Traveller Primary Healthcare Project

Mental health formed a significant part of the TPHC projects focus and work in the month of October. Recognising that the Travelling community are experiencing a mental health crisis, characterised by disproportionately high rates of suicide, self-harming and elevated levels of risk-taking behaviour. The TPHC project proudly supported the Traveller Road to Hope and Change campaign. This a powerful initiative highlighting the urgent need to address suicide and mental health challenges within the Traveller community.

To mark the campaign, our team held a reflective Team meeting over coffee and cake, creating space for open conversations about the supports we offer, the barriers Travellers continue to face, and how we can strengthen our outreach. The session reinforced our dedication to being a safe, welcoming, and informed resource for those in need, and reminded us that suicide is preventable. We also created awareness of this campaign through our social media platform and through sharing the merchandise with the Family Link Worker project and through our youth and community development workers.

Nine members of the active age group journeyed to Knock on Traveller Mental Health Day, 8th October, to remember those we have lost and pray for those we love. Following a service in the Basilica participants spent time in quiet reflection before sharing a meal.

In the context of Traveller health, this kind of communal outing helps combat isolation, fosters a sense of belonging, and reinforces cultural identity which are key factors in promoting mental resilience. By creating space for reflection, connection, and shared stories, the visit supported holistic wellbeing and reminded participants that their mental health matters and deserves care and celebration. The trip formed part of our ongoing work to shine a light on Traveller mental health and to raise awareness of the devastating impact of suicide in our community.

Everything we do in the TPHC project has a mental health component, recognising the interrelation of health, wellbeing and mental and the social determinants that affect it. Irish Travellers experience unique cultural and systemic challenges that deeply affect mental health and well-being:

  • Persistent Discrimination: Over 60% of Travellers report daily discrimination, creating chronic stress and barriers to education, healthcare, and employment.
  • Late Ethnic Recognition: Official recognition only came in 2017, meaning past policies ignored Traveller culture, leaving gaps in inclusive support systems.
  • Criminalization of Tradition: Laws restricting traditional practices like travelling and horse-keeping removed cultural coping mechanisms that once supported resilience.
  • Housing Inequality: Traveller-specific sites are often isolated, while those in general housing may hide their identity to avoid prejudice—both scenarios weaken family support networks.
  • Severe Health Burden: Nearly one-third of Travellers live with serious health conditions, adding emotional strain and caregiving stress.
  • Lower Life Expectancy: Travellers live on average eight years less than the general population, leading to disproportionate grief and loss.
  • Healthcare Discrimination: 11% report bias in healthcare settings, compounded by low health literacy, which worsens health outcomes and mental strain.
  • Poor Living Conditions: Substandard housing, dampness, and overcrowding contribute to physical illness and undermine mental well-being.
  • Educational Barriers: High dropout rates and bullying in schools limit opportunities and erode confidence, while Traveller culture remains largely invisible in curricula.
  • Economic Exclusion: Employment discrimination and financial instability create ongoing stress and insecurity.

We continued through October to collaborate with the HSE, Traveller Health Unit, Wicklow Sports Partnership, local primary care services, KWETB, Healthy Ireland, and other partners to deliver psychosocial supports. These initiatives focused on enhancing mental well-being, fostering social connections, celebrating cultural identity, improving health literacy, and building empowerment and resilience.

Our project Coordinator represented the project at the first National Traveller and Roma Forum under the NTRIS II 2024–2028 Action Plan.  Convened by Traveller and Roma organisations and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Forum focused on local implementation of NTRIS II actions, based on the mid-2025 progress report. It also explored how the Forum can strengthen communication and support networks within the communities, while shaping future strategies through direct dialogue with the NTRIS II Steering Committee. The Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator and some of the community health workers participated in the PHC review workshops held in Pavee point. These workshops were facilitated by an independent researcher and commissioned by the HSE to review the work of the TPHC projects. Participants from across the country attended. The workshops highlighted the depth and breadth of the work PHC workers do.

Christina Moorehouse, PHC worker and co-facilitator of the Active Age group was nominated and subsequently accepted to join the Older Persons council. The Older People’s Council is part of the Age Friendly Alliance, a cross-sector group chaired by the local authority’s Chief Executive. It ensures older voices shape local age-friendly strategies. It aims to improve older people’s health, well-being, and community involvement. Together, they oversee the County Wicklow Age Friendly Strategy 2023–2027. In this role Christina will ensure that the needs of older  

Travellers are represented at local and national level. The council is hosting an over 55’s Expo in the Arklow Bay Hotel on the 30th of October, Wicklow Travellers Primary Health Care Project will host a table.

If you would like to learn more about the Traveller Primary Health Care project, please join us on Facebook using the photo app on your phone to scan the QR code below

Community Development Project

October 2025 has been a month full of activity, engagement, and development at Wicklow Travellers Group. From youth group sessions to special events and project evaluations, our work continues to focus on the holistic growth of young Travellers and men in the community.

Airsoft Day for Men Aged 16+ – Mental and Physical Wellbeing

On 19th October 2025, our Youth Outreach Worker, Jim, took 17 men aged 16 and over to Roundwood for a day of airsoft.

Airsoft is more than just a recreational activity—it’s an opportunity to develop multiple areas of personal and social growth:

  • Physical development: Airsoft is physically active, requiring stamina, coordination, and strategic movement. This supports physical health and wellbeing, encouraging men to engage in exercise in a fun, social environment.
  • Emotional and mental wellbeing: The game challenges participants to remain focused, manage stress, and think strategically, all while building resilience. The teamwork and communication required help to reduce feelings of isolation, strengthen self-confidence, and promote positive coping strategies.
  • Social development: Working in teams encourages trust, communication, and leadership skills, contributing to improved interpersonal relationships. It’s an excellent example of positive adult engagement, giving young men a chance to interact in a safe and structured environment.

This activity demonstrates the value of holistic youth work, where mental, emotional, physical, and social development are integrated into meaningful experiences.

Weekly Youth Groups – Skill-Building and Personal Development

Our ongoing youth groups remain the backbone of our engagement with young people:

  • 10–12 Mixed Group: These sessions focus on collaborative games, problem-solving activities, and discussions around topics relevant to young people. Through these activities, participants develop social skills, teamwork, and communication, while learning to express themselves and respect others’ opinions.
  • 11–15 Girls Group: Designed to foster confidence, self-expression, and resilience, this group engages young girls in creative projects, discussions about identity, and skill-building exercises. The supportive environment helps participants develop a sense of belonging and empowerment.
  • Kilcoole Mixed Under-16s Group (Monthly): This group provides a space for peer support and relationship-building. Activities are designed to enhance social skills, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence, helping young people navigate challenges in school, home, and community life.
  • Arklow Girls Group: The focus is on empowerment, leadership, and self-esteem, offering opportunities to explore creativity, develop decision-making skills, and strengthen peer connections.

All of these groups illustrate how consistent, structured engagement supports personal, social, and emotional development, aligning with best-practice youth work principles.

Weeklong Halloween Event – Creativity, Inclusion, and Social Skills

During the week leading up to Halloween, Wicklow Travellers Group hosted a weeklong community event for young people. This event included themed games, creative workshops, and competitions, giving participants the opportunity to:

  • Develop creativity and self-expression: Artistic and interactive activities encourage youth to explore ideas, express themselves, and build confidence.
  • Strengthen social skills: Participating in group activities fosters collaboration, communication, and teamwork.
  • Enhance inclusion and community connection: By creating a safe and welcoming environment, young people from diverse backgrounds could interact positively, develop friendships, and feel a sense of belonging.

This event demonstrates the importance of culturally responsive and inclusive programming, supporting youth in safe, fun, and developmentally meaningful ways.

Annual Summer Project Evaluation – Reflection and Continuous Improvement

October also marked our annual evaluation of summer projects. Evaluation is a key element of youth work, ensuring programs are responsive, effective, and aligned with developmental goals:

  • Reflection and learning: Reviewing feedback from participants allows the team to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and lessons learned.
  • Youth participation: Incorporating young people’s perspectives into evaluation fosters ownership, responsibility, and critical thinking skills.
  • Planning for growth: Evaluation informs future programming, ensuring activities continue to support social, emotional, and educational development.

Through structured evaluation, we ensure that our youth work is evidence-based, participant-focused, and outcome-oriented, maximizing impact on young people’s growth.

Prep for Youth Night 2025 – Leadership and Community Engagement

Looking ahead, preparations for Youth Night 2025 are underway. This annual event embodies many principles of youth work:

  • Youth-led participation: Young people are involved in decision-making and programming, fostering leadership skills, agency, and confidence.
  • Community engagement: Bringing together young people across Wicklow encourages social cohesion, peer support, and inter-community collaboration.
  • Skill development: Planning, organising, and participating in Youth Night helps participants develop project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Youth Night is not just an event; it’s a developmental platform where young people can showcase skills, build relationships, and experience the positive outcomes of structured youth work.

October in Review

October 2025 has highlighted the holistic nature of youth work at Wicklow Travellers Group. From active adventure days to creative group sessions and inclusive community events, our work continues to focus on the mental, emotional, social, and physical development of young Travellers and men in the community.

By providing safe, supportive, and structured opportunities, we help young people build resilience, confidence, and social skills, while promoting overall wellbeing.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to empower youth and strengthen community connections in Wicklow!