Travellers are six times more likely to die by suicide than members of the general public, according to a study.

A conference is being held this morning to discuss mental health issues among the community.

It has heard issues like accommodation, education and lack of services are all having an affect on the mental health of Travellers.

Organiser Patricia McKeever from Exchange House says psychological well-being is not discussed within the community.

She said: “There are elements of the community that are very outspoken and very vocal around promoting mental health and preventing suicide, and then there’s other elements of the community, just like in wider society, that are scared and unsure of what to do.

“And it is towards that element which we are trying to reach out and give people better understanding, training and education around it.”