Pavee Point has been concerned for many years about the lack of knowledge among young Travellers about sex education. Most young people get their information about sexual relationships and sex education from school or parents. In Pavee Point we recognise that many Traveller parents often do not feel equipped to discuss these issues with their children. Traditionally it has been a taboo subject among Travellers, although this is changing. The fact that the majority of young Travellers are early school leavers also means that many of them do not have the opportunity of informing themselves in the formal education system.

This project was funded by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency and aimed to:

– Undertake research to capture the views of young Travellers and Traveller parents on their attitudes and knowledge about sexual relationships and sex education

– Develop and pilot culturally appropriate training modules for professionals (including youth workers and health service personnel) to deliver sexual relationship education to young Travellers and Traveller parents

This research report is the first time Traveller attitudes to sexual relationships and sex education has been documented and published as a discreet report. We see it as providing baseline information on attitudes and knowledge among Travellers and the findings have been used to inform the development of our training modules. We hope to build on this work in the coming years.