Reddy SM, Mahmood H. Development of a
multiagency protocol to support people with No Recourse to Public Funds in Wolverhampton (UK).
Perspect Public Health 2023;
143:272-274. [PMID:
35766318 DOI:
10.1177/17579139221106574]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) status is applied to individuals and families that are subject to immigration control, resulting in them having restricted access to state-funded benefits within England. NRPF is a public health risk as it increases the risk of destitution among vulnerable migrants.
AIMS
The aim of this study was to engage with public and voluntary sector staff within Wolverhampton working with people with a NRPF status to develop and create an easily accessible guide ('protocol') to help facilitate identification of appropriate cross-sector interventions and support.
METHODS
Data were collected via an online survey as well as face-to-face semi-structured interviews with local NRPF stakeholders.
RESULTS
Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis of participant responses: understanding NRPF statuses, varying support requirements, poor communication and awareness of vulnerabilities. Currently, in England, there does not appear to be a standardised localised protocol which can be used to reduce the complexities and confusion encountered by public and voluntary sectors who support people with NRPF status.
CONCLUSION
The findings from this study have allowed the Wolverhampton NRPF to create an online information resource that includes training events to raise the awareness of NRPF, as well as the development of a localised multiagency protocol that has better equipped it to support and safeguard people with NRPF.
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