2. Traveller Health Needs

3. Traveller Health Statistics.  Travellers have more than double the natural rate of still births.  Infant mortality rates are three times higher than the national average.  Only 1 in 20 live over the age of 50.  Traveller men live on average 10 years less than settled men.  Traveller women live on average 12 years less than settled women.

4. Key Factors Affecting Health  Health not seen as a priority.  Mental Health / Depression.  Isolation.  Domestic Violence.  Poverty.  Alcohol Abuse.  Drug Abuse – Misuse of prescribed drugs.  Poor Diet.  The incidents of death are significantly higher among Travellers for accidents.

5. Traveller Health Project 2006 Research has been carried out into Traveller Perceptions of their health, and their experiences of the health service.  Poor Health Behaviour reflects on lack of self esteem and communal confidence  Lack of employment opportunities particularly among men is a major cause of stress  The misuse of drugs has been identified as a key public health concern

6. Attitudes Survey 2000 In terms of accepting travellers into the community or socially:  36% of Irish people would avoid travellers  97% would not accept a traveller as a member of their family  80% would not accept a traveller friend  44% would not want a traveller as a member of their community Main reason- perception of traveller lifestyle and a feeling that they are not socially acceptable (27%)

7. Traveller Site Belfast Before.

8. Traveller Site Belfast After.

9. “… it’s all the same no matter how much fruit or vegetables or fresh air we get.” Quote by Female Traveller.