Traveller Focus Week

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has presented a response to the findings of the All Ireland Travellers’ Health Study.

Mary Black, PHA Assistant Director of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement, addressed an event organised in Travellers’ Focus Week and hosted by An Munia Tober, the Traveller support organisation.

The findings of the study, carried out by University College Dublin, show that the age profile of the Traveller community in Northern Ireland is markedly different from that of the general population, with 75% of people under the age of 30. Only 1% of Travellers are over 65 years compared to over 15% of non-Travellers. This evidences huge differences in life expectancy and points to the considerable public health challenges that the PHA and others are committed to addressing.

The PHA convened the first meeting of the Travellers’ Health and Wellbeing Forum within Travellers’ Focus Week. The Forum, representing the Health and Social Care Board, Trusts and Traveller support organisations, will agree actions based on the recommendations of the All Ireland Travellers’ Health Study, particularly relating to health and wellbeing.

An Munia Tober particularly welcomed the development by the PHA of a summary briefing document on Travellers health and wellbeing as an initial response to the All Ireland Travellers’ Health Study.

The PHA response is attached below this news item.