Under the NHS Sussex Inclusion Health Grants Programme, Sussex Interpreting Services (SIS) has launched a series of impactful training initiatives, aimed at improving access to services for Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Migrants (RAM). The project is a collaboration between the SIS Learning and Development Team and the Projects Team, focusing on helping Service Providers gain
- a better understanding of the RAM experience
- the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively with Community Interpreters and apply trauma-informed approaches for beneficiaries
Our newly appointed Learning and Development Manager at SIS, has delivered:
- 1 face-to-face training session for VCSE organisations
- 3 online training sessions for mental health practitioners, VCSE staff across Sussex, and primary care professionals
- 1 webinar on Community Interpreting for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) staff
Further upcoming sessions will include a webinar for a Wellbeing GP service and face-to-face training for Social Workers.
Our full report will be presented to the Sussex Inclusion Health Network and other appropriate NHS fora.
Feedback from participants has been very positive:
- 75% rated the training as excellent, effective, and useful.
- 25% found it average, effective, and somewhat useful.
- 100% identified the “Working with Interpreters” section as the most valuable.
One participant noted that a 1-hour session felt rushed, while others felt the 1.5-hour format was well-paced.
We also have wonderful feedback from our participants:
“We have had a lot of interest in seeing the recording of the webinar, so you will have reached a lot further than those that were able to attend on the day. It was a great presentation, thank you very much for coming to talk to us!”- Workforce EDI Project Manager, Co-Chair Disability Staff Network, SPFT
“I have heard amazing things about the webinar from those who attended so thank you so much” – Workforce Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, SPFT
“Thank you for delivering the session – your knowledge, experience of working with RAM communities and compassionate person-centred approach really came through” – Participant in VCSE session 09-09-2025
“I thought the point about Community Interpreters not directly translating but interpreting in a way that is understandable to Service Users was insightful” – Participant in VCSE session 15-09-2025
“Please could share any additional resources you have on bridging cross-cultural understanding” – Participant in VCSE session 15-09-2025
“It’s interesting to know the difference between Community Interpreting and Translation” – Participant in the Primary Care session on 09-10-2025
With thanks to Alliance for Better Care for their support in promoting the training offer and East Sussex Community Voice for administration of the grant.
