Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Gangarova, T
• Freiwald, G

Titel

Engaging communities through community mapping

Ist Teil von

• European journal of public health, 2021-10, Vol.31 (Supplement_3)

Ort / Verlag

Oxford: Oxford University Press

Erscheinungsjahr

2021

Quelle

Oxford Journals 2020 Medicine

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Background Evidence shows that migrants and refugees in Germany don`t have equal access to drug prevention programs and harm reduction services, nor are they meaningfully engaged in their development. Participatory practice provides valuable tools for building capacity and enabling migrants, refugees and service providers to co-create knowledge and develop appropriate educational media and services. Methods For the project, ‘Harm reduction services for and with migrants in Germany” (PaSuMi), funded by the German Ministry of Health (2017-2020), a study design following the principles of Community-based participatory research was applied. We introduce the PaSuMi case study in Dortmund where community mapping was implemented with injecting drug users. Community mapping is a participatory process which enables the visual expression of characteristics, resources and needs of a community: a map of a community is drawn, analyzed in the group and used to determine steps for action. After outlining the theoretical framework and the steps for applying the method we discuss its advantages and limitations. Results Two community partners in Dortmund were trained as peers and supported to implement the method with their community. As a result a map of “places of trust and care” was created. This was made into a flyer which was distributed to new-comers for orientation, and to service providers to optimise their streetwork. Conclusions Community Mapping enables the participation of disadvantaged communities (e.g. people with low literacy skills) and work in multilingual groups. It works in various settings with low financial and time expenditure. The method can pose ethical challenges - especially when working with highly stigmatized communities. Main messages Community Mapping provides a tool for engagement of disadvantaged communities. It enables service providers to tailor their services better to community needs.