'Wellbeing and Cost of Living Event' for Pembrokeshire Gypsies and Travellers a success

A “Wellbeing and Cost of Living Event” for the Gypsy and Traveller community that live in Pembrokeshire was recently hosted by a NHS Wales community outreach team.

The event, organised by the Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Community Development Outreach Team, offered opportunities for those who attended to have Flu immunisations, learn about other vaccines, and sign up for unpaid carer support and advice. Citizens Advice were there to provide support and help people to apply to the Oil and Gas Discretionary Assistance fund from Welsh Government. The local council brought along free sanitary supplies, as part of their “End Period Poverty” scheme.

“Thank you for today, I’ve learnt about things I wouldn’t have known existed,” said one Gypsy/Traveller who went along. “It’s important so we don’t miss out,” they added.

People stayed to have a chat over a tea or coffee in a warm space and there was a lot of laughter, in a lovely relaxed environment.

The aim of the event was to bring partners together, to share health information and advice, to ensure people are supported during the cost-of-living crisis, especially through the winter period. Those who attended also received practical advice on energy use, where to get advice to stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake.

“Very grateful for the event to be put on so we can access the help that we’ll need for the winter,” said another community attendee.

Many people had their flu vaccination and had their questions about other vaccinations answered by Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Immunisation Team. The Community Development Outreach Team also signposted people to other services that they may need, helped with appointments, and showed people how to use NHS 111 Wales which can be used to access health information 24 hours a day. 

The event was held in partnership with Pavs, Pembrokeshire Frame, Pembrokeshire Carers Information and Support Services, Pembrokeshire Care Society and Travelling Ahead.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Community Development Outreach Team is dedicated to helping diverse communities access health care and information by signposting and sharing health messages in an accessible way and works across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. We regularly visit Gypsy and Traveller sites to build relationships and share health information.  We are aware that health is not just hospitals and appointments and there are other factors which effect wellbeing.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Community Development Outreach Team press release/TT News