Wiltshire Council has just started a two-year project to tackle inequalities amongst Boaters, Gypsies and Travellers in Wiltshire. This is a partnership between Julian House and the Wiltshire Traveller Reference Group. Julian House is now recruiting for a Boater Outreach and Engagement Worker to cover Bradford on Avon to Devizes and beyond. If you are interested in applying for this part-time job, see https://www.julianhouse.org.uk/jobs.htm
People from the liveaboard boater community are encouraged to apply. The closing date is 12 noon on 27th January 2020.
The service will be based either in Trowbridge or Devizes, and will also be open to liveaboard boaters who travel further east in Wiltshire. It will work in partnership with other organisations to facilitate and encourage access into health, wellbeing and education services. It will also be reporting on gaps and barriers in service provision and ways to support members of the liveaboard community more effectively. The service will also provide information and support to healthcare teams and other professionals so that they can interact effectively and sensitively with members of the liveaboard boating community.
Wiltshire Council carried out a Gypsy, Traveller and Boater health needs assessment in 2019. The report is online here
You can download the report here Appendix-2-Gypsy-Traveller-and-Boater-Health-Needs-Assessment-2019
In summer 2017 Wiltshire Council also carried out a short accommodation needs survey of the boating community on the Kennet and Avon Canal. See
Tags: continuous cruising, Health, inequality, Julian House, liveaboards, mental health, traveller's rights, Travelling Community Support Service, Wiltshire County Council, Wiltshire liveaboard boaters survey