Best laid plans

Soon after its planning policy for travellers sites was published, the Department for Communities and Local Government has issued a progress report on tackling inequalities amongst gypsies and travellers. Children and Young People Now casts a critical over its provisions as regards education. A report from the Council of Europe considers this population’s experiences within a human rights framework.

Left out

Social exclusion has long been considered an issue for people with mental illness. A study in Social Inclusion and Mental Health offers a survey of current evidence, based on the findings of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Scoping Group on Social Exclusion and Mental Health. Another piece of research in the same journal looks at ways to address the impact of social exclusion on mental health in Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities.

In the margins

Data on marginalised groups in the East of England is provided by Eastern Region Public Health Observatory (ERPHO). Covering looked after children, travellers and gypsies and asylum seekers and refugees amongst others, the figures are provided at local authority level.

Gypsy and Traveller Communities

Primary Care Contracting has issued a Primary Care Service Framework for gypsy and traveller communities, Public Health Update reports. The PCSF is designed to help PCTs "extend entitlement" to these traditionally hard to reach groups.