A short report on an

assessment into the

accommodation, learning and

health needs of families on

Stable Way (2014)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The Westway Development Trust (WDT) as part of its ongoing involvement with the families on Stable Way commissioned this assessment in Oct 2013.

1.2. The assessment was undertaken between Oct 13 – Jan 14 by Phil Regan, a freelancer engaged by the WDT.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1. Made official in 1976, Stable Way (formerly the Westway Travellers site) has been a traditional stopping place for Gypsies and Irish Travellers for centuries. With 20 pitches it is home to Irish Traveller families comprising approximately 100 people.

2.2. For the past ten years, WDT has been funding work with families on Stable Way. In 2011 to help inform that work it commissioned a report by Regan and Ahmed into the ‘Learning Needs and Opportunities of families on Stable Way’. At a seminar in May of that year that report presented a number of recommendations to support Traveller inclusion in learning, training and employment.

2.3. Recently WDT has undergone an organisational re-structuring and with that, a review of how it engages best with the communities it serves. This assessment is presented to inform that WDT review.

3. ASSESSMENT AIMS

3.1. The study aims:

1. To identify and describe the family accommodation, learning and health needs of Irish Travellers on Stable Way; and 2. To set out a programme of future activity that is agreed with families on Stable Way

4. METHODOLOGY

4.1. This assessment is based within an ongoing

piece of Participatory Action research. Given that the research has an explicit remit of

seeking Irish Traveller views in enhancing community engagement, equality and social justice, a Participatory Action Research methodology has been adopted. See Regan and Ahmed (2011) for a fuller discussion of the methodology.

5. RESEARCH TOOLS

5.1. Research tools used for this assessment included: 1. Semi-structured interviews with families on Stable Way 2. Report sign-off consultation 3. Document collection and analysis

5.2. Semi-structured interviews with families on Stable Way Interviews were conducted with 17 Irish Traveller people on Stable Way during Oct13 – Jan 14. Interviews took place in 13 of the 20 pitches (including Triangle site) resulting in a 65% total pitch sample. On 4 pitches 2 interviews were carried out and one interview each with the remaining 9 pitches.

5.3. The sample comprised 5 males (29%) and 12 females (71%).

5.4. The majority of respondents were aged 25-49 (76%); 12% were aged 19-24; and 12% were aged 50-75

5.5. Respondents were asked to indicate the numbers of adults, young people and children living with them at the time of the survey. In total 31 adults (age 19+), 11 young people (age 11-18) and 22 children (age 0-10) were residing on the 13 pitches. From this two-thirds figure we can estimate that the stable way total population is made up of roughly 100 people.

5.6. Average family size per pitch = 4 to 5 people. However there was wide variation to this, with one pitch accommodating just 1 person and another accommodating 11 people.

5.7. Report sign-off consultation A draft report was provided to each pitch and residents invited to comment either in writing or verbally. In the majority of cases families provided no further comment, although in some cases information was asked to be removed or re-worded.

5.8. Document collection and analysis An examination of documents was undertaken – including minutes of resident meetings; letter communications with RBKC; HF and RBKC Core Strategies; London Plan; LGTU Survey into London Boroughs response to meeting Traveller accommodation need;

5.9. The examination was particularly concerned with a qualitative investigation of the levels of involvement of Irish Travellers in learning; and the impact of health and accommodation inequalities on families on Stable Way.

6. RESEARCH FINDINGS

6.1. The assessment had a clear focus on

accommodation, learning and health. The findings presented here are summary though will be presented more fully in a report published later in 2014.

6.2. To gain an insight into the individual value residents placed on learning, accommodation and health, they were asked to indicate the 3 most important things to them.

6.3. In response there was a clear value placed on family (94%); Health (82%) and Accommodation/Living Conditions (82%).

6.4. Learning – whether school, college, university or training - was not valued as important by the vast majority of respondents.

Table 1: Three most important things as percent of all respondents

% important things

12 Learning

53 Accommodation

82 Health

94 Family

6 Work

6 Freedom of movement

29 Living conditions

12 School

6 Childcare

7. ACCOMMODATION 7.1. Stable Way is placed within a number of

regeneration initiatives. To the west is Hammersmith and Fulham, White City Opportunity Area Development. To the north and immediately adjacent is Westway Development Trust Regeneration Plan. To the east is the RBKC, Silchester Garages site and Latimer Road development.

7.2. Recently the RBKC gained approval for GLA matched funding to develop a triangle piece of land at the entrance to Stable Way. The development was abandoned by the RBKC after negotiations between the residents, WDT and authority officers failed to come up with an agreeable layout.

7.3. The only entrance to the site is a winding road. There has been a continuing conversation about widening the cut through

at the entrance to the site for most of the last 5 years. It is understood from officers, that funding has been granted from the RBKC to WDT and it is not clear why to date this has not happened.

7.4. Participants were asked whether they had a current or future (5-10 years) accommodation need, how much new provision was needed and to identify the type of accommodation best able to meet that need.

7.5. Current sample need: 8 of the 13 (62%) families interviewed did not have a current additional accommodation need.

7.6. Of the remaining 5 (38%) families interviewed, there was a current need for 7 new accommodation units.

7.7. Future sample need: 7 of the 13 (54%) families interviewed indicated they did not have a future additional accommodation need and 1 family (8%) was unsure.

7.8. 5 (38%) families interviewed identified having a future need over the next 5-10 years

7.9. Total Stable Way need: 8 of the 13 (62%) families interviewed indicated that they had a current or future accommodation need.

7.10. Given that this assessment sample was made up of roughly two-thirds of all families we can estimate a total current need for the whole site of 9-10 new accommodation units. This figure is lower than though roughly in keeping with the only London wide research into Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs conducted by Fordhams in 2008 that indentified 12 new pitches needed in RBKC by 2017. http://www.westlondonhousing.org.uk/uploads/London%20GTANA%20final%20report.pdf

7.11. There was concern amongst some respondents that new arrivals to Stable Way were being prioritised, over longer established families.

‘The longest people living on the site and on the waiting list should be priority.’

7.12. It was evident from the discussions that

accommodation was not just about pitches and new sites; it was also about living conditions. Some comments:

We need motorway protection nets to stop people

throwing stuff onto us. I had a heavy car chain link

thrown onto the trailer just before Christmas that has

left dents in it. Imagine if that had been onto a child.

We need more protection from the motorway – sound

barriers and netting.

On the site there is not enough space.

I like the flower beds at the front. Just wish the rest of

the site was in the same way.

Dust and muck from the motorway is constantly falling

on us. I can clean every day though cannot keep up

with it.

Might as well make more use of the Hut as it is just

sitting there empty most days.

7.13. Parking on the site is limited and was clearly an environmental issue for some:

The parking on the site is a danger. Ambulances

cannot get onto the site when needed. I don’t know

what we would do if there was a fire on the site.

Need more parking at the front of the site where the

business units are. Or where the new flower beds are.

7.14. Those 8 residents who had a current or future accommodation need were invited to identify all the types of accommodation that could meet that need.

7.15. In response 87.5% identified additional pitches; 75% a new site and 12.5% a move into bricks and mortar

It’s all about accommodation. Nothing is going to

change unless we get more pitches or a new site.

If move into a house has to be in Kensington because don't want to disrupt children's schooling.

7.16. It was readily acknowledged that the site manager had made a substantial difference to the environment of the site particularly around repairs and maintenance and also provided needed confidential welfare support.

7.17. There was however a concern that the service was not daily as had been initially agreed when the Tenant Management Organisation had been awarded the contract.

Danny is great when it comes to repairs though when he’s on leave or sick no-one is ever on site to cover him. You can phone the [TMO] office though they pay no heed.

8. HEALTH AND WELLBEING

8.1. Disability: All respondents were asked to

indicate if they had a disability. 8.2. 8 of the 17 (47%) respondents indicated that

they did have a disability. This included

mental and physical disabilities. 7 respondents (41%) indicated they did not have a disability and 2 respondents (12%) preferred not to say

8.3. Current Health: Respondents were invited to identify if they currently experience any medical conditions. 3 respondents (18%) preferred not say. Of those 14 people that did answer there was common regularity in some of the experienced health conditions. 79% of respondents reported experiencing migraines/headaches; 64% depression and 57% anxiety.

‘Medical reasons why I am not working. The struggle

to overcome my medical condition and looking after

the children makes other work hard.’

Table 2: Currently experienced medical conditions as a percent of all respondents

% of respondents

Medical condition

14 Heart disease

64 Depression

14 Diabetes

21 Asthma

57 Anxiety

21 Arthritis

79 Migraine/Headaches

7 Sciatica

7 Cataracts

8.4. Since Burchill et al (2005) a high incidence of

anxiety and depression has been reported on

the Westway/Stable Way. Regan and

Ahmed (2011) recommended a ‘more

holistic approach to tackle anxiety and

depression, including counselling’ These

recommendations seem not be being taken

forward.

8.5. Given the health needs, there has been a

lack of continuity in health staffing. Each

time the community start to build

relationships with the health visitor they leave

their post or duties change. During the last

three years three different health visitors

have been involved with Stable Way.

8.6. A new health visitor is now in place and

looking to deliver monthly surgeries on the

site.

8.7. Cigarettes: Respondents were asked to

record if they smoked and how many

cigarettes per day that was.

8.8. In response13 people (76%) identified that

they do not smoke. Of those that did smoke

1 respondent (6%) smoked 5-9 cigarettes per

day and 3 people (18%) smoked 10-19

cigarettes per day.

8.9. Alcohol: Respondents were asked to

indicate if they drank alcohol weekly and how

much they consumed

8.10. In response 8 of the 17 (47%)

respondents identified that they did not drink

weekly with 1 person (6%) preferring not to

say.

Table 3: Weekly alcohol consumption as percent of all respondents

% Units of alcohol consumed weekly

12 2-4

18 5-12

6 13-20

6 41+

47 None

6 Prefer not to say

Some weeks I have none [alcohol] and then may drink

for a bit for a couple of weeks

Looking to slow down and not really drinking at the

moment

Don’t go to the pub unless there is an occasion

When there is a celebration then I drink otherwise do

not drink each week

Go drinking about once a fortnight

I’m not an at-home drinker

8.11. Exercise: Respondents were asked to indicate if they were happy with their bodyweight.

8.12. In response 41% were happy with their body weight with 18% preferring not to say.

8.13. Of those 41% that were not happy with their body weight, there was an across

8.14. gender indication that weight gain was issue.

trying to put on weight though have a fast metabolism trying to do something about it [weight] trough diet and gym Want to put weight on though keeping loosing it through stress got sick and lost stone and a half - need to put weight on

8.15. Respondents were asked how frequently

they exercised each week. 8.16. In response 71% indicated that they did

not formally exercise weekly. 6% exercised 3 times / week and 18% exercised more frequently than 3 times / week.

8.17. On reflection the survey could have better defined the term exercise. From feedback it is evident that what was understood from respondents was that the question related to ‘formal’ exercise’ in a workout or gym. It is evident that many women are informally exercising daily through walking, domestic duties and child rearing.

Can’t [exercise] with my back which gets me down I occasionally jog Walk most days though since illness not as easily as I used to and I get winded easily

9. LEARNING

9.1. Schooling: 14 (82%) of respondents left

school below the age of 16. The remaining 3 (18%) people left school at age 17-18.

9.2. An analysis of age and schooling leaving age reflects something families describe themselves. 100% of age 50-75 respondents left school in contrast to 100% of age 19-24 continuing onto Further Education.

In 2 years, between 12-14 I did all my schooling

I didn’t attend school at all. We were on the move all the time so did not have the chance. I learnt to read and write in prison. We are Travellers and can survive anywhere. Life skills are just as important as anything at school or college. For a long time Travellers have been going to school. It was different in my mum and dad’s days when they were on the move though I went to school and so are my children.

Table 4: Scale ranking of interest in learning as percent of respondents

Interest in developing learning

1 2 3 4 5

% 41 6 12 6 35

9.3. Interest in learning: Residents were asked

to rate how interested they were in

developing their learning, training or

employment opportunities. 1 indicating no

interest and 5 very interested.

9.4. In response 41% (7 people) indicated that

they had no interest in contrast to 35% (6

people) indicating being very interested.

9.5. Those 10 respondents that indicated some

interest in developing their learning (i.e. rated

2 or above) were asked to identify any

barriers to taking their learning forward.

Table 5: Barriers to learning as percent of all respondents

No. of people Barrier to learning

5 Childcare

5 Confidence

4 Cost

4 Lack of information

4 Transport

4 Family commitment

4 Time commitment

1 Prefer not to say

9.6. Those same 10 respondents were also asked

to indicate how much time they could commit each week to develop their learning, training or employment opportunities.

9.7. Those same 10 people were also asked

where any learning or training should be delivered.

9.8. There was a strong indication (60%) that any new learning or training opportunities should take place on Stable Way.

9.9. Respondents were asked to indicate whether

they are currently or have been since leaving

school involved in adult education activities.

9.10. More than half of all respondents (53%)

had been involved in informal or formal

learning adult learning activities during the

last 3 years. This included informal activities

like sewing, cooking and computer sessions

and also formal qualifications like BTEC

Gypsy Traveller Site Management, BTEC

Hair and Beauty and CPC training.

Feel that the course was a waste of money because

nothing has come out of it - no paid work.

I did CPC Training in 2013 funded by the Westway Development Trust

9.11. Learning/Training Need: Residents

were asked to indicate the types of learning activities they were interested in taking forward.

9.12. There was a strong statement that any new learning needs to be in a short course format, with clear tangible outcomes and preferably accredited.

9.13. Often learning activities in the past, particularly the informal ones have been targeted at Children/Young People and women. Activities for the men should be explored e.g. sport (fishing).

9.14. One of the men on Stable Way was delivering Boxing sessions at the Harrow Club to young men and women in the Borough. Something like this would be welcomed again.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

currently during the last 3 years

not in the last 3 years

none

Graph 1: Residents involvement in adult education

Table 6: Respondents time commitment to future learning opportunities.

Time commitment each week

1-2 hrs

3-5 hrs

1-day 2-3 days

full week

% 40 30 0 20 10

Table 7: Respondents preferred location for future learning opportunities.

Location of any new training or learning

On

Sta

ble

Wa

y

Ne

ar

Sta

ble

Way

In R

BK

C

In L

on

do

n

On

line

An

yw

he

re

% 60 20 10 10 0 10

Table 8: Respondents preferred learning activities

% of respondents

Type of activity

18 ICT

18 English

41 Cooking/Baking

35 Job related training

35 Sewing

24 Trade Skills

24 Learning that led to qualifications

6 Tutoring support for young people at secondary school

12 Job/work experience

6 Maths

6 Floristry

12 Hair and Beauty

6 Things for children – drama

6 Sports activities for young people

Personally need a job that is paid part-time work

I would like to have another go at sewing. By time I

acknowledged it was happening it was the last lot of

sessions. Learning for the men, particularly for the

younger ones should be trades like brickwork. I would

like to learn how to use a laptop

Training to help with employment - JCB, HGV and 360'

driving. Architect would be brilliant though I’d be no

good at that. Didn’t mind driving the machines. Any

training should be short and help towards employment.

I know I can drive though need the paper, and I want

to earn.

The Hut should be open 3/4 days week to give mums

a break. Don’t need Country people to tell us how to

look after children. We have young people who have

reared kids who could help out and give parents a

break.

Something I can do with my hands - electrical training

or plumbing.

Should be training for machinery - truck driving.

Qualifications in site management for foreman jobs

Extra tutoring for the kids. My daughter is going to

school though she could really do with extra help.

When I first hear about things I have interest though

loose that after going along.

My preferred career is hairdressing though I need to

build up confidence. Would like to work in

hairdressers for extra training.

Would like to have my own shop of some kind - Bistro.

Rather do something short for say 6 weeks - that was

clear on what was to be produced and had a short

turnaround on getting qualification

The kids loved the residentials last year and there

should be more for the kids and parents

10. RECOMMENDATIONS 10.1. Meeting accommodation need is crucial in

looking to tackle other inequalities in health and learning. There is a clear needs assessment of 9-10 new pitches. This should be the primary focus.

10.2. Living conditions can be much improved by providing a footpath at the beginning of the Stable Way, improved parking and improving safety from the motorway through sound proofing and some form of net protection.

10.3. Anxiety and Depression are clear health issues that have been repeatedly identified in research. There is perhaps not a straightforward solution here, though this should be identified in Local Authority Health Strategies and targeted funding be made available to help address this persistent need.

10.4. Families are highly skilled though with few qualifications. Accredited, employment focussed training and learning are key to addressing some needs

10.5. The Mini-Club activity be staffed in part by members of the community. If not paid then could the placement be counted towards an award in childcare.

10.6. The ‘Hut’ could be more utilised. One suggestion is to continue the baking / cooking sessions. This would require some refurbishment of the kitchen area beforehand.

10.7. Stakeholders to remember the ‘not about us without us’ ethos that is the cornerstone of good development activity. Strong recommendation that any funding application to work with or support families should be discussed at the residents meeting prior to submission.