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Abstract
Involvement of service users voice within the policy debate - an advocacy toolkit for marginalised groups
K. Prins-Schiffer1, E. Schatz1, J.-P. Kools2, Correlation Expert group: Policy
Issues:
The situation in the various regions of Europe is diverse and in some cases alarming (e.g. HIV situation in Baltic region). The living conditions, health and social perspectives for example drug users and sex workers are often critical. Do these people have access to information, health services and are they able to empower themselves and take over the steering wheel of their lives? Every day practise indicates that we have a very long way to go.
Professionals, service providers and interest groups often feel unsupported and unable to meet the needs at grass roots level. On the other hand policy makers are often unaware of the actual implications of the implemented policies. All actors feel isolated on their side of the fence.
Description:
The Correlation Network is a European Network of grassroot professionals, service providers and interest groups from all over Europe. Correlation intents to improve the access to social and medical services for marginalised groups by linking research, policy and implementation activities. One of the expert groups within Correlation is dealing with the development of related health and social policies, in order to stimulate and support the development of comprehensive and effective national policies on social inclusion and health promotion (e.g. HIV prevention).
Specific activity:
4 rapid assessments among IDU´s / sex workers in 4 different European cities in combination with policy debates, in which service users, service providers and decision makers participate actively, in order to improve the services and meet the needs of the targetgroup. The target groups / service users are involved within the whole process.
Lessons learned:
The rapid assessments and the national policy debates are part of the advocacy toolkit. The 4 pilots are models of good practise and are feasible for different target groups.
Recommendations:
Involvement of service users is necessary during all stages of the project.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDE0523
Suggested Citation
"K.Prins-Schiffer, et al.
Involvement of service users voice within the policy debate - an advocacy toolkit for marginalised groups.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDE0523"
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