Community, Health & Wellbeing

Roma communities in Scotland continue to encounter poorer health outcomes than the rest of the public. Life expectancy continues to be below average, and mental health issues, while increasingly discussed, are still considered taboo in many communities. A long history of discrimination has shaped how Roma people interact with health services, with many experiencing ongoing exclusion and practical barriers to care. Some people choose to return to their home countries for treatment, often because they are distrustful of local services or have difficulty navigating the system. These challenges become worse by broader social inequalities, making health and well-being an urgent priority for targeted, culturally sensitive support and policy action. Community-led initiatives in Scotland are attempting to address these issues. For example, the 'Rom Romeha' programme in Govanhill, Glasgow, provides peer education sessions in collaboration with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to improve healthcare access for Roma residents. 

Roma communities across Europe face significant health inequalities, with life expectancies often 10 to 25 years lower than the general population - EPHA: Closing the Life Expectancy Gap  

These outcomes are caused by ongoing exclusion, discrimination, and a lack of access to quality healthcare - WHO Europe - Roma Health Overview

Socioeconomic factors, such as inadequate employment, low educational achievement, and widespread negative public perceptions, exacerbate health disparities. Despite becoming aware of these challenges, mainstream services frequently fail to meet Roma health needs. Addressing these issues requires an improvement towards inclusive, needs-based approaches that reflect the lived experiences of Roma communities across Europe.