Hostname: page-component-5c6d5d7d68-wpx84 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-08-24T12:59:21.444Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The Accommodation Experiences of Older Gypsies and Travellers: Personalisation of Support and Coalition Policy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 September 2012

Nicky Hodges
Affiliation:
Independent social researcher E-mail: [email protected]
Sarah Cemlyn
Affiliation:
School of Policy Studies, University of Bristol E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

This article reports on a study exploring the accommodation experiences of older Gypsies and Travellers and how specialist Supporting People services can enhance their wellbeing and social inclusion. The findings suggest that through development of pro-active, culturally appropriate services, flexible, tailored support and joint working, these services have contributed to their users’ wellbeing. Cuts to Supporting People funding pose a serious threat, especially in the context of loss of other services and changes to accommodation policy under the banner of localism. Targeted funding to sustain these specialist services could be important to redress risks of further marginalisation of Gypsy/Traveller communities.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Ahmad, W. and Walker, R. (1997) ‘Asian older people: housing, health and access to services’, Ageing and Society, 17, 2, 141–65.Google Scholar
Alasuutari, L. Bickman and Brannen, J. (eds.) (2009) The Sage Handbook of Social Research Methods, London: Sage.Google Scholar
Ali, A. (2009) ‘The personalisation of the British National Health Service: empowering patients or exacerbating inequality?’, The International Journal of Clinical Practice, 63, 10, 1416–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Allen, T. (2005) ‘Private sector housing improvement in the UK and the chronically ill: implications for collaborative working’, Housing Studies, 20, 1, 6380.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Begum, N. (2006) Doing It for Themselves: Participation and Black and Minority Ethnic Service Users, London: Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and the Race Equality Unit (REU).Google Scholar
Blakemore, K. and Boneham, M. (1994) Age, Race and Ethnicity, Buckingham: Open University Press.Google Scholar
Boxall, K., Dowson, S. and Beresford, P. (2009) ‘Selling individual budgets, choice and control: local and global influences on UK social care policy for people with learning difficulties’, Policy and Politics, 37, 4, 499515.Google Scholar
Brewer, J. and Hunter, A. (2006) Foundations of Multimethod Research: Synthesizing Styles, London: Sage.Google Scholar
Brown, P., Hunt, L. and Niner, P. (2007a) North Housing Market Area Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment, Final Report, Birmingham: Salford Housing and Urban Studies Unit (SHUSU), University of Salford and Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (CURS), University of Birmingham.Google Scholar
Brown, P., Hunt, L., Steele, A. and Niner, P. (2007b) Lancashire Sub-Regional Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation and Related Services Assessment, Birmingham: Salford Housing and Urban Studies Unit, University of Salford and Centre for Urban and Regional Studies, University of Birmingham.Google Scholar
Brown, P., Hunt, L. and Condie, J. (2008a) Cumbria Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment, Final Report, Birmingham: Salford Housing and Urban Studies Unit, University of Salford.Google Scholar
Brown, P., Hunt, L. and Condie, J. (2008b) Merseyside Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment, Final Report, Birmingham: Salford Housing and Urban Studies Unit, University of Salford.Google Scholar
Brown, P., Hunt, L., Condie, J. and Niner, P. (2008c) Southern Staffordshire and Northern Warwickshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment, Final Report, Birmingham: Salford Housing and Urban Studies Unit (SHUSU), University of Salford and Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (CURS), University of Birmingham.Google Scholar
Brown, P., Hunt, L., Condie, J. and Niner, P. (2009a) Tees Valley Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment, Final Report, Birmingham: Salford Housing and Urban Studies Unit (SHUSU), University of Salford and Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (CURS), University of Birmingham.Google Scholar
Brown, P., Hunt, L. and Niner, P. (2009b) Tyne and Wear Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Needs Assessment, Final Report, Birmingham: Salford Housing and Urban Studies Unit (SHUSU), University of Salford and Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (CURS), University of Birmingham.Google Scholar
Burton, John (2010) ‘“Call it personalisation if you like”: the realities and dilemmas of organising care in a small rural community’, Journal of Social Work Practice, 24, 3, 301–13.Google Scholar
Cameron, A. and Lart, R. (2003) ‘Factors promoting and obstacles hindering joint working: a systematic review of the research evidence’, Journal of Integrated Care, 11, 2, 917.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cameron, A., Macdonald, G., Turner, W. and Lloyd, L. (2007) ‘The challenges of joint working: lessons from the Supporting People Health Pilot evaluation’, International Journal of Integrated Care, 7, 4, 110.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Cemlyn, S. (2000) ‘From neglect to partnership? Challenges for social services in promoting the welfare of traveller children’, Child Abuse Review, 9, 5, 349–63.Google Scholar
Cemlyn, S. (2008) ‘Human rights and Gypsies and Travellers: an exploration of the application of a human rights perspective to social work with a minority community in Britain’, British Journal of Social Work, 31, 1, 153–73.Google Scholar
Cemlyn, S. and Greenfields, M. (2010) ‘Challenges to promoting racial equality in education for Gypsy and Traveller young people’, Race Equality Teaching, 29, 1, 2430.Google Scholar
Cemlyn, S., Greenfields, S., Burnett, S., Matthews, Z. and Whitwell, A. (2009) Inequalities Experienced by Gypsy and Traveller Communities: A Review, Research Report 12, London: Equality and Human Rights Commission, http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/research/12inequalities_experienced_by_gypsy_and_traveller_communities_a_review.pdf, 31/5/2011 [accessed 05.07.2011].Google Scholar
Clark, C. and Greenfields, M. (2006) Here to Stay: The Gypsies and Travellers of Britain, Hatfield: University of Hertfordshire Press.Google Scholar
Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) (2006), Common Ground: Equality, Good Race Relations and Sites for Gypsies and Irish Travellers: Report of a CRE Inquiry in England and Wales, London: CRE.Google Scholar
Crawley, H. (2004) Moving Forward: The Provision of Accommodation for Travellers and Gypsies, London: Institute for Public Policy Research.Google Scholar
Cullen, S., Hayes, P. and Hughes, L. (2008) Good Practice Guide: Working with Housed Gypsies and Travellers, London: Shelter.Google Scholar
David Couttie Associates (DCA) (2006) Wiltshire County and Swindon Borough Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment, Final Report 2006, Huddersfield: David Couttie Associates.Google Scholar
David Couttie Associates (DCA) (2007) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment, Final Report, Huddersfield: David Couttie Associates.Google Scholar
Davidson, D., McLaughlin, D. and Drummond, A. (2009) The Needs of Older Gypsies and Travellers, London: Central and Cecil Housing Trust.Google Scholar
Dawson, R. (2004) Literacy Levels amongst 300 Travelling People, Blackwell: Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group.Google Scholar
Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) (2007) Independence and Opportunity: Our Strategy for Supporting People, London: DCLG.Google Scholar
Department for Communities and Local Government (2011) ‘Planning for traveller sites’, Consultation, http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1886164.pdf [accessed 05/07/2011].Google Scholar
Duffy, S. (2010) ‘The citizenship theory of social justice: exploring the meaning of personalisation for social workers’, Journal of Social Work Practice, 24, 3, 253–67.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fordham Research Group (FRG) (2008a) The Black Country Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment Final Report, London: Fordham Research Group Ltd.Google Scholar
Fordham Research Group (FRG) (2008b) London Boroughs’ Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment Final Report, London: Fordham Research Group Ltd.Google Scholar
Foster, B. and Walker, A. (2009) Traveller Education in the Mainstream: The Litmus Test, London: Hopscotch.Google Scholar
Foster, B. and Cemlyn, S. (forthcoming) ‘Education, inclusion and government policy’, in Richardson, J. and Ryder, A. (eds.), Gypsies and Travellers: Empowerment and inclusion in British Society, Bristol: Policy Press.Google Scholar
Greenfields, M. (2008a) ‘Accommodation needs of Gypsies/Travellers: new approaches to policy in England’, Social Policy and Society, 7, 1, 7389.Google Scholar
Greenfields, M. (2008b) ‘A Good Job for a Traveller?’ Exploring Gypsy and Travellers’ Perceptions of Health and Social Care Careers: Barriers and Solutions to Recruitment, Training and Retention of Social Care Students, London: Aim Higher South East.Google Scholar
Greenfields, M., Home, R., Cemlyn, S., Bloxsom, J. and Lishman, R. (2007) West of England Gypsy Traveller Accommodation (and Other Needs) Assessment Report 2006–2016, Buckingham: Buckingham Chilterns College.Google Scholar
Greenfields, M. and Smith, D. (2010) ‘Housed gypsy travellers, social segregation and the reconstruction of communities’, Housing Studies, 25, 3, 397412.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Greenfields, M. and Smith, D. (2011) ‘A question of identity: the social exclusion of housed Gypsies and Travellers’, Research, Policy and Planning, 28, 3, 6578.Google Scholar
Grewal, I., Nazroo, J., Bajekal, M., Blane, D. and Lewis, J. (2004) ‘Influences of quality of life: a qualitative investigation of ethnic differences among older people in England’, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 30, 4, 737–61.Google Scholar
Hodges, N. (2010) ‘An investigation into the housing related support needs of older Gypsies and Travellers’, M.Sc. Policy Research Dissertation, University of Bristol, Bristol.Google Scholar
Home, R. and Greenfields, N. (2006) Cambridge Sub-Region Traveller Needs Assessment, Buckingham: Anglia Ruskin University and Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College.Google Scholar
Hunt, L. and Brown, P. (2008) Ribble Valley Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment, Final Report, Salford Housing and Urban Studies Unit (SHUSU), University of Salford.Google Scholar
Jesper, E., Griffiths, F. and Smith, L. (2008) ‘A qualitative study of the health experience of Gypsy Travellers in the UK with a focus on terminal illness’, Primary Health Care Research and Development, 9, 2, 157–65.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Johnson, C. and Willers, M. (2007) Gypsy and Traveller Law, London: Legal Action Group.Google Scholar
Katbamna, S., Ahmad, W., Bhakta, P., Baker, R. and Parker, G. (2004) ‘Do they look after their own? Informal support for South Asian carers’, Health and Social Care in the Community, 12, 5, 398406.Google Scholar
Kisby, B. (2010) ‘The Big Society: power to the people?’, The Political Quarterly, 81, 4, 484–91.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lloyd, L. (2010) ‘The individual in social care: the ethics of care and the “Personalisation Agenda” in services for older people in England’, Ethics and Social Welfare, 4, 2, 188200.Google Scholar
Lovatt, M. (2006) The Housing Support Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and York, http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/council/consultations/engage/downloaddoc.jsp?id=941 [accessed 05.03.2010].Google Scholar
Lymbery, M. (2010) ‘A new vision for adult social care? Continuities and change in the care of older people’, Critical Social Policy, 30, 1, 526.Google Scholar
Manthorpe, J., Iliffe, , Moriarty, S., Cornes, J., Clough, M., Bright, R., Rapaport, L., OPRSI, J. (2009) ‘“We are not blaming anyone, but if we don't know about amenities, we cannot seek them out”: black and minority older people's views on the quality of local health and personal social services in England’, Ageing and Society, 29, 1, 93113.Google Scholar
McQuillan, R. and Van Doorslaer, O. (2007) ‘Indigenous ethnic minorities and palliative care: exploring the views of Irish Travellers and palliative care staff’, Palliative Medicine, 21, 7, 635–41.Google Scholar
Milne, A. and Chryssantholpoulou, C. (2005) ‘Dementia care-giving in Black and Asian populations: reviewing and refining the research agenda’, Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, 15, 7, 319–37.Google Scholar
National Housing Federation (2011) Submission: The Commission on Funding of Care and Support, London: National Housing Federation, http://www.housing.org.uk/publications/find_a_publication/care_and_support/funding_of_care_and_support.aspx [accessed 08.07.2011].Google Scholar
Niner, P. and Sankey, S. (2008) Joint Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment: Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull Councils, Birmingham: Centre for Urban and Regional Studies, University of Birmingham (CURS).Google Scholar
Northern Housing Consortium (NHC), Marion Horton Associates (MHA) and Access Matrix (AM) (2007) A Study and Assessment of the Accommodation Needs of Gypsies and Travellers in South Yorkshire Final Report, Sunderland: Northern Housing Consortium, Marion Horton Associates and Access Matrix.Google Scholar
O'Malley, L. and Croucher, K. (2005) ‘Supported housing services for people with mental health problems: a scoping study’, Housing Studies, 20, 5, 831–45.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Orr, D., Shapps, G. and Harwin, N. (2011) ‘Senseless cuts – letter to the editor’, Daily Telegraph, 18 March.Google Scholar
Owens, A. and Randhawa, G. (2004) ‘“It's different from my culture, they're very different”: providing community-based “culturally competent” palliative care for South Asian people in the UK’, Health and Social Care in the Community, 12, 5, 414–21.Google Scholar
Pantazis, C., Gordon, G. and Levitas, R. (2006) Poverty and Social Exclusion in Britain: The Millennium Survey, Bristol: Policy Press.Google Scholar
Parry, G., Van Cleemput, P., Peters, J., Moore, J., Walters, S., Thomas, K. and Cooper, C. (2004) The Health Status of Gypsies and Travellers in England, Report of Department of Health Inequalities in Health Research Initiative Project 121/7500, London: Department of Health.Google Scholar
Parvin, P. (2009) ‘Against localism: does decentralising power to communities fail minorities’, The Political Quarterly, 8, 3, 351–60.Google Scholar
Powell, R., Casey, R., Reeve, K., Brown, P., Condie, J., Hunt, L. and Niner, P. (2008) West Yorkshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment Final Report, Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University.Google Scholar
Richardson, J. and Ryder, A. (2008) ‘New Labour's policies and their effectiveness for the provision of sites for Gypsies and Travellers in England’, in Trehan, C., and Sigona, N. (eds.), Contemporary Romani Politics: Recognition, Mobilisation and Participation, London: Palgrave Macmillan.Google Scholar
Ritchie, J. and Lewis, J. (2005) Qualitative Research Practice: A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers, London: Sage.Google Scholar
Robert, A. (2005) ‘Working with Gypsy Travellers: a partnership approach’, in Cornwell, R. and Buchanan, J. (eds.), Effective Practice in Health and Social Care: A Partnership Approach, Maidenhead: Open University Press.Google Scholar
Royal Geographical Society (2011) Facts and Figures of the Digital Divide in the UK, http://www.21stcenturychallenges.org/60-seconds/what-is-the-digital-divide/ [accessed 04.06.2011].Google Scholar
Ryder, A. (2011) UK Gypsies and Travellers and the Third Sector, Working Paper 3, Birmingham: Third Sector Research Centre, http://www.tsrc.ac.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=a6i6m6lkLwA%3d&tabid=832 [accessed 06.01.2012).Google Scholar
Ryder, A. and Greenfields, M. (2010) Roads to Success: Economic and Social Inclusion for Gypsies and Travellers, London: Irish Traveller Movement in Britain.Google Scholar
Ryder, A., Acton, T., Alexander, S., Cemlyn, S., Van Cleemput, P., Greenfields, M., Richardson, J. and Smith, D. (2011) A Big or Divided Society? Interim Recommendations and Report of the Panel Review into the Impact of the Localism Bill and Coalition Government Policy on Gypsies and Travellers, York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation/Travellers Aid Trust.Google Scholar
Strudwick, A. and Morris, R. (2010) ‘A qualitative study exploring the experiences of African-Caribbean informal stroke carers in the UK’, Clinical Rehabilitation, 24, 2, 159–67.Google Scholar
Van Cleemput, P. (2008) ‘Health impact of gypsy sites policy in the UK’, Social Policy and Society, 7, 1, 103–17.Google Scholar
Van Cleemput, P., Parry, G., Thomas, K., Peters, J. and Cooper, C. (2007) ‘Health-related beliefs and experiences of Gypsies and Travellers: a qualitative study’, Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 61, 3, 205–10.Google Scholar
Van Cleemput, P., Thomas, K., Parry, G., Peters, J., Moore, J. and Cooper, C. (2004) The Health Status of Gypsies and Travellers in England Report of Qualitative Findings, Sheffield: University of Sheffield, http://www.shef.ac.uk/content/1/c6/02/55/71/GT per cent20qualitative per cent20report.pdf [accessed 09.02.2010].Google Scholar
Walker, A. (2005) ‘Why is ageing so unequal?’, in Johnson, M. (ed.), The Cambridge Handbook of Ageing, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Google Scholar