In a recent announcement, the Government shared the news that Friends, Families and Travellers, in consortium with Roma Support Group, are included in the refreshed membership of the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance to promote good health and tackle health inequalities across the UK.
Backed by £2 million a year, members including Age UK, Barnardo’s, Homeless Link, Hospice UK, National Autistic Society and Samaritans, will work together to ensure strong representation across the broadest range of lived experiences.
Friends, Families and Travellers will be working with Roma Support Group to ensure the voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people are included in discussions around health policy and accessible healthcare.
The Health and Wellbeing Alliance is a key element of the Health and Wellbeing Programme and the Alliance has already helped shape policy-making.
As part of the previous membership of the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance, Friends Families and Travellers have worked with partner organisations to champion inclusive primary care services, developed guidance for tackling health inequalities for people living with frailty, conducted the largest ever survey on the health of Liveaboard Boaters, developed an Inclusion Health Audit Tool for voluntary sector organisations and much more.
Speaking about the news, Sarah Mann, Director at Friends, Families and Travellers, said:
“We’re delighted to be included in the refreshed membership of the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance. It’s of vital importance that decision makers in health and social care have the tools they need to address the often significant health inequalities that exist within our society.
We know that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities experience some of the most significant health inequalities of any group in England. The Health and Wellbeing Alliance has an important role in making our health and social care system more accessible and inclusive. We look forward to continuing this important work.”
Reflecting on the news, Mihai Bica, Policy and Campaigning Worker at Roma Support Group said:
“The Health and Wellbeing Alliance gives a first time opportunity to a Roma led organisation to work in partnership with VCSE sector and government departments on reducing health inequalities.
Although our community is one of the most socially marginalised in the UK, there has been a lack of research and policy development on Roma people’s specific health needs and outcomes. We look forward to working with Friends, Families and Travellers and other VCSE sector partners to identify barriers and improve access to healthcare for all.”
Media Contact
Lucy Hetherington, Communications Officer
Tel: 07425 419853 Email: [email protected]
Relevant Resources
Inclusion Health Audit Tool. View here.
How to tackle health inequalities for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. View here.
The health status of Liveaboard Boaters. View here.
