The Scheme's main focus is to ensure high quality communication
between mental health workers and service users, carers and
families who speak little or no English. The aims and
objective of the Scheme are:
- To facilitate effective and meaningful communication between
Trust staff and their service-users who speak little or no
English.
- To promote access of mental health services to black and
minority ethnic communities.
- To promote equality in delivery of quality services to all
Trust service-users.
- To promote social inclusion.
The service is delivered by linkworkers/interpreters who have
gone through an intensive selection procedure to
determine their suitability as interpreters in various
mental health settings. Individuals are either qualified or trained
interpreters and have additional training to enhance their
understanding and knowledge of mental health and cultural issues.
Individual linkworkers are supported through one-to-one
supervision and group case discussions to maintain and
develop their skills on an on-going basis in order to meet the
needs of all concerned such as the service-users, professionals and
the linkworker.
Services offered
- Confidential and impartial interpretation in a wide range of
languages common amongst the Trust's client population
- Information on culturally sensitive support groups and practice
in other areas.
- Appropriate emotional support to client and carers during
session
- Telephone message service between clients/carers and
professionals
- Translation of written materials into various languages
- Training and the raising of cultural
awareness among mental health and social care
professionals
- Consultation on the use of Mental Health
Linkworkers/Interpreters as and when requested
Contact
Telephone: 0161 276 5259
E-mail: linkworkers.mentalhealth@nhs.net