Have Your Say:  Mental Health Strategy for England

The government has opened a once-in-a-generation consultation on a new Mental Health Strategy for England, closing at 11:59pm on 10 July 2026. Evidence can be submitted here. 

The Race Equality Foundation has already commented on this, stating: “For a mental health strategy to effectively succeed, it cannot be ‘race blind'” and “Structural racism cannot be addressed if left unseen.” Read their full comments here.

Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller communities face significant mental health challenges driven by discrimination, exclusion and barriers to accessing appropriate support. 

The Traveller Movement would like to work with health, equality, race and

other sector partners to collate a full response to ensure Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller voices are heard.

We invite organisations with relevant evidence to contribute to a joint submission and help shape a strategy that is inclusive and equitable.

Please use the button below if your organisation has evidence to contribute.

Together, we can ensure this strategy addresses the profound mental health disparities our communities face.

Economic Inclusion and Youth Opportunity

Economic inclusion remains one of the most pressing policy challenges for Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller communities, with significantly higher levels of economic inactivity and limited access to professional employment.

These disparities are driven by systemic barriers including discrimination, school exclusion and lack of access to opportunities.

The Milburn Review on Young People and Work published this month,

it highlights a national crisis, warning of a “lost generation” as youth unemployment rises and over one million young people are not in education, employment or training. The review points to systemic failures including declining entry-level opportunities and barriers within recruitment systems.

For young people from Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller communities, these barriers are compounded further.

 As part of our ongoing work in this field, The Traveller Movement, in partnership with London Higher, is delivering a Youth Careers Fair on 9 July 2026 called ‘Shaping Tomorrow’, connecting young people directly with employers, education providers and training pathways.

This work demonstrates how targeted, community-led interventions can translate national policy concerns into practical solutions.

If you are an employer, training provider, college, university or can offer young people employment (voluntary paid or internship) and want to know how you can exhibit at the fair please contact our Women’s Outreach and Engagement Officer below.

Pan London Health Needs Assessment/London Health Equity Forum

Building Trust, Partnership and Health Equity with GRT Communities in London by Riyadul Karim, Assistant Director, Community Engagement and Vaccine and Screening Equity, NHS England, London Region 

As we step in to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month this June, there is an important opportunity not only to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Romani Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, but also to reflect on what inclusion means in practice.

History Month is a time to challenge stereotypes, raise awareness and amplify community voices. For those of us working in health and public services, it should also prompt a deeper question: how do we ensure that Gypsy, 

Roma and Traveller communities are not only recognised, but genuinely heard, 

respected and better served?

For me, the answer begins with trust.

For many communities, particularly those who have experienced exclusion, discrimination or poor access to services, trust cannot be assumed. It has to be built patiently, respectfully and through relationships that recognise people as active partners in their own health and wellbeing. 

My role at NHS England, London Region, focuses on building partnerships between communities, the voluntary and community sector, local authorities, the NHS and wider system partners, spanning place, system and region. The aim is simple but important: to improve access, confidence and participation in vaccination, immunisation, screening, prevention and wider health services among communities who have too often been underserved.

To continue reading this Blog and others featured in Spotlight visit our News and Events page