Displaced individuals migrating to Europe from countries to the south and east of the continent face multiple, harrowing dangers; on arriving as asylum seekers and refugees they become some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in society. The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health is supporting this minority group to make a smooth transition back to normal life, using healthcare provision to engage.

Dr Joanne Cunliffe, an endodontics consultant at the University Dental Hospital, is working with the Rainbow Haven to provide free dental care to displaced individuals. Rainbow Haven is a space where asylum seekers and refugees can come for drop-in sessions on legal issues, job applications and advice, as well as a place to get together and talk to other people.

Joanne figured that after possible arduous journeys to reach the UK, where dental care would have not been a priority, these individuals were potentially in need of dental treatment; simultaneously, dental students were looking for routine patients to treat.

Joanne, with small groups of undergraduate students, visit the Rainbow Haven every 6 weeks, armed with supplies donated by Colgate. Students give oral hygiene instructions, offer oral and diet advice, and Joanne conducts check-ups to establish treatment requirements – supporting clients to complete registration and get placed on a waiting list if required.

Joanne explains the current healthcare situation: “One of the biggest barriers to this work is a misunderstanding amongst the clients and care providers about what they can offer them. They think because they are asylum seekers they aren’t allowed to give them NHS treatment until their status is resolved and that’s not true. Actually, as long as a client has applied for immigration it doesn’t matter where they are on the spectrum, they can get access to treatment”.

Congratulations to Joanne and all the student volunteers who were highly commended in the recent University Making a Difference Awards. The next stage of the project will look to further widen the scope of engagement by working with the Manchester LGBTQ+ community.