Mental Health Support Needs Within Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Communities: A Qualitative Study

Rebecca Thompson, Bridie Stone, Philip Tyson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Purpose:
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are underrepresented within research and policies despite high rates of mental illness and suicide. This study explores the mental health support needs for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people within the British Isles. Design/methodology/approach:
A thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with nine self-identified GRT people.
Findings:
The analysis revealed a longing for acceptance, both within and outside the GRT community; barriers to help seeking, specifically unsuitable services, poor awareness, stigma, and distrust; and increased vulnerability due to participants’ perceived lack of prospects and adverse life events.
Originality:
Despite increased vulnerability, mental health services are underutilised by GRT people for a variety of cultural and practical reasons. To reduce the current inequality, it is imperative that services take steps to increase accessibility. This study expands upon previous research by utilising the voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people themselves, creating a narrative built from their own emic perspectives. Unlike previous research, this study focuses exclusively on the mental health of participants and includes participants from across the British Isles.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)144-155
Number of pages11
JournalMental Health and Social Inclusion
Volume26
Issue number2
Early online date1 Nov 2021
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 1 Nov 2021

Keywords

  • Gypsy Roma Traveller
  • Minority Ethnicity
  • Mental Health
  • Support Needs

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