Support for the Gypsy, Roma Traveller Community
If you are from Gypsy, Roma Traveller (GRT) background and need support, this page is for you.
We understand that it can sometimes feel difficult to ask for help.
You may worry about judgment, confidentiality, or involving outside services.
Support in Sandwell is confidential and available to everyone.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Check out our myth-busting page.
Not sure where to start?
If you’re part of the Gypsy Roma Traveller community in Sandwell and are unsure which service is right for you contact our Healthy Sandwell Team.
If you need to speak to someone right now:
Samaritans: 116 123 (Free 24/7)
SHOUT: Text 85258 (Free, 24/7 text support)
Black Country 24/7 Mental Health Line: Call NHS 111, select option 2. Text: 07860 025 281
National Domestic Helpline: 0808 200 0247 (24/7)
Domestic Abuse Support
Abuse is not just physical it can include:
- Controlling behaviour
- Threats or intimidation
- Financial control
- Emotional abuse
- Pressure from a partner or a family member
- Forced marriage or honour-based abuse
Domestic abuse can affect women and men.
We know that in some Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities’ family honour and reputation are very important. This can sometimes make it harder to speak out. You deserve to feel safe.
In Sandwell you can contact:
Black Country Women’s Aid
24/7 confidential support
0121 552 6448
They offer:
- Safety planning
- Refuge access
- Court support
- Support for children
Sandwell Council’s Domestic Abuse Team: 0121 569 3030
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
You can bring a trusted person with you to appointments you can also request a female or male worker where possible.
Mental Health Support
Many things can affect our mental health; stress; trauma discrimination or family pressures and much more. Feeling low, worried, overwhelmed or angry does not mean you are weak. It is OK to ask for help when things feel tough.
In Sandwell you can access:
If you, or someone else in crisis and needs urgent help with their mental health, call:
Black Country 24/7 Mental Health Line
Call NHS 111 and select option 2
Text 07860 025281
Sandwell Talking Therapies (free NHS support)
Sandwell Talking Therapies (previously called Healthy Minds), supports people who are experiencing problems such as stress, anxiety, low mood and depression.
You can find more information about talking therapies on the NHS website.
To access Sandwell Talking Therapies you can self-refer by calling 0121 612 6650 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
Your GP
You can ask for:
- A referral to mental health services, including Talking Therapies
- Medication support
If English is not your first language you can ask for an interpreter. This is your right.
If you are worried about stigma in your community you can speak confidentially to services without involving family members unless there is a serious safeguarding concern.
Support for Men in Sandwell
We have a dedicated service for men aged 18 years and over in Sandwell.
Find out more information on the You OK Mate Community Programme.
For more information on mental health services in Sandwell, please explore the service directory.
Suicide Support
If you are having thoughts about harming yourself or you are worried about someone else. Please reach out. You are not alone.
24/7 support:
- Samaritans: 116 123
- SHOUT: Text 84258
- Black Country 24/7 Mental Health Line: Call NHS 111, select option 2
If you are worried about a young person:
- Papyrus HOPELINE 24/7: 0800 068 4141, text 0786 0039 967
If there is any immediate risk to life, contact the emergency services by calling 999.
If you are worried about bringing shame on the family by asking for help, please know that your safety and well-being matter. Seeking support is a sign of strength.
Bereaved by Suicide
If you and your family have lost a loved one to suicide, there is support available in Sandwell.
Registering with a GP
We understand some people have had bad experiences or felt judged in the past. GP services are there to help you, and you have the right to be treated with respect.
If you are not registered with a doctor (GP), you can do this for free. A GP is your first point of contact for health support.
You can register even if you:
- Do not have proof of address
- Do not have ID
- Are new in the area
Or you can:
- Visit a local GP surgery and ask to register
- Ask for a form called a GMS1 form
- Take someone you trust with you if that helps
Housing Support
If you are worried about where you are living, or need help with housing, support is available.
You can get help if you are:
- Homeless or at risk of losing your home
- Living in unsafe or overcrowded conditions
- Needing advice about your rights
In Sandwell, you can contact your local council for housing support. You will not be judged for asking for help. Support services are there to listen and support you.
Education Support
Children and young people have the right to education and support.
You can get help with:
- School places
- Attendance support
- Special Educational Needs (SEND)
- Bullying or discrimination
Schools should respect your background and culture. If you feel this is not happening, you can ask for support.
In Sandwell support is available from families from all backgrounds. You can find out more on the Sandwell Council’s website.
Employment Support
It is against the law to treat someone unfairly because of their background, you have rights at work. If you are looking for work or need help with employment, support is available.
You can get help with:
- Find a job
- Writing a CV
- Training and skills
- Understanding your rights at work
- Improving your English, maths or digital skills
You can also access free or low-cost adult learning, including:
- English and Maths
- I.T/Digital skills
- Courses to help you get into work
You can also visit your local Jobcentre for advice and support.
Remember: everyone has the right to fair treatment at work.
Pharmacy First (Help without a GP appointment)
You can now get treatment for some common illnesses without seeing a GP (doctor).
With Pharmacy First, you can go straight to a pharmacy for help with things like:
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Urinary infections (UTIs)
- Skin problems
- Minor illnesses
Pharmacists are trained health professionals and conversations are private. You can speak to the pharmacist in private I hear they are there to help not judge.
Find out more on the NHS website.
You do not need an appointment, just walk in.
Confidentiality
Most services are confidential. They will not share your information without your consent unless:
- A child or a vulnerable adult is at risk
- There is immediate danger to life
You can ask services to explain confidentiality before you share personal information.
Mythbusting
This page has been created to help clear up some common myths, explain your rights when accessing services, and share trusted organisations that can offer support.
Visit our mythbusting page.