Traveller Community and Traveller Health Programme

Welcome to the Traveller Health Programme:

The New Ross Primary Health Care Project commenced in March 2002 and finished in June 2006. The aim of the programme was to promote access and uptake of health services within the travelling community and this would be achieved through the training and employment of Community Health Workers. The Bunclody Traveller Primary Healthcare Project commenced in October 2006 and finished in December 2009. Both Programmes were funded and supported by FAS, HSE, DSFA and Co Wexford VEC, and hosted by County Wexford Partnership, and subsequently Wexford Local Development. Altogether twenty six women undertook FETAC Level 3 and 4 courses, encompassing subjects such as Health, Communication, Maths, Personal Development and Literacy. At present, seven Community Health Workers are employed and are based in Enniscorthy, Gorey, Bunclody and Ferns. Their work is firmly based in the community by visiting families at home, presenting health education topics to Traveller Women’s Groups, Training Courses, and community groups.

What’s happening at the moment?

Community Health Education and Training

At present there are seven Traveller Community Health Workers employed for Wexford. Their role is to increase the health knowledge and access to health services for the travelling community. The areas of work are:

Outreach programme to facilitate advocacy, support and provision of health information for travellers.
Promote awareness of the Traveller Community Health Programme and the health needs of travellers to the Service Providers in partnership with the Designated Traveller Public Health Nurse.
Improve up-take of Health services by the travelling community.
Network with local and regional networks
Traveller Health Unit
Regional Traveller Health Network
Regional Health Unit

Positive Mental Health

Set up a support system in Wexford for members of the travelling community to access help for mental health or suicide problems.
To raise awareness of existing supports available to those with mental health issues and improve ease of access.

To undertake training where necessary:

Traveller Culture Training Workshops for Service Providers
SafeTALK & ASIST for Community Health Workers and Co-ordinators

To identify gaps that may exist in the existing service

Clonroche Women’s Group

To provide educational and cultural opportunities for members:

FETAC Modules in Craft and Food & Nutrition
Positive mental health information
Inputs from MABS; Dental Nurse; GROW etc.

NEED LOGO OF HSE