Welcome

The Working With Diversity web site provides information about the real differences which exist among people within our increasingly diverse society in Northern Ireland. The site highlights health and social care issues for particular groups, examples of good practice, practical advice, contact information for representative organisations, links to other sites and references to additional material under Section 75 legislation.

It is designed primarily for use by health and social services staff working at all levels. Our aim is to increase the awareness and knowledge of staff so that they will be better equipped to understand the needs of the patients, clients and carers with whom they work.

Working With Diversity Project Group Back row (from left): Kate Webster, Alison Farr, Orla Barron, Billy Bateman. Front row (from left): Ann Johnston, Robert Moore and Marie Mulholland.

The challenge to all who work within health and social services is to change and develop services to meet these needs, not necessarily by treating everyone in the same way but ultimately by providing the same opportunities for accessing treatment, care and other services. In doing so, the many different aspects of each individual – such as gender, age, ethnicity – need to be taken into account.

The site is an initiative of the Eastern Area Equality Best Practice Forum which comprises the Eastern Health and Social Services Board, Eastern Health and Social Services Council and Health and Social Services Trusts within the Eastern Board Area all of which provided funding. The information has been compiled in partnership with local and national voluntary and community organisations to which we are indebted for their co-operation, time and interest.