Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities
Romany Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller people experience the poorest health outcomes out of any other minority ethnic groups in the UK. Attributed to many reasons including discrimination, difficulties navigating the NHS, and a reluctance by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people to seek medical attention until their condition has become very serious.
East Riding Gypsy, Irish Traveller, and Roma health in the East Riding
Highlights from the Inclusion Health Needs Assessment November 2024:
Population Count:
- 324 people identified as Gypsy or Irish Traveller.
- 118 people identified as Roma.
- Howdenshire had the most Gypsy or Irish Travellers (50), and Goole South had the most Roma (54).
Living Situations:
- Most Gypsies, Irish Travellers, and Roma live in houses.
- 23% of White Gypsy or Irish Travellers live in caravans or mobile homes, mostly at three authorized sites in Cottingham, Bridlington, or Eppleworth.
Health Issues:
- 10.2% of Gypsies or Irish Travellers reported having bad or very bad health, almost twice as much as the overall East Riding population.
- Only 4.2% of Roma reported bad or very bad health.
- The community faces stigma around health issues, especially mental and sexual health, leading to a lack of discussion and awareness.
Mistrust of Authorities:
- There is a deep mistrust of authorities, making it harder for these communities to engage with healthcare.
- Often, help is sought only during crises, missing opportunities for prevention.
Download the full report HERE.
Resources and further information
Friends Families & Travellers
You can find more information at the Friends, Families and Travellers website.Work to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life. Support individuals and families with the issues that matter most to them, at the same time as working to transform systems and institutions to address the root causes of inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/
In collaboration with Roma Support Group, Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) has published a series of reports on barriers and inequalities faced by Gypsies, Roma and Travellers across healthcare, as part of the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance Programme.
Offering insight into a wide scope of healthcare needs and services, these resources are designed to support health professionals and policymakers working with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and offer guidance on how to better meet needs, by embedding practical solutions within healthcare settings and interactions.
Experience of infant feeding information and support services
Guidance for Social Prescribers engaging with Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities
Tackling mental health inequalities
Roma Support Group
https://www.romasupportgroup.org.uk/
Traveller Movement (TM)
TM is a charity that works for the rights and inclusion of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities in Britain.
Equality & Social Justice Unit (ESJU):
ESJU, run by TM, offers free advocacy and support for Romany (Gypsy), Roma, and Irish Travellers facing discrimination in accessing public and private services. They specialise in early intervention to prevent and challenge discrimination, including discrimination in healthcare.
For more information, you can visit the. https://travellermovement.org.uk/
GATE
Is a Community-led organisation working in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas to promote awareness of the issues that affect the Gypsy Traveller Communities . Though the organisation is working in Hertfordshire, their work and findings are of interest to anyone working within the VCSE community. https://gateherts.org.uk/health/
