The
main idea behind this programme is that it is possible to implement
palliative and treatment initiatives focusing on marginalized
populations which do not make use of health services if methodologies
based on the following characteristics are employed:
-
SUPPORT:
support is lent to the intervention target population and their
families. Health initiatives form part of broader integrated action
given that FSGG has the infrastructure needed to approach health-related
issues and a whole range of other needs that stand in the way
to advancement in areas such as housing, training, employment,
children’s education or basic health care.
This infrastructure is provided by the Action Plan for Care of
the Roma Population (fruit of a collaboration agreement between
the Madrid Town Hall and the FSGG).
-
CLOSE CONTACT:
FSGG intervention’s success is rooted in the personal relations
that manages to create. It is essential to establish trust, and
to create a sense that professionals are close by and easily accessible.
FSGG’s services are flexible and schedules adapt to the
needs of the users.
Speaking
from the experience until a certain degree of trust is established,
the work will lack depth. This fact also points to the importance
of having stable teams that include Roma mediators.
-
DEALING WITH DIFFERENT KEY CULTURAL ASPECTS:
Knowledge of key cultural aspects facilitates personal contact,
the design of an intervention strategy with greater possibilities
of success and also, in the case of conflict or the failure to
comprehend certain rules, this knowledge helps to build bridges
of communication between Roma and non-Roma.
This knowledge also gives FSGG the chance to provide the professionals
who normally work with them at the treatment centres with essential
cultural information. Moreover, the role played by Roma mediators
as people who have an in-depth knowledge of the Roma community
and their social environment is essential.
