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The Accommodation Experiences of Older Gypsies and Travellers: Personalisation of Support and Coalition Policy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 September 2012

Nicky Hodges
Affiliation:
Independent social researcher E-mail: nickyhodges@btinternet.com
Sarah Cemlyn
Affiliation:
School of Policy Studies, University of Bristol E-mail: Sarah.Cemlyn@bristol.ac.uk

Abstract

This article reports on a study exploring the accommodation experiences of older Gypsies and Travellers and how specialist Supporting People services can enhance their wellbeing and social inclusion. The findings suggest that through development of pro-active, culturally appropriate services, flexible, tailored support and joint working, these services have contributed to their users’ wellbeing. Cuts to Supporting People funding pose a serious threat, especially in the context of loss of other services and changes to accommodation policy under the banner of localism. Targeted funding to sustain these specialist services could be important to redress risks of further marginalisation of Gypsy/Traveller communities.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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