Following a successful pilot in Camden, an integrated, multi-disciplinary pathway, encompassing the role of a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) was created by the Looked After Children Service in Newham. This prioritised the physical, sexual and emotional health and well-being needs of the Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) and young people who endured great trauma in their journey. The role enabled the HIP to identify and address barriers, by developing strategies and interventions, in order to increase their engagement with health services.
The Health Improvement Practitioner for this service is Smira Javed, whose work with the UASC has increased the achievement of health and well-being outcomes. Smira has over 10 years of experience in working with young people to achieve positive outcomes. She is a Well-being & Coaching Practitioner who is a member of the British Psychological Society and holds a masters with distinction in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology which she has incorporated into her service delivery. Smira’s research and dissertation has supported her in embedding empirically validated Positive Psychology interventions into her work, in order to improve well-being. Smira also holds certifications in Coaching for Health and in Motivational Interviewing.
