Wicklow Traveller Primary Health Care Project
Maternal and Infant health
As part of the project’s commitment to maternal and child health, Nicky supported the newly appointed Family link workers at their first cluster meeting. This meeting provided guidance and support to the new workers and included information from other projects. A key component of the meeting was the open Q&A session, which fostered a safe and supportive space for honest dialogue. New workers were able to share ideas, raise questions, and receive constructive feedback. This exchange not only generated actionable suggestions for their roles but also validated the strong work already being conducted by the FLW’s.
This initiative directly aligns with key objectives of the Traveller Health Action Plan 2022–2027, particularly in the areas of strengthening the Traveller health workforce, supporting peer-led community development, and enhancing early years and maternal health outcomes. By investing in the capacity-building of Family Link Workers, the project is helping to ensure that Traveller families receive culturally competent, community-informed support—improving access, trust, and health equity in the long term.
The Mother, Toddler and Baby Group
The Mother and Toddler Group continues to go from strength to strength, with high levels of local engagement and consistent weekly attendance. The popularity of the group has grown to such an extent that participating mothers have requested an additional afternoon session to meet demand.
While the group is managed by the Family Links Workers, the Primary Health Care (PHC) team remains actively involved due to the strong alignment between the group’s activities and the core objectives of the Traveller Primary Health Care Project. Key areas such as maternal health, child development, and infant wellbeing are central to both the PHC programme and the ongoing work of this group. Several PHC team members attend the sessions regularly to provide support, build relationships, and share health information in an informal, accessible setting.
This collaboration strengthens our community presence and helps build trust with young Traveller mothers, creating opportunities for early health interventions and promoting positive health outcomes. Our continued engagement with the group is essential in ensuring Traveller-specific health needs are recognised and addressed within broader family and community services
On Monday, 23rd June, the Primary Healthcare for Travellers Project (PHC) facilitated a Nurses’ Assessment Event, organised in collaboration with Deirdre Gorman from the HSE. This initiative served as a restructured and more focused alternative to the previously held Chronic Disease Hub.
The event was notably successful, attracting a mix of familiar attendees as well as new participants, including younger members of the Traveller community and a male participant—demographics that have historically been underrepresented in our chronic disease hubs. Thus, showcasing a possible growing of trust and awareness around out community-based health projects.
The inclusive nature of this session supports the aims of the Traveller Health Action Plan 2022–2027, particularly in addressing health inequalities, improving early intervention, and increasing access to culturally appropriate health services. The involvement of younger individuals and a male participant reflects progress towards the Plan’s goals of broadening participation and enhancing health outcomes across all age groups and genders within the Traveller community.
The Active Age group concluded their sessions on June 16th with a special wellbeing workshop led by Rosaleen Durkin from Wicklow Wells. Rosaleen’s session focused on ancestral wellbeing, a topic that resonated deeply with the group. Ancestral wellbeing typically refers to health and wellness practices, knowledge, and remedies passed down through generation. These are often rooted in traditional healing methods, cultural rituals, and natural therapies. Participants enthusiastically shared traditional health and wellness tips passed down from their parents and grandparents, exploring the rich heritage of traditional healing. The session was so well received that the group has requested Rosaleen to return for further workshops. Rosaleen has generously offered these sessions free of charge to date.
Cultural Awareness training and relationship building
On the 5th of June, Nicky, Kathleen and Jim (WTG) participated in a zoom meeting with TCAT National Framework Development Coordinator and a member of the Cork Traveller Women’s Network to provide feedback and suggestions to support the creation of a TCAT framework.
In partnership with the HSE Traveller Mental Health Lead Peter O’Reilly and Jim, the Men’s Worker from Wicklow Travellers Group (WTG), Kathleen delivered a bespoke cultural awareness training session to the Public Health Nurses based in Arklow Primary Care Centre. This session was specifically tailored to address the concerns and queries raised by the nursing team, creating a meaningful space for learning and dialogue around Traveller culture and healthcare access.
Cancer Prevention and awareness
To further strengthen the team’s knowledge and ensure our cancer prevention nitiative reflects the latest public health evidence, a member of the PHC team attended the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) Sunbed Education Workshop on 30th June. The workshop brought together leading experts and stakeholders and featured presentations on a range of topics related to sunbed use and associated health risks, including:
- Dr Breeda Neville, HSE National Cancer Control Programme – An overview of the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan
- Helen McAvoy and Ciara Reynolds, Institute of Public Health – A national overview of sunbed usage trends in Ireland
- Richard I. Purves and Amber Morgan, University of Stirling – Research on marketing practices employed by commercial sunbed operators in Ireland
- Jane Murray, Patient Advocate – A personal account highlighting the human impact of skin cancer and sunbed use
- Dr Aoife Lally, Consultant Dermatologist – Clinical insights into the health risks and consequences of sunbed use
- Craig Sinclair, Cancer Council Australia – Reflections on Australia’s sunbed ban and lessons to inform international policy development
All in all, it’s been a month full of connection, learning, and strong community engagement. From supporting families and older people to promoting cultural awareness and health education, the PHC team continues to build trust and drive positive change.
Community Development Project
June has been a productive and reflective month across the Community Development Project as we wrapped up regular programmes and began preparing for a busy summer ahead.
All of our youth groups – the Boys Group (13–16), Girls Group (11–15), Mixed Group (10–12), Kilcoole Mixed Group (10–16), and Arklow Girls Group – have now finished up for the summer. A huge well done to all the young people who took part week in and week out. The effort, enthusiasm, and friendships that have grown in these spaces really made this year something special.
While the groups are on pause, our team has been busy behind the scenes planning summer projects for July, making sure there’s a fun, engaging programme in place for young people of all ages.
This month, seven staff completed the full-day Tusla Children First Training, strengthening our commitment to child safeguarding and ensuring we continue to deliver safe and supportive services across the board.
We also hosted health checks in CEART, which were well received. These checks are a simple but important way to encourage health awareness and early care within the community in a familiar and welcoming space.
June also marked the start of our work with the County Wicklow ESF Officer, beginning conversations around improving access to education, training, and employment opportunities for the Traveller community. It’s an exciting step forward, and we’re hopeful it will lead to new possibilities for our members.
Even with the school year winding down, school outreach has continued. We’ve been maintaining connections with families and schools across Wicklow, Kilcoole, and Arklow to help strengthen relationships and lay the groundwork for the year ahead.
As always, thanks to our staff, families, and everyone who continues to support and take part in the work we’re doing. June has been a month of wrapping up, recharging, and getting ready for what’s next. We’re looking forward to what summer brings.