Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities encompass diverse groups with different histories, cultures, and beliefs. Generally, the term describes people from a range of ethnicities following nomadic ways of life. However, the number of ‘settled’ GRT people living in bricks and mortar accommodation has increased in recent years.
The long-standing persecution, displacement, and discrimination against the GRT community has contributed to their overall poorer health compared to the general population. At present, GRT communities are known to face some of the severest inequalities in health and care access and outcomes amongst the UK population, even when compared with other minority ethnic groups. This includes:
- 10-25 years lower life expectancy
- poorer maternal and neonatal outcomes
- a higher prevalence of long-term illness and poorer mental health.
The Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities in Suffolk Health Needs Assessment (2023), reviews the health issues faced by GRT communities. It presents both primary and secondary evidence about GRT communities in Suffolk and provides recommendations to support service planning and address health inequalities.
October 2023 - The Office for National Statistics have produced a national summary on Gypsy or Irish Traveller populations. This uses the same Census data used in our needs assessment.