Presents the results of a survey which explored people’s experiences of barriers to accessing essential services in Northern Ireland. Looks at the following issues:

The research includes examples of good practice in service provision.

Running through much of government social policy, and expressed in a range of government activities and initiatives, is the theme of unimpeded access to information about services, and to services themselves, by all those who are in need of them. However, accessing services may be particularly difficult for specific groups such as people who are social disadvantaged, disabled, or whose first language is not English.

The research methodology involved desk-based research, focus groups and interviews with key informants from a range of voluntary and community groups.

Finds that services such as fire and ambulance services are available quite readily – provided the user has no individual difficulties such as language, sightedness or infirmity. Also finds that there is not enough information available regarding services, and suggests that providers should seek out potential beneficiaries and ensure that the information is delivered to them.

Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Equality Directorate Research Branch
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
enquiryodpm@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

01/01/2001

Dunn, S; Morgan, V

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Social services