Aims:

1. Specifically, to raise the issue of female circumcision (both as an open and as a hidden agenda) and hopefully to affect a reduction in its practice.

2. More generally, to address a variety of women's health issues and, by raising awareness, affect attitude and eventually behaviour patterns.



Objectives:

1. To provide a forum for discussion on women's health issues and, by bringing women together in a group, help reduce the social isolation that is a problem for many of the target group.

2. To help the women gain personal self confidence to express their own health and social needs - thus encourage the development of self-assertion.

3. To raise awareness of what NHS services are available and how to gain access to them.

4. To help improve understanding of the female anatomy and physiology, examine female body processes and associated health issues and look at how they are related to female circumcision.

5. To help set-up support networks at the end of the course - if this is deemed useful.

6. To assess the adequacy of current health education materials on black women's health issues and recommend improvement and developments where appropriate.

7. To consider the information needs of health professionals in dealing with specific black women's health needs, as highlighted in group discussions.

8. To explore some of the major issues which come out of group discussions and which could be followed-up later on as ongoing community-based projects.



Methodology:

Q. What will the course consist of?
A. 12 to 13 two-hour sessions

Q. Who will attend?
A. Black women from local Somali, Ethiopian and Sudanese population.

Q. How many will attend?
A. Between 15 - 20.

Q. Why this number?
A. Sensitive areas of discussion, small groups are better.

Q. How will the women learn of the course?
A. By word of mouth/ advertising etc.



Approach of Sessions:
Informal emphasis on group member participation.



Methods of Presentation:

- Information given by relevant "tutor" - brief (15mins/ 20 mins)
- Use of appropriate audio/visual aids, e.g. videos
- Small group work
- Large group work
- Referral for 1 to 1 counselling if necessary



Other Arrangements:

1. There will be a crèche available during classes.
2. Tea & biscuits will be provided during break periods.
3. There will be two interpreters.
4. Transport will be provided.



Evaluation:

A progress report will be made every 3 months which will assess how far the aims and objectives set out in the programme were achieved. At least two interim assessments will also be performed, the results of which would be useful to indicate a change of course, approach or content.