Roma Community Support

In partnership with the HSE, TIRC completed a consultation process with members of the Roma community, various NGO’s and statutory agencies in 2023. The objective was to develop a health strategy for the Roma community in Kerry and Cork, leading to better health outcomes for the communities going forward.

The research project, Te Rodel Nevo Drom—We are Looking for a New Way, led us to develop a comprehensive action plan involving collaboration with existing agencies and the Roma community themselves. Key to this was adding a dedicated Roma Development Worker and Peer Support Workers. A Kerry inter-agency group has supported TIRC in implementing the action plan, and building trust between the Roma community and support agencies.

Our Development Worker, along with Peer Support Workers, are now trained to provide support and advocacy on a range of topics, including: health services and screenings; housing; social protection concerns and forms; education queries; general information and support; and translator accompaniment to appointments, where required. Our long-standing Food Share Initiative is still running and helps to combat food poverty within the community. We are also pleased to provide activities for adults and children, further developing on the trust established thus far between TIRC and the Roma community.

TIRC is linked with national groups that represent the concerns of the Roma Community, specifically the National Roma Network, the Roma Health Network, Cairde, the National Roma Infoline, and Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre.