Funding for Traveller health projects on Leeside
Cork is to receive Government funding for a number of Traveller health initiatives including a programme that addresses suicidal ideation among Traveller parents.
The funding of up to €142,000 is part of an overall €710,000 Dormant Accounts fund that will support five projects across the country.
The funding supports the implementation of goal 3 of the National Traveller Health Action Plan to address the social determinants of Traveller health through targeted & mainstream measures.
Cork’s share of the fund will be used to recruit Traveller-specific primary school support workers to increase school engagement in Traveller students. The funds will also be used for the delivery of the Transition to School initiative to help Traveller children to transition into primary education, as well as the delivery of a parenting programme that addresses issues including suicidal ideation among Traveller parents. The five projects are aligned with the Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme, which is the mainstream government initiative to address the social determinants of health in disadvantaged areas.
The funding was announced this week by Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke TD. Minister Burke said: “It is imperative that we address the social determinants of health for the Traveller community if we are to reduce health inequalities and improve population health. We know that Travellers experience economic and social disadvantages that contribute to their poor health status. The projects being funded are targeted and culturally appropriate interventions, that address the specific factors that impact on Traveller health.”
The five projects were developed in partnership between the local authorities and Traveller organisations. Proposals were submitted by Local Development Officers in each local authority. The projects were chosen following an open and transparent selection process administered by the Genio Trust, in collaboration with local authorities, the HSE and members of the Traveller community.
“I’m very encouraged by the quality and creativity of proposals received for this funding, and I look forward to hearing the impact that they will make to the health of Travellers,” added Minister Burke.
National Programme Manager at Genio, Tríona O’Connor, said it is very evident from the quality of the applications that meaningful consultations took place between the local authorities, Traveller organisations and the HSE in Slaintecare Healthy Community areas. “We welcome the collaborative approach from local authorities, Travellers, the Dept of Health and the HSE and look forward to working together over the next two years,” said Ms O’Connor.