Mental health difficulties and suicide are prevalent in the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller population, yet these communities are largely unacknowledged in academic research and in government suicide prevention strategies. This thesis sought to explore the lived experiences of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community members, and the experience of key stakeholders working with Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities with the intention to better understand what is contributing towards mental health difficulties and suicides in these marginalised communities and to identify areas of support for this population.

A reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to explore the experiences of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community members. The findings suggested that experiences of racism and discrimination, heteronormative gendered pressures and expectations within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities affecting men, women and those identifying as LGBTQ+ and unsupported grief are contributing to these communities’ prevalent rates of suicide and mental health difficulties, while stigma and shame negatively impacts help-seeking behaviour for mental health support. Several recommendations are made by community members to better support the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller population.

A second reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to explore the experiences and insights of key stakeholders supporting the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. The findings suggested that systemic racism and discrimination impacts the support given to Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, while Gypsy, Roma, and Travellers distrust of services, particularly the mental health and social care sector, due to historic and current instances of discrimination and unfair practices impacts their engagement with mental health services. Key health service barriers are highlighted by stakeholders such as a lack of cultural awareness, high rates of illiteracy and digital poverty which impact Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller’s ability to access and engage with specialist mental health support. Several recommendations are made by stakeholders to better support the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller population.