“ESOL for Health” Programme accredited by the RSPH

Women who do not have English as a first language can find access to healthcare challenging at important stages of their lives. They may not be able to interpret, read or write the necessary English vocabulary and the UK healthcare systems may not be familiar to them. They may also benefit from additional basic Health information about healthy lifestyles, their anatomy and changes to their bodies which can take place at different times.
 
RSPH is pleased to announce it has accredited an “ESOL for Health” training programme developed by Joseph Chamberlain College, Birmingham, with support from Heart of Birmingham PCT.
 
The programme provides ESOL language knowledge for pre-entry, entry 1 and entry 2 levels. (ESOL being “English for Speakers of Other Languages”). At the same time, the vocabulary taught, and the scenarios used as the basis for the programme, are relevant to women’s lives – including modules relating to pregnancy, birth and child development, healthy lifestyles, women’s health and carers.
 
Following a pilot study, the conclusions of an independent report has noted that learners have a marked increase in confidence in contacting health professionals, attending appointments on their own and explaining their concerns to professionals. The programme has a style sympathetic to the culture and position of immigrant women. Training utilises comprehensive workbooks, video clips, reading tasks and interactive activities. The programme will be available to others in the form of a comprehensive tutor package later this year.
 
Other organisation who would like their training programme considered for RSPH accreditation should contact the Accreditation Department at accreditation@rsph.org.uk