The ‘2011 census of England showed Gypsy, Roma & Travelers to be the ethnic group with the highest number of unpaid carers.’ 

As a carer from this community group you are more likely to experience a long term illness or disability, have a shorter life expectancy than the general population.

Specific Challenges:

• You may not have easy access to doctors and other health services due to travelling
• You may not know what services are available to you or how to access them
• You may not be able to understand or need help in reading and filling in forms
• You may not be sure who to trust that your needs are being met and respected

Carer Challenges:

• You may not see yourself as a ‘carer’ as it can be less recognised in the GRT community and seen as your role
• You may feel you don’t want other people in your community to know your business so it’s harder to ask for outside help without them finding out
• You may have issues with caring in a smaller space or lack of specialist equipment
• You may need to look at moving out of your trailer and into a house to care for your loved one
• You may have other worries such as money, bills, food, your own health etc.

Who can help you:

• Accept that you are a Carer and may need help and support
• Speak to others in your community about your caring role. It helps to talk about how it is affecting your wellbeing
• Ask for help as the sooner you can get support the easier it will be for you
• Look after yourself as your wellbeing is important
• Contact your doctor to let them know you are a carer and they can help put in contact with other support services such as Northamptonshire Carers

How we can support you:

• Did you know we have The Caring Together Project (funded by National Lottery) who work with Carers from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities to get the right help and support?

Contact Jane at: [email protected] Support Line 01933 6770907, option 2

Further information and support:

Dental Drop-in Clinic - Wednesdays 1.15pm-3.30pm

For anyone who has lack of access to a ‘home’ address:

St. James Dental Department, St James Clinic, 116 St James’ Road, Northampton NN5 5LQ

Home Start

Supports families in their own homes to help them cope with the stresses and strains of life.

Corby-01536 409612     Kettering 01536 484318    Wellingborough  01933 272749

Northampton  01604 627692  Daventry & South Northants 01327 353139

There are also two national support organisations:

The Traveller Movement and Traveller Times