Listening to and supporting seldom heard communities in Dorset

Every June since 2008, people from across the UK are encouraged to celebrate the diversity and richness of Romany Gypsy, Irish Traveller, Roma and nomadic communities, histories and cultures. It is reported that while some 300,000 people of this ethnic minority live in the UK, many may not share their ethnicity in fear of discrimination; 44% of Gypsies and Travellers report fear of being physically attacked; 62% of Gypsies and Travellers have experienced racial abuse (source: Friends, Families and Travellers).

We spoke to Reverend Jonathan Herbert about his work in supporting the local Gypsy, Roma and Travellers communities across Dorset. He explained the significance of recognising Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history and heritage: “It’s so important that we educate and take the opportunity to host events, so that people can meet others from that vibrant community. It's important to celebrate any kind of cultural diversity and heritage because not only does it enrich us, but more importantly, we need to push back against prejudice.”

To better support the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, Reverend Herbert said: “A crucial aspect is building trust with health professionals because the community tends not to trust people in authority due to past negative experiences. Some people have been told that they can’t register at a GP Surgery without a fixed address, the health staff use long words, or they are given a form to fill in by someone unaware that their literacy skills are quite low.” He added that Kushti Bok, a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller organisation in Dorset is working hard to raise awareness and encourage people to go for scans and check-ups. Read the full blog

We have also produced a video of our chat with Susan, who shared her experience and insight of what it was like for her growing up in the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture, and later being moved into housing.

This work builds on our engagement with the settled Gypsy, Roma and Travellers community in the Bourne Valley area to gather their feedback as part of the NHS 10 Year Plan national consultation. Read the full blog

Healthwatch England included local feedback from Dorset as part of their submission setting out the four things people want from the 10-Year NHS Plan. This highlighted that people who already face inequalities, such as ethnic minority backgrounds, are more likely to be affected by problems in the NHS which ‘exacerbate the lack of trust many communities feel in health and care services, including a reluctance to give feedback on experiences and to engage with services.’