Arts and Health: The Gypsy and Traveller Project
Authors(s), Creator(s) and Contributors: Hywel Dda University Health Board, Dr Matthew Lawrence, Tritech Institute
Publication Date: 24/06/2025
Categories: Evaluation / Reports
Funder(s): Arts Council of Wales, The National Lottery, Hywel Dda Health Charities, Hywel Dda University Health Board
Introduction
Romany Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller communities are known to face some of the starkest inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes amongst the UK population, including when compared with other minority ethnic groups, despite being one of the longest established minority ethnic groups in the UK.1 They are also one of the most excluded communities in the UK and experience many barriers to health care. The umbrella term ‘Gypsies, Roma and Travellers’ Whilst often pooled together as one, however, they include many different and distinct groups each with their own needs and challenges.
According to Welsh Gov Gypsies and Travellers live shorter lives and suffer from chronic ill health such as cardio-vascular disease, cancers, diabetes asthma and other respiratory conditions. The social determinants of health are considered to be the principal drivers of health, estimated by the World Health Organisation to account for up to 50% of health outcomes. The reasons for these poor health outcomes are complex, but include the impact of discrimination and stigmatisation, the complicated nature of health systems and the effects of wider social determinants of health.
View "Arts and Health: The Gypsy and Traveller Project"
Tags: Report, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Arts
