity, because they have an understanding of health beliefs, culture and lifestyle.
Literature reviewed supported these findings. Health worker roles, funding and employment issues was also reviewed.
A range of recommendations have been made that include the need to explore further what needs and desires the ethnic community have in relation to the health worker role and to supervision and training issues so that community safety is protected.
Group/s Associated with the Research:
Dilys Parker, Refugee and New Migrant Health Promoter, Waikato District Health Board.
A full copy of the report is available from:
Research Connections
W-Block cnr Nisbet & Tristram Streets or
cnr Tristram & Ward Streets
Private Bag 3036
Hamilton 2020
Telephone 07 834 8841
Fax 07 834 8884
e.mail: research@wintec.ac.nz