A Landmark Initiative for Enfield’s Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Communities

Earlier this year, we released our Pan-London Evaluation, which provided a much needed evaluation of how well Romani (Gypsy), Roma, Irish and Scottish Traveller communities are included in London’s equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies. Within the report, we referenced some examples of good practice. This is one such case study.

Read the full report here: Link to Report

1. The Vision for Inclusive Outreach

The launch of “Your Local Health Stop” represents a pivotal milestone in Enfield’s ongoing commitment to health equity and social justice. Spearheaded by Karen Maguire, Enfield’s Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) Lead, this trailblazing outreach programme has been meticulously designed to dismantle systemic barriers and provide culturally competent care. Commencing in September 2025 and scheduled to run through Summer 2026, the initiative’s core mission is to foster deep-rooted trust within GRT communities while radically enhancing their access to essential clinical services. By ensuring the programme is entirely free and accessible to all family members, we are not merely offering medical checks; we are establishing a sustainable foundation for long-term community wellbeing and preventative health.

2. A Foundation of Strategic Collaboration

The success of “Your Local Health Stop” is underpinned by an extraordinary multi-agency partnership that serves as a gold standard for local government and community synergy. This initiative unites the collective expertise of Enfield Council, Vaccination UK, Enfield Unity PCN, Enfield Saheli, and Gates Herts. This model of integrated delivery has been significantly bolstered by the active endorsement and participation of the Leader of the Council, Ergin Erbil. His high-level leadership and visible engagement have been instrumental in driving the campaign forward, ensuring that the message of inclusion and health parity reaches every corner of the borough.

3. An Integrated and Adaptive Model of Care

The programme functions as a comprehensive, “one-stop-shop” healthcare hub, expertly guiding families through a seamless journey from initial contact to specialist intervention. The patient experience begins with foundational access, offering informal drop-in sessions where no prior appointment is required, supplemented by vital on-site GP registration support to ensure long-term integration into the NHS. From this entry point, the programme provides essential preventative care through a robust catch-up vaccination scheme available for children, young people, and adults. Crucially, the programme is defined by its responsiveness; services are dynamically adapted through a real-time feedback loop based on the specific health needs identified during outreach sessions. This adaptive approach led to the integration of specialist referrals for dental health and diabetes screenings, addressing previously unmet needs within the community. The model further prioritises holistic wellbeing by weaving mental health support and smoking cessation programmes into the fabric of the sessions. To ensure a comprehensive service menu, we provide gender-specific care that includes midwife support and dedicated women’s health services, such as menopause support and cervical screenings. Furthermore, the initiative has expanded to address respiratory health, providing critical lung function assessments and lung cancer screenings to facilitate early detection and improve long-term clinical outcomes.

4. Evidence of Impact and Community Resonance

As we cross the mid-point of this venture, the response from the community has been nothing short of phenomenal. This project has achieved significant strides in breaking down historical barriers of mistrust and reaching demographics that have traditionally been underserved by mainstream health provision. The impact goes beyond clinical data; there is

a palpable sense of empowerment and elation as families engage with a system that finally feels accessible and respectful. We are immensely proud of the positive resonance achieved so far, marking a shift toward a more inclusive public health landscape in Enfield.

5. Future Outlook and Engagement Hub

Looking ahead to the New Year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this journey, continuing our work to deliver life-changing health outcomes until Summer 2026. This initiative is more than a temporary clinic; it is an open invitation for every member of the GRT community to take ownership of their health. Enfield Council encourages all residents and community partners to engage with our ongoing mission through the following resources:

Digital Resource Hub: Gypsy, Roma and Travellers in Enfield | Enfield Council

Direct Engagement: To speak with a member of our specialist team, please contact grt@enfield.gov.uk