Overall Need: Personal space and privacy are essential for Traveller children, particularly as they grow older. Housing solutions must provide adequate space for personal development, with recreational areas that allow for independence and reflection. 03 Basic Needs Group Housing Schemes & Halting Sites: Children in these settings often raise concerns about infrastructure, such as poor plumbing, inadequate heating, and general disrepair, which negatively impact their living conditions. Standard Housing: Children in standard housing tend to emphasise the comfort and stability of living in a house, particularly valuing warmth and privacy. Overall Need: Basic needs such as proper infrastructure and home maintenance are universal. Children in group housing schemes and halting sites require better facilities, while those in standard housing seek privacy and space within already comfortable environments. 04 Cultural Identity and Tradition Group Housing Schemes & Halting Sites: Children here express a strong desire to live among other Travellers to maintain cultural traditions, such as funeral rites and outdoor living. Standard Housing: While children in standard housing acknowledge the importance of cultural traditions, they tend to focus more on practical aspects of living, such as comfort and space, rather than visible expressions of Traveller culture. Overall Need: Cultural identity is more prominent for children in halting sites and group housing schemes. Housing solutions should allow for flexibility, incorporating traditional elements like trailers or yards for those who value them while recognising that not all children prioritise these features.
Key Themes Across All Environments
01 Community and Social Bonds Group Housing Schemes & Halting Sites: Children in these environments emphasise the importance of community ties, particularly the proximity to extended family. The Traveller community’s shared lifestyle and support network create a strong sense of belonging. This sense of closeness becomes particularly significant during important events such as funerals, where community support is vital. Standard Housing: Children in standard housing also value family proximity but place more emphasis on immediate family rather than the broader Traveller community. Social relationships within their neighbourhood are viewed positively, though there is less focus on living near other Traveller families. Overall Need: The centrality of family and community is critical for Traveller children. While extended family networks are more important in group housing schemes and halting sites, children in standard housing focus more on immediate family. Future housing solutions should consider the importance of these family and community bonds. 02 Personal Space and Privacy Group Housing Schemes & Halting Sites: A lack of personal space is a common concern. Children express frustration with cramped conditions and limited privacy, especially as they grow older. Many desire private rooms or trailers, associating privacy with independence and adulthood. Standard Housing: Children in standard housing also emphasise the importance of personal space, particularly having their own rooms. Privacy becomes increasingly important during adolescence as they seek independence.
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