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Mental health support needs within Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities: a qualitative study

Mental health support needs within Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities: a qualitative study Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) people within the UK and the Republic of Ireland are underrepresented within research and policies despite high rates of mental illness and suicide. This study aims to explore the mental health (MH) support needs for GRT people within the British Isles.Design/methodology/approachThis study was a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with nine self-identified GRT people.FindingsThe 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 owing to participants’ perceived lack of prospects and adverse life events.Originality/valueDespite increased vulnerability, MH 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 using the voices of GRT people themselves, creating a narrative built from their own emic perspectives. Unlike previous research, this study focuses exclusively on the MH of participants and includes participants from across the British Isles. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Mental Health and Social Inclusion Emerald Publishing

Mental health support needs within Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities: a qualitative study

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References (49)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
2042-8308
eISSN
2042-8308
DOI
10.1108/mhsi-09-2021-0066
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) people within the UK and the Republic of Ireland are underrepresented within research and policies despite high rates of mental illness and suicide. This study aims to explore the mental health (MH) support needs for GRT people within the British Isles.Design/methodology/approachThis study was a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with nine self-identified GRT people.FindingsThe 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 owing to participants’ perceived lack of prospects and adverse life events.Originality/valueDespite increased vulnerability, MH 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 using the voices of GRT people themselves, creating a narrative built from their own emic perspectives. Unlike previous research, this study focuses exclusively on the MH of participants and includes participants from across the British Isles.

Journal

Mental Health and Social Inclusion – Emerald Publishing

Published: Apr 21, 2022

Keywords: Mental health; Gypsy Roma Traveller; Minority ethnicity; Support needs

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