Irish in Britain and its members work to share stories, celebrate culture and promote greater understanding. While the 2021 Census recorded 170,320 people identifying as Gypsy, Roma or Traveller in England and Wales, the true number is estimated to be between 300,000 and 500,000 due to underreporting linked to stigma.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities experience some of the poorest health outcomes in the UK, with a life expectancy 10–12 years lower than the national average of 82 years old.
Common health concerns include:
Mental health (stress, anxiety, suicide risk)
Cardiovascular disease
Liver disease
Diabetes
Various cancers
Low engagement with screenings and preventative care, along with systemic barriers, contribute to these outcomes. Chronic illness and old age often appear earlier than in the wider population.
Mental Health and Men’s Wellbeing
The Traveller Movement reports:
Young Irish Traveller men are seven times more likely to die by suicide
individuals experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression
LGBTQ+ individuals often face exclusion both within their communities and in LGBTQ+ spaces
Relevant resources:
Traveller Movement Mental Health of Men Report
Friends, Families and Travellers Cancer Awareness Leaflet
For training or webinars: training@gypsy-traveller.org
Women’s Health
Cervical Cancer Awareness
Friends, Families and Travellers have co-produced resources to support access to cervical screening.
Read Pavee Point’s cervical cancer information sheet
Infant Feeding
Friends, Families and Travellers has launched culturally appropriate infant feeding materials for Gypsy and Traveller mothers.
Dementia in Traveller Communities
Dementia is increasingly recognised in GRT communities, often with earlier-than-expected onset. Contributing factors include high rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic illness.
Read about dementia in GRT communities
Reaching Out to Travellers Effectively
Local Projects and Community Spotlights
Southwark – Cancer Awareness Project
Working with the Irish Traveller community to improve awareness, screening and access to care through:
Focus groups and tailored training
Community workshops and materials
Public health-led sessions on cancer screening
Wellbeing activities to encourage open dialogue
Contact: manager@southwarktravellersaction.org.uk
Leeds GATE – Health and Wellbeing Day
Free health checks including liver screening
Activities including massage and crafts
Trust-building between services and community members
GATE Essex – Health Report
HIV, Health Education and Training
Friends, Families and Travellers:
Conducted a qualitative HIV and sexual health study
Offer training for professionals: cultural awareness, discrimination and inclusion
Standardised or bespoke formats available
For training info: training@gypsy-traveller.org.uk
Living Conditions and Health Advocacy
Luton Irish Forum
Worked with Healthwatch following a measles outbreak, identifying barriers to accessing general healthcare.
What Health Services can do to help
To improve care for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, health services should consider:
Training in cultural competency and anti-discrimination
Offer mobile and drop-in services for flexibility
Build trust through partnerships with community organisations
Involve individuals in planning and feedback
Use trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approaches
Support preventative care including screening and vaccination
Ensure continuity of care for mobile families
Organisations
Friends, Families and Travellers
Southwark Travellers' Action Group