Membership is open to all psychiatrists working in Ireland and overseas. We also offer membership to medical students and interns absolutely free. The College membership year runs from 1st November to 31st October.
Portfolio
Traveller Mental Health
The Irish Traveller community, officially recognised as an ethnic group in Ireland since 2017, faces significant disparities in health, education and employment compared to the general population. They make up a small proportion of the population (0.6% in the 2022 Census), and experience systemic discrimination and social exclusion, which contributes to poor health outcomes and limited engagement with public services, including health services and specialised mental health services.
Traveller health is shaped by a complex interplay of cultural beliefs, socioeconomic disadvantage and systemic barriers. Mental health issues are particularly stigmatised within both the Traveller community and Irish society. Mental health service providers often lack the cultural competence to address Traveller mental health needs effectively.
Collaboratively developed by College members, Traveller representatives, mental health professionals and other interested parties, this document aims to:
- Raise awareness of Travellers as an Irish ethnic group
- Raise awareness of their specific additional and often complex issues around mental health problems
- To offer practical, culturally sensitive solutions to improve mental health services for Travellers.
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