Press Release issued: 20 March 2010
Language problems, poverty and social deprivation, and confusion as to what exactly asylum status entitles people to - these are among the barriers many Scots from an ethnic minority background face in accessing vital public services.
How a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural Scotland can ensure that all its citizens enjoy equal access is one question that will be discussed this Saturday at the Scottish National Party's spring conference in Aviemore.
At a fringe meeting organised by sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland, and addressed by Communities Minister Alex Neil, delegates will hear how a project in Glasgow has tested the most effective ways to reach different communities.
Launched in 2008, the RNIB Scotland-run project has already helped safeguard the eyesight of hundreds of Glaswegians from an ethnic minority background.
John Legg, the charity's director, said: "The experience of ethnic minority communities in accessing public services is varied. But it is crucial that we do identify and overcome barriers to public services.
"In Greater Glasgow, the Scottish Government had funded the initiative we run to tackle the problems faced in accessing eye-care. This is vital because some ethnic minority groups are significantly more prone to sight-threatening conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma. Through the course of this project, several important barriers have been identified that could apply in other instances.
"These include communication difficulties due to English as a second language, especially among older people. But there can also be poor knowledge of available translation services among health service staff. There can also be a lack of awareness of what social services exist. Also, there is the significant effect of social deprivation and poverty, exacerbated by confusion as to whether asylum status entitles people to eye care and other services.
"RNIB Scotland is keen to use findings from this project to inform a wider debate on access to public services," said John Legg. "Together, we can make 'One Scotland' a reality for all."
The project's co-ordinator Gozie Joe Adigwe will speak to the meeting, alongside community activist Humza Yousaf of Scots Asians for Independence.