Roma Family Welfare
In the summer of 2012, Peta visited the Albufeira Marina Roma community to see if they needed some help with their horses as part of ARC Horse Welfare. After visiting the camp, she decided she could not just help their horses when their children were in desperate need of basic medical care. She started visiting regularly and finding out what their needs were, and also looking into what benefits they get from the state. There are 6 families, with 30 people in the camp.
Some members were receiving benefits, but others were not able to for various reasons. Their level of income was clearly not sufficient to feed themselves, let alone provide medical care for their children. In addition the girls were leaving school early and starting families very young, and Peta started researching ways to provide them with higher education opportunities.
Peta approached ACCA childrens charity, who kindly offered to help provide funds for the children's dental, optical and ear care, as well as provide new baby packs. She also provided basic staple foods, clothing and baby equipment to them where possible.
This project was discontinued in 2015 due to limited funding and resources.
Media articles
The long road to integration by the Algarve Resident
Gypsies on the road to integration by Portugal Newswatch.
Portugal looks to “promote integration” of Roma gypsy communities by the Portugal News Online
Some members were receiving benefits, but others were not able to for various reasons. Their level of income was clearly not sufficient to feed themselves, let alone provide medical care for their children. In addition the girls were leaving school early and starting families very young, and Peta started researching ways to provide them with higher education opportunities.
Peta approached ACCA childrens charity, who kindly offered to help provide funds for the children's dental, optical and ear care, as well as provide new baby packs. She also provided basic staple foods, clothing and baby equipment to them where possible.
This project was discontinued in 2015 due to limited funding and resources.
Media articles
The long road to integration by the Algarve Resident
Gypsies on the road to integration by Portugal Newswatch.
Portugal looks to “promote integration” of Roma gypsy communities by the Portugal News Online
How we helped

The Roma Family Welfare project between 2013-2015 did provide:
- - Specialist health care for children such as dental, optical and ear care;
- - Prescriptions for children;
- - Basic supplies such as clothing and food;
- - Baby starter packs (nappies, shampoo etc.).