PROJECT INFO
H2O
HELP TO OPPORTUNITIES
2021-1-SI01-KA220-ADU-000033626
01/11/2021 - 30/04/2024
TECHNICAL INFO
ERASMUSPLUS
ACTION KA220
CALL 2021
CEN
H2O
HELP TO OPPORTUNITIES
Project Description
The Help To Opportunities project is a research initiative that addresses the challenges faced by members of the Roma community as one of the main causes of social exclusion, alongside health illiteracy among some members of the community. However, this problem has existed for many years; health illiteracy among members of the Roma community has also been one of the most common issues in current research. From this, we can conclude that previous programmes and projects in this area have not been successful, or their success has been limited. Some research also suggests that Roma receive poorer healthcare, both in terms of reduced access to health services and lower quality of care, which only reinforces mistrust in the healthcare system. In recent years, the European Union has encouraged Member States to implement strategies to improve health literacy and access to health services, which they consider crucial to include Roma.
Objectives
- Tackling social exclusion and health illiteracy within the Roma community, one of the most vulnerable groups according to European studies.
- To improve access to and the quality of healthcare for the Roma community, thereby reducing mistrust of the healthcare system.
- To train and support Roma healthcare professionals as key mediators in addressing the specific needs of their community.
- Implement health literacy strategies that empower Roma people to stand up for their health rights, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Implementation
The H2O (Help To Opportunities) project will be implemented through in-depth research into health illiteracy and exclusion within the Roma community, developing tailored training programmes that involve Roma representatives as health mediators. The legal framework against discrimination will be utilised to combat anti-Roma sentiment in health and education, with an emphasis on empowering this community to defend their rights, overcoming the limitations of previous initiatives and addressing the challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expected Results
Comprehensive research to identify specific barriers to healthcare access within the Roma community and propose innovative solutions.
Culturally appropriate health literacy training programmes, which have a greater impact than previous, more limited initiatives.
Involving Roma representatives as healthcare professionals, thereby improving trust and the quality of services.
The legal framework and tools for combating discrimination in healthcare, with practical applications that promote inclusion and equal rights.