#SpeakUp: SAVTE
This SpeakUp report explores experiences of using health services from the perspective of English-language learners. Find out about the impact language barriers can have, and the types of language support that would help people play a more active role in managing their health and wellbeing.
SAVTE (Sheffield Association for the Voluntary Teaching of English) learning groups include refugees, asylum seekers, and other new arrivals to Sheffield, as well as people who have lived in the city for longer.
They used their SpeakUp grant to understand more about the way their learners use health services in the city. As part of the project they also developed new learning resources to support people to learn more about healthcare, and identified what else could be done to help.
Key findings
- Problems understanding: Language barriers pose many challenges for learners. This includes understanding what services are available to help them, as well as understanding what healthcare professionals are saying to them. Not many people knew about their rights around professional interpreters.
- Lack of confidence: Speaking over the phone was a key issue, and caused particular concern for people when they thought about what they'd do in a health emergency.
- A desire for independence: Not having the language to describe health problems or understand the health system means people don't have privacy or autonomy when they need healthcare. There was a strong desire to learn more in order to access support independently.
Read the full report to find out more about their findings, and our recommendations for change.
We have sent this report to local NHS decision makers to consider what actions they might take, and will update this page with their response.
Read the report
If you need this report in a different format, please email info@healthwatchsheffield.co.uk or call 0114 253 6688.
