Galway Traveller Movement have described last week’s budget as a ‘lost opportunity to save lives.’ They hit out at the Government for failing to announce specific, adequate funding to address the Traveller and Roma mental health crisis.
“The Irish State is failing to protect the Traveller community from the threat of suicide which now affects the vast majority of Traveller families,” says GTM joint co-ordinator, Martin Ward. “We call on the Government to act now to create and fund a Traveller and Roma mental health strategy.”
“All Government departments need to set targets to improve the situation for the Traveller community that can be measured at the end of the year. The Traveller community and Traveller organisations need clarity on the individual and total budgets involved.”
The latest available research shows that 72% of Travellers say levels of anxiety and depression are worsening. Martin Ward says it’s also well known that suicide rates in the Traveller community are 6 times higher than for the settled population. “We need access to culturally appropriate mental health services using collaborative spaces that deliver on community centred approaches to realising positive mental health”.
Margaret O’Riada, GTM joint co-ordinator, says in the long-term, the Government must act to remove the barriers to realising positive mental health for Travellers. “It is the State’s responsibility and duty under International Human Rights law to remove inequalities so that young Travellers can exercise their rights to be treated as equal members of Irish society.”
“Many young Travellers feel they don’t have a future and see no escape from the experience of racism and discrimination. This is causing the horrific suicide rates and mental health crisis. It’s time for the Government to step up and take action on all levels, starting with a standalone, fully resourced National Traveller Mental Health Strategy.
GTM launched its own mental health campaign last year #TravellerMindsMatter to challenge the social injustice in this area. GTM act as an advocacy group to voice the issues facing Travellers in the Galway City and South East Galway region.
GTM are also part of the National Traveller Road to Hope and Change campaign which aims to bring attention to the unacceptable impact of suicide on the Traveller community. A hundred members of the Traveller community from Galway City and South East Galway are taking part in the National Traveller Mental Health Network’s annual solidarity trip to Knock on Tuesday 8th October. The trip marks National Traveller Mental Health Day on 8thOctober and World Mental Health Day on 10th October.
Margaret O’Riada says they are asking people to “stand in solidarity with the Traveller community in their call for an emergency response to the mental health crisis.”
You can contact GTM on [email protected]. If you need urgent mental health support, please contact the Traveller Counselling service on tel: 01-8685761 mobile: 0863081476 or email: [email protected]
