EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Local support to homosexuals from ethnic minority groups

Local support to homosexuals from ethnic minority groups

Introduction

In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Tilburg a pilot project has started to better organise local assistance, relief and information to homosexual immigrants (and their families and friends). The focus is on reinforcing the networks of immigrant homosexuals.

Problem

How can the cycle of social isolation of homosexual immigrants in big cities be broken?

Description

The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport will make funds available in the coming years for pilot cities Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague and Tilburg. These pilot cities will conduct local experiments in collaboration with local (formal and informal) homosexual organisations and local welfare institutions.

Approach

How does it work? Assistance, relief and information have been expanded to include the instruments below.

A special telephone helpdesk.
The deployment of specialist social workers.
The involvement of local homosexual organisations.
Small-scale and easily accessible consultations in several community centres.
Provision of crisis centres for immigrants with homosexual tendencies.
Provision of a special chat-box for young people.
Consultation with immigrant homosexuals, (youth) social workers and (youth) welfare workers to obtain a clearer picture of their needs.

At the same time, volunteers and professionals in local institutions are informed. Local debate and dialogue evenings make homosexuality discussible among ethnic minorities. Interim and final results are made available to other cities, institutions and self-help organisations.

Results

Ethnic minorities are informed about the range of services provided by the city.
The subject has become discussible within local networks of ethnic minorities.
Immigrants and natives work together in formal and informal local organisations.
The target group is aware of homosexual role models.
There is more awareness about specific care and help for immigrant homosexuals.
The experiences of the pilot cities are being exchanged with other cities.

Financing

The grant from the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport to 2007 amounts to a total of 1.05 million euros. This includes national support but not the contributions of the participating pilot cities and institutions.

Contact info

Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
B. Baks, tel. +31 70 3407514

Project start date

01/07/2005

Links

Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport City of Rotterdam Amsterdam City Portal City of Tilburg City of The Hague

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Social services