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Written information
Some people do not read their own language. The usefulness of written information for the local population should be checked before embarking on production of a translation. It may be better to produce video or tape cassettes or CDs.
If it is decided to produce information in another language it is important to recognise that concepts are often expressed in different ways in different languages. It is vital, therefore, to develop materials for English, South Asian, Chinese and other languages as separate projects.
Also be aware that:
- simply translating existing English resources is unlikely to result in a useful communication resource, even if the translation is technically accurate;
- this is a specialist area of work and will require professional translators to translate English texts that have been specifically prepared for translation; and
- as with all information, a piece of written information in another language will need to be checked with the target audience to ensure that it communicates effectively.
Some translated material is available from neurological charities, disability organisations and others. Links to translated materials are included under subject headings throughout this toolkit.
Further detail on producing written information for minority ethnic communities can be found in “How to provide information well to Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian and Pakistani people” from the National Information Forum.
Resources to help communication with people who do not speak or read English, including refugees and asylum seekers
Ethnicity online provides basic healthcare-related information for patients, including how to register with a doctor, find a dentist and access interpretation services. It is translated into Bengali, Farsi, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Urdu.
Harpweb is a Department of Health sponsored site which consists of three websites, each developed in collaboration with health professionals working with asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. They are designed to enable you to easily access the wealth of information, practical tools, and articles that have been written by health care professionals, voluntary organisations, academics and research bodies with expert knowledge of working with asylum seekers and refugees, both in the UK and other countries. The site has practical tools including a model of hand-held records, a model welcome pack and information on how to take your medicines in several languages, as well as some NHS resources.
Harpweb
is a database of local health, social care and voluntary sources of support for refugee communities.
The Refugee Council also offers a free confidential and impartial advice service and can advise on other services and agencies
The Specialist Library for Ethnicity and Health has the best currently available evidence about the specific needs of health care for minority ethnic groups in the UK. It lists resources under four main headings: diseases and conditions, service delivery, cultural competence, management and policy.
The General Medical Council (GMC) has a guide for doctors on diversity and equality issues and includes race equality, religion and belief. This resource has links to many other sources of guidance on providing a service to a diverse population.
