'One-stop centre' to help migrants and refugees access health services in Cork
A new hub is to be launched to serve as a 'one-stop centre' for migrants and refugees living in Cork City to access health services.
Migrants' rights charity Nasc, in partnership with Cork City Council and the HSE, is launching the Migrant Health Hub which will see HSE staff helping migrants with queries on how they can access health services in Cork.
International protection applicants, refugees living in both state-provided accommodation and within the community, the Roma community, as well as the broader migrant population, will be able to access the services.
The hub will act as an outreach facility for the HSE migrant health response teams, addiction services, screening and immunisation services, as well as psycho-social services.
It is designed to help identify gaps and map existing supports to ensure more targeted, effective interventions for migrant communities.
Additionally, it is set to provide "safe, supportive spaces" that will help address emotional, physical, cognitive, social and cultural health, as well as support integration and inclusion.
It will also have staff from the HSE's migrant health services on site to help answer queries on accessing health services in Cork.
Members of the local authority integration teams, as well as Cork City Partnership, who work directly with the migrant community, will also be present to answer any questions or concerns.
The Cork Migrant Centre, South Parish Community Centre, Lib Counselling, Brijj, and Children and Young People Services Committee will be involved with the Hub.
Nasc have said the ethos behind the hub is "one of partnership and collaboration."
"Ensuring that Cork lives up to its promise as being a true 'City of Welcomes. The launch is being timed as part of Refugee Week 2025, which has an overarching theme of 'Community as a Superpower'," they added.
The hub will be launched on Friday by the Lord Mayor of Cork on World Refugee Day.
The launch will see musical performances from Citadel, Sauti Mentors, the African Queens, and Kalyna Soul Project.
Additionally, murals created by migrant women and muralist Joe Caslin will also be on display.
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