New resource to help tackle suicide risk in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities

A new resource aims to tackle the suicide rate for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, which is estimated to be seven times higher than the general population.

The series of films, created by the NHS Race and Health Observatory, contain the personal and candid testimonies from some of the 600,000 members of the community highlighting desperate health inequalities.

In 2022, the Observatory partnered with the University of Worcester to explore how mental health services are engaging with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities across the UK. Subsequently, a report ‘Inequalities in Mental Health Care for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Communities: Identifying Best Practice’ was published in September 2023.

The suicide rate within this community is estimated to be up to seven times higher than all other communities. This is in addition to a shorter life expectancy of up to 10 years less in comparison to the national population average. These co-produced practical resources are designed to support professionals who provide mental health and care services to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities who face barriers in accessing digital services, securing employment, and have limited access to local healthcare services.

To illustrate the 2023 report findings, Romani journalist and film producer, Jake Bowers, travelled from Kent to Cumbria during the summer of 2024 and explored the cost of poor mental health within his community.

“There’s an epidemic in the Gypsy and Traveller community that’s only known by the families who are suffering in silence. Our lives are being cut short by a mental health crisis that too often results in suicide,” he said.

Jake also shares personal testimony and the devastating loss by suicide of his brother Danny, as he met other community members whose relatives have also taken their own lives. The three-part film series allow the bereaved to tell their loved one’s stories, whilst remaining anonymous. In Lincolnshire, Cambridge and Glasgow, the films explore the views of community activists who are tackling mental health issues within their own communities.

Josie O’Driscoll, CEO of GATE Herts, one of the organisations involved in the project, said the videos produced are ‘incredibly powerful’.

“The willingness of GRT community members to share their lived experiences is not only courageous but also profoundly impactful. The storytelling has the power to resonate with so many and to encourage others to share their own experiences and seek help. I’m certain that this work will make a real difference.”

Professor Habib Naqvi, CEO of the NHS Race and Health Observatory said the data on the risk to this community could not be ignored.

“Data and evidence show that the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities are some of the most marginalised groups in society, facing some of the harshest barriers to accessing healthcare, particularly for mental health. We hope these films can provide local government, charities and NHS services with useful insights to enable co-design and delivery of more focused and targeted mental health support.”

Sam Rodger, Assistant Director, Policy and Strategy, NHS Race and Health Observatory added that the co-produced resource brings the research to life.

“They give genuine voice to the experiences of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller people, and shine a light on the challenges they face. These films also highlight the fantastic work happening across the country to enhance services, to raise awareness, and bring people together. Our hope is that these films will pave the way for healthcare services that better serve these communities.”