Healthwatch Islington Calls for Expansion of Mother-Tongue Counselling Services
In a report published on April 24th 2020, Healthwatch Islington has found that, in many cases, cultural and language barriers made NHS counselling and talking therapies less effective for members of migrant communities.
They interviewed 73 residents from migrant communities living with mental health issues to find out their experiences of accessing the support available in the borough. Nafsiyat was the most widely accessed of the services they asked about, and feedback about our service was very positive.
“My GP referred me to Nafsiyat. I have received the help I need to get better. The counsellor spoke my language, and I was relieved to express the anxiety and distress I had in daily life. I was treated with warmth, compassion and not judged.” – Service user, Nafsiyat.
Healthwatch Islington found that using interpreters when discussing complex issues around mental health and the causes of poor mental health (such as domestic violence) has limitations. Sourcing counsellors in clients’ own language is considered more effective.
Their recommendations include investing in and adequately resourcing the culturally specific organisations that support residents with a range of socio-economic needs. This includes expanding and/or supporting the development of mother tongue counselling services.