A new £1.1 million research project led by Heriot-Watt University is set to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities for Roma communities across the UK.

Roma populations experience some of the poorest health and wellbeing outcomes, including significantly lower life expectancy of 10 or more years below the national average as well as a higher prevalence of long-term chronic conditions and increased social exclusion. 

Poorer health can result from barriers and challenges when accessing the physical, social, and cultural supports that are needed to age across the life course.

The new three-year project will work in partnership with community groups of Roma people now living in the UK, civil society organisations and public authorities across three focus areas in Luton, Peterborough and Glasgow.

Funding for the research is led by AHRC in collaboration with BBSRC, ESRC, MRC and NERC, all part of UKRI. Additional funding is from UKRI’s Building a Secure and Resilient World, and Creating Opportunities, Improving Outcomes strategic themes and the programme is run in partnership with the National Centre for Creative Health.

Including co-researchers from Roma communities, the research will use innovative visual and creative methods to help identify barriers faced by Roma people in accessing healthcare and other services in mid to later life. 

The project will then co-design new place-based ‘Integrated Hubs’ to better connect Roma people with culturally appropriate health, wellbeing and community resources which build upon existing expertise and assets within the community.

Dr Ryan Woolrych, director of the Urban Institute at Heriot-Watt University, said: “This research is urgently needed as public health bodies and government reports continue to evidence the inequalities faced by Roma people living in the UK today which is severely impacting life expectancies and creating growing social exclusion.

There is a significant evidence gap in terms of exploring what it means to age within Roma communities and the interventions needed to ensure healthy and active ageing.”

He added: “We will address this by taking an inclusive, community-centred approach to understanding barriers faced by Roma people in accessing healthcare and other services before supporting the development of services that build on their cultural assets and lived experiences. By doing so, we can positively influence a shift in health, wellbeing and place policies and practices for Roma groups.

We will employ innovative and creative methods like storytelling, dance and photography, working alongside communities to gain deeper insight into Roma experiences to co-design interventions that will deliver impact where they are needed the most.”

The multidisciplinary team includes the Roma Support Group, Luton Roma Trust, Compas and Community Renewal Trust’s Rom Romeha (meaning for Roma by Roma) in Govanhill as well as expertise from Coventry University, Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Dundee.

Crina Morteanu from the Luton Roma Trust said: “As a grassroots organisation, having worked with the Roma for more than ten years, we are delighted to be part of this project which is aimed at tackling one of the most critical issues that Roma face – access to health. Many Roma in Luton and the UK generally, face multiple barriers in their access to health.

This project will tackle those barriers which, in return, will result in appropriate solutions and ultimately improving their quality of life.”

Mihai Bica from the Roma Support Group said: “The Roma Support Group is thrilled to be part of this exciting and much needed research addressing some of the existing Roma health inequalities. 

We are particularly pleased that this project will draw on the knowledge and expertise of Roma from across the UK to co-develop healthcare solutions, while equipping them with the skills and capacity to play a central role in future research projects and drive policy change.”

The research builds on already established relationships with Roma communities, public authorities and health providers across the case study areas to give Roma people a voice in developing services that respect their dignity.

Leon Puska of Rom Romeha, Glasgow said: “As a Roma-led organisation, we bring first-hand understanding and passion to address the unique challenges our community face for maintaining good health throughout their lives. 

We are delighted to be part of this UK-wide partnership which will give us the opportunity to work with community researchers to better understand community situations and to co-design appropriate responses.”