Health, lifestyle and behaviour

Health

Health is a significant issue among Gypsies and Travellers. Being able to access healthcare, and continuity of care are the main issues, particularly for Gypsies and Travellers that are mobile. There is also a fear or mistrust of vaccination programmes.

There is very little reliable scientific and statistical data available about the health of the Gypsy and Traveller population. Most commentators accept that life expectancy is considerably less than that of the settled community - perhaps by as much as 10 years or more.

Complications in pregnancy including still births and miscarriages are more prevalent, as well as the incidence of breathing problems such as asthma

A paper published by the Commission for Racial Equality in 2004 reported that Gypsy and Irish Traveller mothers are 20 times more likely to experience the death of a child than other mothers. We are working with colleagues in the NHS to see what can be done to improve the health of these communities.

Lifestyle

Gypsies and Travellers place a high value on family life, and families will rally round in times of need. Children are at the centre of Gypsy and Traveller life. Generally, Gypsies and Travellers do not support abortion and love large families. Couples tend to marry young. Divorce is still generally unacceptable, and infidelity may prompt aggressive behaviour from the family of the neglected partner.

To be Romany, Gypsy, Irish Traveller or other Traveller is no longer about literal nomadism (although this is still important to some). It is a state of mind and is also about history, culture and tradition. There has undoubtedly been a long history of prejudice and persecution against Gypsies and Travellers. This has resulted in them being secretive and protective of their communities.

The communities can often be independent from the settled community and can at times hold a suspicious and negative perception of strangers and authorities.

They usually value face to face contact, respectfulness and the spoken word.

Gorgios or Gorjas (Romany for non-Gypsy) who acknowledge their values can build good relationships with Gypsies and Travellers.

Behaviour

Some people have negative perceptions of how Gypsies and Travellers behave, and believe that they are criminal, anti-social and don't pay tax.  These perceptions are usually based on the behaviour of a small number they have observed, and inaccurate and sometimes racist reporting in the media.

Negative media reporting reinforces stereotypes, and leads to anecdotal rather than factual discussion about Gypsies and Travellers. Assistant Chief Constable of Kent Police, David Ainsworth, was quoted as saying on 19 October 2005:

"It is important to remember that only a small minority of the Gypsy and Traveller population are criminals, the same as with the settled population."

The minority who do cause disruption and nuisance set an inaccurate stereotype for all Gypsies and Travellers. All people in Kent should be dealt with based on their specific behaviour rather than as a result of their ethnic or lifestyle status.

In other words, issues involving Gypsies and Travellers should be managed in the same way as they would be for any other member of society - fairly, proportionately and lawfully.