Wicklow Traveller Primary Health Care Project

11/03/2026

11/03/2026

The rain has stopped at last

Warm weather is lovely!
Its great to see the sun shining but the sun can be strong, even in Ireland.

Here are simple ways to protect your family’s skin:
✔️ Spend time in the shade
✔️ Wear a hat, t‑shirt and sunglasses
✔️ Use SPF 50 sunscreen on exposed skin
✔️ Keep babies out of direct sunlight at all times

11/03/2026

Please Share

10/03/2026

One in four minority ethnic school students who took part in a survey on racism said they experienced racism at least once a month, and most experienced it once a week or more.

04/03/2026

The IADT access entry route is now open!

Members of the Traveller and Roma communities have automatic eligibility for this route to study in IADT.

The deadline is the 1st of May, however it is recommended that applications are submitted by the Easter break to allow for time to follow up with applicants to ensure required documents are submitted.

ACCESS IADT is for young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who want to study a full-time undergraduate course in IADT. It is for school leavers under 23 years old on 1 January 2026 who live in the Republic of Ireland.

IADT also participates in the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) scheme. You can apply to both HEAR and the ACCESS IADT ENTRY ROUTE.

Apply here: https://iadt.ie/services/institute-student-services/access-social-inclusion/access-iadt-entry-route/

02/03/2026

Come explore the Pre School at Home Hub!

A space filled with fun, simple activities designed to spark your child’s curiosity and keep them playing and learning at home.
Here you’ll find lots of the same playful experiences they enjoy at pre school — all adapted so children can try them out anytime, in a way that fits your family’s routine.

Remember:
• When children play, they learn.
• When they join in with everyday household tasks, they’re learning too.

Let’s make learning at home joyful and easy!

02/03/2026

March 1st is Traveller Ethnicity Day

This day is an important reminder of why recognising Traveller ethnicity matters so much.

When Traveller ethnicity was officially recognised in 2017, it wasn’t just a symbolic gesture. It gave Travellers a legal right to protection, helping ensure the community is treated with fairness and respect. This recognition means that discrimination can be challenged, culture can be protected, and services, including health services have a responsibility to be inclusive.

This really matters for Traveller health. Travellers still face major health inequalities, and without proper legal recognition, it’s far too easy for people to fall through the cracks. Recognition strengthens the case for culturally informed healthcare, equal treatment, and better access to support.

Our Traveller Primary Healthcare workers work tirelessly to reduce the health inequalities and outcomes experienced by Travellers. They represent the Traveller voice at local and national level to create awareness, provide sign posting and promote positive change, we are very grateful to them and very proud of them too.

02/03/2026

We are aware of current shortages affecting certain brands of salbutamol nebules (liquid salbutamol used in nebulisers). Please note that this does not affect standard blue reliever inhalers.

If you are having difficulty accessing your prescribed nebules, please speak to your pharmacist about the options available to you locally. Alternative products may be available and reimbursed under community drug schemes.

Nebulised salbutamol remains important in severe asthma attacks.

Remember: when used correctly, 10 puffs of a blue reliever inhaler through a spacer (one puff at a time) can provide a similar effect to a standard nebuliser dose.

We encourage everyone with asthma and caregivers to feel confident using a spacer device correctly.

🎥 Watch our spacer technique video here: https://bit.ly/4qXbNhW

🔗 Read the full update here: https://bit.ly/4aCLDfB

If you have concerns, contact our Asthma Adviceline for free on 1800 44 54 64.

23/02/2026

Abuse doesn’t always start with physical harm. Sometimes, it begins with subtle behaviours that slowly become controlling.

If something feels wrong - trust your instincts.

Support is available. You deserve safety and respect.
📞 Aoibhneas 24/7 Helpline: 1800 767 767
🌐 www.aoibhneas.ie

Aoibhneas provides a 24/7 helpline, refuge accommodation, outreach and community support, court accompaniment, and child & youth services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

23/02/2026

We want to hear from you! As part of the National Conversation on Education, DCDE is running a short online survey on investment priorities and the role of early learning, care, and school age childcare. Share your views and help shape the future of education.



https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/consultations/national-conversation-on-education-the-first-five-years-and-school-age-childcare/

17/02/2026

This morning the PHC team, joined by the Traveller mental health coordinator rolled up their sleeves and made fresh scones together. This was about much more than baking though,
more and more research is showing that what we eat and how we eat can influence our mood, emotional resilience and stress levels. Food isn’t just fuel; it plays an active role in supporting our mental and emotional wellbeing.

There’s also growing evidence that everyday activities like cooking can help us build positive health behaviours, strengthen connection, and create moments of calm in a busy day. In the PERMA framework, cooking touches several elements — Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, and even Achievement when you get to enjoy something you’ve made with your own hands.

For our workers on the ground, supporting communities day in and day out, these small, shared moments are essential. Taking time to cook together helps lower stress, boosts morale, and reminds us that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves.

Wellbeing can begin with something simple, warm, and made together.

P.S. They were delicious