All Ireland Traveller Health Study Our Geels - Department of Health ...

Health Survey Findings
Northern Ireland
In NI, the study group worked through a number of Traveller network groups. These included the
Healthcare for Travellers Project in An Munia Tobar; the members organisations of the Regional Traveller
Network NI; Traveller Toybox projects, and the Health Action Zones.
Traveller Organisations in Northern Ireland
A regional study coordinator was appointed by the Department of Health, Social Service and Public
Safety in Northern Ireland (DHSSPSNI) to support the development of a Traveller Health Network which
incorporated all the potential study coordinators from different areas in the North and acted as trainers
for the Traveller Peer Researchers.
Existing Traveller Health Infrastructure in Northern Ireland
In 2005 the Race Equality Strategy (NI) was launched (Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First
Minister, 2005). Within this Strategy and subsequent Action Plans (Office of the First Minister and the
Deputy First Minister, 2006) there was specific reference to Travellers and their health. The DHSSPS have
also funded a community-based health project in Belfast since 1999.
The development of Health Action Zones in some areas of Northern Ireland has created an interagency
focus for action on Traveller health. In other areas there are close collaborative and cooperative
working practices between local Traveller Organisations, community development organisations, and
local health and social services.
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