Wicklow Traveller Primary Healthcare Project
Following a busy Summer, September started with our community health outreach workers returning our monthly health data. During September’s reporting period Respiratory and throat-related illnesses were the most prevalent, with chest and throat infections accounting for the highest number of reported cases. Less frequent, were kidney and ear infections. Other conditions such as eye infections, asthma, and diabetes were recorded in small numbers. No cases of measles, chickenpox, injury, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were reported during this period, which is consistent with recent seasonal trends. Cancer was identified in two individuals, with single cases of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes also reported. These findings, though limited in number, highlight the ongoing presence of serious chronic conditions within the community and reinforce the need for continuous screening and health education.
Our health promotion efforts continued throughout September. Health education outreach successfully engaged participants across multiple topics. High levels of participation were recorded in sessions related to nutrition, immunisation, diabetes, meningitis, asthma, and infectious diseases—each reaching over 40 individuals.
As part of national screening programmes and key performance indicator (KPI) tracking, several individuals participated in education on cancer screenings—particularly cervical and bowel cancer. Education on screenings for diabetic complications and cardiovascular risk were also carried out. Mental health awareness sessions were delivered to a small group, but suicide-related information continues to be underreported.
Several community members received direct information on access to medical cards, immunisation pathways, and maternal mental health. These interactions are essential in bridging gaps in service access and ensuring that vulnerable individuals are supported holistically. Efforts also continued in addressing the broader social determinants of health. People were provided with information on accommodation entitlements, access to education, and mainstream social services. Notably, there were no reported engagements in fire safety education during this period, highlighting an area for improvement in future outreach.
We received an online request through our website to deliver training on Traveller culture to an interested member of the public. This was delivered by Zoom on the 2nd of September, thanks to Jims work on our website where he added an online option whereby members of the public and other users of the site can request training.
In early September the active age group participated in an engaging session focused on sun safety, led by Shane Lee from HSE Ireland. The group learned practical tips for staying Sun Smart, including wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and recognizing early signs of skin cancer. The session emphasized the importance of regular skin checks and making informed health choices, all while fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere. This was a particularly significant given that a number of those present had received skin cancer diagnoses in the past.
On the 9th of September three members of the Wicklow TPHCP participated in the first of two national workshops of the HSE’s commissioned review of Traveller Primary Health care projects. The process sought participants to reflect both individually and collectively on the achievements and challenges associated with the projects, to collect insights from workers across the country on the impacts of their work and to look ahead in terms of how the PHCP’s will look in the future. The workshops involved the use of spider graphs, foto chat, SWOC of PHCTP’s, a river of life exercise and focus groups whereby deeper discussions were had on the role of the projects and workers, the value associated with the projects, what has changed, what needs to be done and what would it look like if TPHCP’s did not exist. Our involvement in workshops like this is crucial in so many ways. It ensures we are contributed to the growth and development of our work; we can highlight the very important work we do and to showcase how our workers go above and beyond to support their community. This is often overlooked within a cooperate culture, whereby social value is often overlooked.
On September 10th the PHC team in partnership with the Family Link Workers, met with nurses Ada and Lisa to learn all about RSV immunisation and catch-up clinics for babies under 6 months. Here they learned how important this vaccine is in protecting little ones from RSV, a virus that can seriously affect babies’ breathing and health. They also got updates on the nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2–17, further information on how to help protect our older adults from flu too.
September also saw the start of term three in the sewing skills course. With support of KWETB, our sewing group has progressed from repurposing clothing last term to crafting beautiful home furnishings, including handmade cushions. This initiative has fostered lifelong learning, social inclusion, and peer support, while also encouraging participants to explore enterprise opportunities
PHC team member Margaret was nominated and accepted to represent the NTHN on the Brighter Beginnings oversight group. BB’s supports the implementation of Goal of the NTHAP 2022-2027 and our projects commitment to improving access, outcomes and participation in mainstream health services. Margaret attended an Introductory zoom meeting with Kathleen to learn more about this important initiative and her role in the context of oversight.
Christina, another of our PHC workers 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 is 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.
The project also continued behind the scenes work in designing the new term programme for the active age, including looking at designing a falls workshop, sun smart awareness workshop and a cancer awareness and prevention event for September and October. We are working on this with our colleagues in the HSE. It looks like we are going to have a very busy end to the year. If you would like to share your ideas for 2026 please feel free to get in touch, all our details are available on the website.
Community Development Project
September 2025 has been one of the most inspiring and rewarding months for Wicklow Travellers Group, filled with celebration, learning, and connection. As the autumn season began, our community came together to highlight the achievements, creativity, and strength that make our group so special.
One of the highlights of the month was our participation in Culture Night 2025. This year’s event was a wonderful celebration of Traveller heritage, culture, and identity. We were proud to showcase our traditions through music, storytelling, crafts, and shared food. The night brought Traveller and settled communities together, offering a space for friendship and understanding. Visitors enjoyed traditional tinsmithing demonstrations, musical performances, and an exhibit on Traveller history prepared by our youth group. The atmosphere was full of pride and unity, reminding everyone just how valuable it is to celebrate the beauty of Traveller culture.
Another memorable occasion was the graduation of our Traveller women who completed their Hair and Beauty course. This was a moment of great pride and joy for everyone involved. The women’s dedication, creativity, and determination shone through as they received their certificates surrounded by family, friends, and members of the community. This programme went beyond learning beauty skills — it was about confidence, empowerment, and new opportunities. Many of the graduates shared plans to continue developing their skills, explore work placements, or even start their own businesses. Their success is a reminder of what can be achieved when women are supported to reach their full potential.
We were also thrilled to celebrate the achievements of several community members who completed their Special Needs Assistant (SNA) training. Their success represents a huge step forward not just personally but for the wider Traveller community in Wicklow. These new SNAs will bring compassion, understanding, and experience into local schools, supporting children and promoting inclusion in education. It’s a proud example of how education can open doors and strengthen our community from within.
September also marked the return of our education and outreach work in local schools. Our education team has started back delivering Traveller awareness sessions, youth supports, and cultural engagement programmes across primary and secondary schools in the county. These visits help build cultural understanding and positive relationships between Traveller and settled students. It was uplifting to see how engaged and curious the pupils were, asking thoughtful questions about Traveller traditions, history, and identity. This work reminds us of how powerful education can be in breaking down barriers and encouraging respect from an early age.
Alongside these celebrations, we continued to host a range of community workshops focusing on digital literacy, health, and wellbeing. Members took part in computer training, fitness and mindfulness sessions, and discussions on nutrition and mental health. These workshops are about more than skills — they are about creating confidence, connection, and resilience. They show how lifelong learning can empower individuals and strengthen the community as a whole.
As we look back on this busy and fulfilling month, we feel an enormous sense of pride and gratitude. September has shown that progress happens when people come together — when we celebrate culture, support each other, and invest in education and opportunity. The Traveller women who graduated, the new SNAs, the students learning about Traveller history, and everyone who took part in Culture Night are all part of the same story: a story of growth, empowerment, and unity.
Looking ahead, Wicklow Travellers Group will continue to build on this momentum in the months to come. Plans are already in motion for a new mentoring and peer support programme, more school outreach projects, and preparations for our annual Traveller Pride celebrations later this year.
We would like to thank all our members, staff, volunteers, and community partners for their continued support. Together, we are creating a stronger, more inclusive, and more confident community here in Wicklow — one that honours our culture while embracing new opportunities for the future.