Understanding Staff Perceptions of Gypsy and Traveller Communities, Enabling a Culturally Confident Workforce Olwyn Lidster Community Psychiatric Nurse Substance Misuse Services Mary Seacole Development Awardee 2012

2 Whats the first 3 things that spring to mind when we say ‘Gypsies and travellers’?

BIG FAT GYPSY WEDDING

BARE KNUCKLE BOXING

BIG FAT GYPSY WEDDING SCRAP METAL COLLECTION

A lower life expectancy than the rest of society across all age ranges. Premature deaths being often associated with preventable conditions.

Infant mortality rates are reported as three times higher in these communities, with high rates of miscarriages and still births. High rates of maternal deaths during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth.

Three times more likely to be anxious, and just over twice as likely to be depressed as the general population. Substance misuse becoming more prevalent

The projects key findings

My challenge to you

Olwyn Lidster Community Psychiatric Nurse

Impact of project on health inequalities Opening the doors to Gypsy and Traveller communities Gypsy and Traveller action and implementation group Raised awareness of Gypsy and Traveller issues Training event delivered to promote positive images and messages about the communities Men's health team now visiting site

The Future… Next Steps Robust action plans from recommendations, leads identified Webpage Trust board patient stories Networking with Gypsy and Traveller representative agencies Personal Development