Don’t Be Stuck

Supporting Travellers to Take the First Step

Don’t Be Stuck is a community-led cancer awareness initiative created with Traveller voices at its centre.

THE RESOURCES ARE BEING PILOTED WITH THE TRAVELLER COMMUNITY IN EARLY 2026 BEFORE BEING ROLLED OUT. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING INVOLVED IN THE PILOT OR SHARING YOUR FEEDBACK PLEASE CONTACT: Julianne.Prendiville@hse.ie

Don’t Be Stuck is about raising awareness around cancer and making it easier to:

• Notice when something doesn’t feel right

• Talk to someone you trust

• Get support early

This work recognises that health decisions don’t happen in a vacuum. They are shaped by experience, trust, and how people are treated — inside the community and by wider systems.

Why 'Don’t Be Stuck?’

Delays in seeking care can be life threatening but are not personal failings.

For many Travellers, fear, silence, or avoidance come from real experiences:

• Not being listened to

• Being judged or talked down to

• Feeling unsafe, embarrassed, or unwelcome

• Worrying about cost, privacy, or bad news

These experiences matter. They need to be recognised — not dismissed.

Change happens when:

• People are supported, not lectured, stigmatised or excluded

• Trust is built, not expected

• Services take responsibility for how accessible and respectful they are

The Role of Champions and Support

Trusted people make a difference.

Champions, peers, family members, and community workers often help someone take their first step — sometimes before any professional is involved.

Don’t Be Stuck aims to develop a network of support to encourage:

• Gentle conversations

• Listening without judgement

• Small next steps

• Standing alongside someone, not pushing them

You don’t need all the answers.
You just need to help make the step feel safer.

Practical Resources

The Don’t Be Stuck resources are designed to be flexible, respectful, and easy to use.
They can be used together or on their own — in community spaces, training, or everyday conversations.

• Don’t Be Stuck Animation
  A short, story-based animation using everyday Traveller lived experiences to open conversations about cancer awareness and early action.
  Useful for group sessions, one-to-one conversations, or sharing online.

• Traveller Champion Training Plan
  A practical, confidence-building session to support people to have real conversations and help others take the first step.

• Prompt Cards – “Taking the First Step” & “Champion in Action”
  Conversation starters based on real experiences, supporting listening, reassurance, and gentle encouragement.

• Spot the Signs of Cancer - Info Sheet
  A clear, visual guide to symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored, reinforcing the importance of getting checked early.

• Recommendations for Workers and Services
  Guidance for health and community staff on trust-building, plain language, privacy, and system-wide responsibility for inclusive, anti-racist practice.

• Trifold Brochure – Don’t Be Stuck
  A simple fold-out leaflet sharing key messages, everyday stories, and where to get help. Ideal for Traveller centres, health settings, and community spaces.

You don’t need to use everything.
Share the animation, pass on the leaflet, deliver a session, have a supportive conversation, every action could make a difference.

Where to Get Help (Ireland)

If something doesn’t feel right, support is available:

Your GP / Local Doctor
You can bring someone you trust with you.

Traveller Health Projects and Traveller Centres
Trusted people who can help explain, book, or attend appointments.

Free National Screening Programmes

• CervicalCheck – www.hse.ie/cervicalcheck

• BreastCheck – www.hse.ie/breastcheck

• BowelScreen – www.hse.ie/bowelscreen

Irish Cancer Society Free Support Line
📞 1800 200 700

HSE Live
📞 1800 700 700

Acknowledgements

These resources were developed by Becky Hatchett in partnership with HSE, through a series of workshops and focus groups with the Traveller community, and are informed by research and lived experience.

The project was initiated and produced by The Cork & Kerry Traveller Health Action Group (THAG), in partnership with the HSE and Traveller organisations including KTHCDP, TNC, ECT, WCT, and TVG.

Supported by the Collaboration and Innovation Fund, with funding from the Government of Ireland, the European Union and SOLAS.