Travellers’ poor literacy skills raises drug concerns

POOR literacy skills are blocking Travellers’ access to drug treatment services, a new study found yesterday.

The research, the first of its kind, was carried out by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD).

The snapshot study of Travellers found the ethnic group face a number of risks with drug use. Launching the report, committee chairman Des Corrigan explained: “Travellers are facing barriers in terms of accessing services due to a number of factors including a lack of awareness of the services available, what these services do and the stigma or embarrassment felt about attending a drugs service for treatment and support.”