🩺 Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Health in the UK 

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities face some of the poorest health outcomes in the UK. Life expectancy, access to healthcare, mental health, and discrimination are key areas of concern. These disparities are rooted in systemic inequalities, cultural exclusion, and barriers to accessing appropriate services.

One of the most frequently cited healthcare problems facing Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people is in accessing primary and secondary health services, problems with registering and accessing GP services, immunisation services, maternity care and mental health provision. The reasons for this have been variously attributed to discrimination, difficulties navigating the NHS, and a reluctance by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people to seek medical attention until their condition has become very serious.

Health Inequalities

  • Life expectancy 10 - 25 years lower
  • Low immunisation, high infant, child and maternal mortality
  • high anxiety & depression, just as bad if housed
  • Lowest educational outcomes
  • Low adult literacy (under 40%)
  • Highest prejudice 35% (Stonewall, 2003)
  • Higher rates of suicide reported


🧩 Key Challenges Racism & Discrimination


  • Gypsy, Roma and Traveller individuals often report being treated unfairly or dismissed in healthcare settings Poor Mental Health Support Lack of culturally appropriate services, high stigma around mental illness Barriers to Access Lack of a fixed address, digital exclusion, fear of authority, language barriers (particularly for Roma) Limited Outreach Services Reduction in mobile clinics, outreach nurses, and Traveller Health Teams due to funding cuts

🏛️ Policy & Legal Overview Equality Act 2010

  • GRT people are legally protected as ethnic groups Health services must not discriminate and must offer accessible care NHS Long Term Plan (2019) Identifies inclusion health groups, including GRT communities, as needing targeted support Public Health England & Local Health Boards Some publish GRT health strategies, but coverage and delivery are inconsistent.

✅ What’s Needed

  • Culturally competent care and anti-racism training for NHS and health staff Mobile and outreach services to reach roadside and nomadic communities Trust-building between services and GRT communities through long-term engagement Data collection disaggregated by GRT identity to shape better policy Inclusion of GRT voices in NHS and public health planning