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Welcome to the national Federation of gypsy liaison groups
Please note the new e-mail address for NFGLG is natglg@outlook.com
UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation
Have for some years supported and developed commemoration and learning in relation to the Holocaust (also known as Porajmos or Samadaripen, dependent on dialect). We actively encourage groups to take part in January 27th Holocaust Memorial Day. We especially promote work which demonstrates communities coming together.
Derby City has worked with the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group for a number of years and the many communities, Jewish, Christian and Moslem come together for events across the City.
This is very importantly for commemoration not protest or retribution.
On May 29th 2014 NFGLG arranged a consultation in Birmingham as part of a wider two day training network with the Government Holocaust Commission.
We had the exhibition on show “Through the Eyes of Children” to illustrate the work that we have undertaken.
We understand that at the moment work is on hold as the new Prime minister needs to support this iniative, we hope that she will continue to support this very important work.
NFGLG hope that there will be wider consultation and that Gypsy and Roma/Sinti communities will be able to explain their thoughts and ideas on the new learning centre.
Siobhan Spencer MBE from NFGLG was invited on to the Testimony Education Group.
Please note that the Government Holocaust Memorial Foundation does not have anything to do with the Imperial War Museum exhibitions, they are totally separate although there is IWM representation on the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation.
Please write to us or e mail to show your support in the learning centre with recognition of the Roma /Sinti Holocaust and we will collate a letter to Theresa May so that we can ensure the future work.
To date
- Barker Langham are producing a Concept Paper to help UKHMF develop its thinking on the content of the Learning Centre.
- Experts in the field are contributing to this work, focussing particularly on the themes of education, scaling existing work, testimony and other forms of evidence.
-
.The final Concept Paper - will form the blueprint for the development of the Learning Centre going forward.
Follow progress at twitter handle: @ukhmf
More information on the DGLG website here
Have for some years supported and developed commemoration and learning in relation to the Holocaust (also known as Porajmos or Samadaripen, dependent on dialect). We actively encourage groups to take part in January 27th Holocaust Memorial Day. We especially promote work which demonstrates communities coming together.
Derby City has worked with the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group for a number of years and the many communities, Jewish, Christian and Moslem come together for events across the City.
This is very importantly for commemoration not protest or retribution.
On May 29th 2014 NFGLG arranged a consultation in Birmingham as part of a wider two day training network with the Government Holocaust Commission.
We had the exhibition on show “Through the Eyes of Children” to illustrate the work that we have undertaken.
We understand that at the moment work is on hold as the new Prime minister needs to support this iniative, we hope that she will continue to support this very important work.
NFGLG hope that there will be wider consultation and that Gypsy and Roma/Sinti communities will be able to explain their thoughts and ideas on the new learning centre.
Siobhan Spencer MBE from NFGLG was invited on to the Testimony Education Group.
Please note that the Government Holocaust Memorial Foundation does not have anything to do with the Imperial War Museum exhibitions, they are totally separate although there is IWM representation on the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation.
Please write to us or e mail to show your support in the learning centre with recognition of the Roma /Sinti Holocaust and we will collate a letter to Theresa May so that we can ensure the future work.
To date
- Barker Langham are producing a Concept Paper to help UKHMF develop its thinking on the content of the Learning Centre.
- Experts in the field are contributing to this work, focussing particularly on the themes of education, scaling existing work, testimony and other forms of evidence.
-
.The final Concept Paper - will form the blueprint for the development of the Learning Centre going forward.
Follow progress at twitter handle: @ukhmf
More information on the DGLG website here
Beyond stereotypes: Understanding the ‘Roma’
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company are pleased to welcome delegates on Wednesday 20th July 2016 at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff to a stimulating training session focused on practical steps to working with Roma communities.
Training delivered by Roma, about Roma
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company is unique - a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller-led organisation that develops the community it serves from the inside-out.
We provide a deep insight into everything ‘GRT’ in a way no other organisation can.
Who should attend this training?
The training would be of benefit to anyone interested in understanding better who the ‘Roma’ are, their current and past experiences and understand better the Romani identities and cultural practices. Thus, any professional who interact European ‘Roma’ is encouraged to attend this seminar. This could be particularly useful for those who work in Planning, Housing and Accommodation, Equality, Health, Education, Social Services and the Early Years.
Why should you attend this training?
It will assist you to:
To increase appreciation about the cultural diversity and dimensions of Romani identities and to generate trust and understanding between Roma communities and local authority service providers.
Learning Objectives
By the end the session participants will have:
There will only be 50 places available so please book early to avoid disappointment. The cost for the day (to include light refreshments, lunch & VAT) is £130.00 per delegate, if you book before the Friday 8th July and £145.00 if you book between 8th July and 15th July Places will only be secured with a confirmed payment.
Please email for a booking form to: isaacblake@romaniarts.co.uk
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company are pleased to welcome delegates on Wednesday 20th July 2016 at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff to a stimulating training session focused on practical steps to working with Roma communities.
Training delivered by Roma, about Roma
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company is unique - a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller-led organisation that develops the community it serves from the inside-out.
We provide a deep insight into everything ‘GRT’ in a way no other organisation can.
Who should attend this training?
The training would be of benefit to anyone interested in understanding better who the ‘Roma’ are, their current and past experiences and understand better the Romani identities and cultural practices. Thus, any professional who interact European ‘Roma’ is encouraged to attend this seminar. This could be particularly useful for those who work in Planning, Housing and Accommodation, Equality, Health, Education, Social Services and the Early Years.
Why should you attend this training?
It will assist you to:
- Be more culturally aware and informed about the ‘Roma’ issues
- Help you engage more effectively with the Roma populations in your area
- Be understanding and informed about their identities and cultures
- Help eliminate some misconceptions about the Roma, increase your awareness and engagement with them.
To increase appreciation about the cultural diversity and dimensions of Romani identities and to generate trust and understanding between Roma communities and local authority service providers.
Learning Objectives
- Get a better understanding who the ‘Roma’ are
- Provide an insight about their diversity
- Shed light into the main needs, issues and reasons for Romani migrations
- Discuss their ‘role’ and place in the societies they occupy
- Provide a glimpse and a snapshot of their cultural practices
- Encourage a thinking about the future of the ‘Roma’ in Europe
By the end the session participants will have:
- Increased their knowledge of often used terms such as ‘Roma’ and ‘Romani’ and about their meanings
- Be able to identify and understand better the cultural heritage and practices of ‘Roma’ in Europe
- Be able to challenge some of the stagnant and predominant beliefs surrounding the ‘Roma’
- Increased their knowledge about the diversity of ‘Roma,’ their identities and cultural practices
- Have benefited from a training run by ‘insiders’ and been exposed to their stories and perspectives
- Become more informed and aware about their past and contemporary histories, place, challenges and circumstances
There will only be 50 places available so please book early to avoid disappointment. The cost for the day (to include light refreshments, lunch & VAT) is £130.00 per delegate, if you book before the Friday 8th July and £145.00 if you book between 8th July and 15th July Places will only be secured with a confirmed payment.
Please email for a booking form to: isaacblake@romaniarts.co.uk
Appleby Fair 4th and 5th of June 2016 Borderline Film Festival
Please come and see these films, including a film about Riley Smith Tap dancer who featured in NFGLG A Gypsy's Tale Project.
Download flier here
Please come and see these films, including a film about Riley Smith Tap dancer who featured in NFGLG A Gypsy's Tale Project.
Download flier here
A JOB OPPORTUNITY IN BRUSSELS:
ERGO Network (www.ergonetwork.org) is hiring a full-time Programme Coordinator to join its team in Brussels. Please read the call with the job description here.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and motivation letter to info@ergonetwork.org by May 20th, 2016, 23:59 CET, indicating in the subject of the email “Application Programme Coordinator”. This email address can also be used for further information and questions.
ERGO will review the applications on a rolling base. Successful candidates will be invited for interviews in Brussels on May 18th, 23rd, and 24th May. Skype interviews will also be taken into consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be noti
ERGO Network (www.ergonetwork.org) is hiring a full-time Programme Coordinator to join its team in Brussels. Please read the call with the job description here.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and motivation letter to info@ergonetwork.org by May 20th, 2016, 23:59 CET, indicating in the subject of the email “Application Programme Coordinator”. This email address can also be used for further information and questions.
ERGO will review the applications on a rolling base. Successful candidates will be invited for interviews in Brussels on May 18th, 23rd, and 24th May. Skype interviews will also be taken into consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be noti
Improving health outcomes for GRT communities
NFGLG's Policy Officer Adrian Jones recently spoke at the "Health and Diversity in Birmingham" event. For copies of Adrian's Powerpoint presentation please look on our "Policy" page.
NFGLG's Policy Officer Adrian Jones recently spoke at the "Health and Diversity in Birmingham" event. For copies of Adrian's Powerpoint presentation please look on our "Policy" page.
EU Referendum
The key messages :
● If you are not already registered to vote, you must register by 07 June to have a say in the EU Referendum which takes place on 23 June
● You can register online and it just takes a couple of minutes
● You’ll need your national insurance (NI) number to hand, which can be found on payslips or student loan forms
● If you can’t find your NI number please visit the NI help service
● If you are going to be away on 23 June you can apply for a postal or proxy vote (where someone votes on your behalf)
● Register at Gov.uk
The key messages :
● If you are not already registered to vote, you must register by 07 June to have a say in the EU Referendum which takes place on 23 June
● You can register online and it just takes a couple of minutes
● You’ll need your national insurance (NI) number to hand, which can be found on payslips or student loan forms
● If you can’t find your NI number please visit the NI help service
● If you are going to be away on 23 June you can apply for a postal or proxy vote (where someone votes on your behalf)
● Register at Gov.uk
"Children Rewarded for Study"
Rooftop Housing Group and the Worcestershire Traveller Education Service (TES) have rewarded star pupils with laptops to help them study. Children from the Gypsy and Traveller community are amongst the lowest achieving groups in schools in England, with typically low attendance. The TES and Rooftop Housing Group have been working together to turn this trend around and to give children from the Houndsfield Lane community something to work towards. The project motivates children that fall below an 85% attendance rate to stay in school, and get the best opportunities that education can bring them. 5 Children who now have over 90% attendance were awarded laptops by Rooftop Housing Group’s Chief Executive Ian Hughes at a special ceremony held at Wythall Library. Tony Henderson Rooftops’ Gypsy and Traveller Project Manager said “this is an exciting project that will help and enable the children at Houndsfield Lane to achieve educational outcomes and is the first step in Rooftop delivering more than just housing to our Gypsy and Traveller customers”.
To see more go to: http://www.rooftopgroup.org/about/news/general-news/children-rewarded-for-study/"
Rooftop Housing Group and the Worcestershire Traveller Education Service (TES) have rewarded star pupils with laptops to help them study. Children from the Gypsy and Traveller community are amongst the lowest achieving groups in schools in England, with typically low attendance. The TES and Rooftop Housing Group have been working together to turn this trend around and to give children from the Houndsfield Lane community something to work towards. The project motivates children that fall below an 85% attendance rate to stay in school, and get the best opportunities that education can bring them. 5 Children who now have over 90% attendance were awarded laptops by Rooftop Housing Group’s Chief Executive Ian Hughes at a special ceremony held at Wythall Library. Tony Henderson Rooftops’ Gypsy and Traveller Project Manager said “this is an exciting project that will help and enable the children at Houndsfield Lane to achieve educational outcomes and is the first step in Rooftop delivering more than just housing to our Gypsy and Traveller customers”.
To see more go to: http://www.rooftopgroup.org/about/news/general-news/children-rewarded-for-study/"
“Equalities in Action: working with Gypsies, Roma, Travellers, Showpeople”- TRAINING DAY
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company are pleased to welcome delegates on 29th April 2016 to a stimulating training session focused on practical steps to working with the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showpeople communities.
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company is unique - a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller-led organisation that develops the community it serves from the inside-out.
We provide a deep insight into everything ‘GRT’ in a way no other organisation can.
Who should attend this training?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in ensuring that their services are inclusive and accessible for the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and Showpeople. It would be particularly useful for those who work in planning, housing and accommodation, equality, health, education, social services and the early years.
Why should you attend this training?
It will assist you to:
• Ensure effective engagement with the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and Showpeople, in your particular area
• Be understanding and informed in your interactions with people from the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and Showpeople
• Be better able to assess the service needs that address the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and Showpeople in Wales
Aims
To increase awareness about the cultural diversity in Wales, to address issues and needs of Gypsy, Roma, Travellers and others in Wales, to inspire and improve the services and provision delivered to GRT communities and to generate trust and understanding between GRT communities and local authority service providers.
Learning Objectives
• To achieve a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the needs of GRT communities, from a local authority perspective;
• To develop a level of knowledge that will enhance and inform local authority officers’ interactions with individuals and groups from the GRT communities in their areas and localities;
• To introduce knowledge regarding the important differences between Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and Showpeople, their cultures, languages and origins, insofar as is useful to participants in the training, with the aim of inspiring best practice and improving service delivery;
• To introduce to participants examples of community members who are role models and who can challenge the prevailing stereotypes of Romani and Travellers or the negative images of Roma and Showpeople, present in media and popular press.
Outcomes
By the end the session participants will have:
• Increased their knowledge of the culture, traditions and history of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities (this includes a timeline of key historical events and legislation);
• Developed an understanding of diversity within the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities (that is, who are Gypsies, Roma and Travellers?);
• Increased their awareness regarding the prejudice and discrimination faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in Wales and more widely across the UK;
• Identified obstacles to access and attitudinal issues or barriers in education, health, employment, accommodation, safeguarding and other public services, that inhibit the delivery of quality provision to GRT communities;
• Improved participants’ understandings of how to engage effectively with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community and what they can do to address exclusion and ensure inclusion in the delivery of services;
• Developed an Action Plan that will put their learning into practice, in the workplace;
• Established a baseline of knowledge and support that can be accessed to assist officers.
There will only be 50 places available so please book early to avoid disappointment. The cost for the day (to include light refreshments, lunch & VAT) is £130.00 per delegate, if you book before the Friday 8th April and £145.00 if you book between 8th April and 15th April. Places will only be secured with a confirmed payment.
Please email for a booking form to: isaacblake@romaniarts.co.uk
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company are pleased to welcome delegates on 29th April 2016 to a stimulating training session focused on practical steps to working with the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showpeople communities.
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company is unique - a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller-led organisation that develops the community it serves from the inside-out.
We provide a deep insight into everything ‘GRT’ in a way no other organisation can.
Who should attend this training?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in ensuring that their services are inclusive and accessible for the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and Showpeople. It would be particularly useful for those who work in planning, housing and accommodation, equality, health, education, social services and the early years.
Why should you attend this training?
It will assist you to:
• Ensure effective engagement with the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and Showpeople, in your particular area
• Be understanding and informed in your interactions with people from the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and Showpeople
• Be better able to assess the service needs that address the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and Showpeople in Wales
Aims
To increase awareness about the cultural diversity in Wales, to address issues and needs of Gypsy, Roma, Travellers and others in Wales, to inspire and improve the services and provision delivered to GRT communities and to generate trust and understanding between GRT communities and local authority service providers.
Learning Objectives
• To achieve a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the needs of GRT communities, from a local authority perspective;
• To develop a level of knowledge that will enhance and inform local authority officers’ interactions with individuals and groups from the GRT communities in their areas and localities;
• To introduce knowledge regarding the important differences between Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and Showpeople, their cultures, languages and origins, insofar as is useful to participants in the training, with the aim of inspiring best practice and improving service delivery;
• To introduce to participants examples of community members who are role models and who can challenge the prevailing stereotypes of Romani and Travellers or the negative images of Roma and Showpeople, present in media and popular press.
Outcomes
By the end the session participants will have:
• Increased their knowledge of the culture, traditions and history of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities (this includes a timeline of key historical events and legislation);
• Developed an understanding of diversity within the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities (that is, who are Gypsies, Roma and Travellers?);
• Increased their awareness regarding the prejudice and discrimination faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in Wales and more widely across the UK;
• Identified obstacles to access and attitudinal issues or barriers in education, health, employment, accommodation, safeguarding and other public services, that inhibit the delivery of quality provision to GRT communities;
• Improved participants’ understandings of how to engage effectively with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community and what they can do to address exclusion and ensure inclusion in the delivery of services;
• Developed an Action Plan that will put their learning into practice, in the workplace;
• Established a baseline of knowledge and support that can be accessed to assist officers.
There will only be 50 places available so please book early to avoid disappointment. The cost for the day (to include light refreshments, lunch & VAT) is £130.00 per delegate, if you book before the Friday 8th April and £145.00 if you book between 8th April and 15th April. Places will only be secured with a confirmed payment.
Please email for a booking form to: isaacblake@romaniarts.co.uk
WORKING WITH GYPSY, ROMA & TRAVELLER COMMUNITIES’ - TRAINING DAY
Information and booking form download here
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company are pleased to welcome delegates on 22nd February 2016 to a stimulating training session focused on ‘working with the Gypsy, Roma & Traveller community’.
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company is unique - a Gypsy, Roma & Traveller-led organisation that develops the community it serves from the inside-out.
We provide a deep insight into everything ‘GRT’ in a way no other organisation can.
Who should attend this training?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in ensuring that their services are inclusive and accessible for the Gypsy,Roma and Traveller communities. It would be particularly useful for those who work in planning, housing and accommodation, equality, health, education, social services and the early years.
Why should you attend this training?
It will assist you to:
Ensure effective engagement with the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities in your particular area
Be understanding and informed in your interactions with people from the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities
Be better able to assess the service needs that address the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities in Wales
Aims
To increase awareness about the cultural diversity in Wales, to address issues and needs of Gypsy, Roma, Travellers in Wales, to inspire and improve the services and provision delivered to GRT communities and to generate trust and understanding between GRT communities and local authority service providers.
Learning Objectives
• To achieve a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the needs of GRT communities, from a local authority perspective;
• To develop a level of knowledge that will enhance and inform local authority officers’ interactions with individuals and groups from the GRT communities in their areas and localities;
• To introduce knowledge regarding the important differences between Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and their cultures, languages and origins, insofar as is useful to participants in the training, with the aim of inspiring best practice and improving service delivery;
• To introduce to participants examples of community members who are role models and who can challenge the prevailing stereotypes of Gypsies and Travellers or the negative images of Roma, present in media and popular press;
Outcomes
By the end the session participants will have:
• Increased their knowledge of the culture, traditions and history of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities (this includes a timeline of key historical events and legislation);
• Developed an understanding of diversity within the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities (that is, who are Gypsies, Roma and Travellers?);
• Increased their awareness regarding the prejudice and discrimination faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in Wales and more widely across the UK;
• Identified obstacles to access and attitudinal issues or barriers in education, health, employment, accommodation, safeguarding and other public services, that inhibit the delivery of quality provision to GRT communities;
• Improved participants’ understandings of how to engage effectively with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community and what they can do to address exclusion and ensure inclusion in the delivery of services;
• Developed an Action Plan that will put their learning into practice, in the workplace;
• Established a baseline of knowledge and support that can be accessed to assist officers.
There will only be 50 places available so please book early to avoid disappointment. The cost for the day (to include light refreshments, lunch & VAT) is £130.00 per
delegate, if you book before the Monday 8th February and £145.00 if you book between 8th February and 19th February. Places will only be secured with a confirmed payment.
To find out more go to http://www.romaniarts.co.uk/working-with-gypsy-roma-traveller-communities-training-day
or contact Isaac Blake directly:
Tel: 02920 786 439
Mob: 07854 412 097
Email: isaacblake@romaniarts.co.uk
Information and booking form download here
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company are pleased to welcome delegates on 22nd February 2016 to a stimulating training session focused on ‘working with the Gypsy, Roma & Traveller community’.
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company is unique - a Gypsy, Roma & Traveller-led organisation that develops the community it serves from the inside-out.
We provide a deep insight into everything ‘GRT’ in a way no other organisation can.
Who should attend this training?
This course is suitable for anyone interested in ensuring that their services are inclusive and accessible for the Gypsy,Roma and Traveller communities. It would be particularly useful for those who work in planning, housing and accommodation, equality, health, education, social services and the early years.
Why should you attend this training?
It will assist you to:
Ensure effective engagement with the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities in your particular area
Be understanding and informed in your interactions with people from the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities
Be better able to assess the service needs that address the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities in Wales
Aims
To increase awareness about the cultural diversity in Wales, to address issues and needs of Gypsy, Roma, Travellers in Wales, to inspire and improve the services and provision delivered to GRT communities and to generate trust and understanding between GRT communities and local authority service providers.
Learning Objectives
• To achieve a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the needs of GRT communities, from a local authority perspective;
• To develop a level of knowledge that will enhance and inform local authority officers’ interactions with individuals and groups from the GRT communities in their areas and localities;
• To introduce knowledge regarding the important differences between Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities and their cultures, languages and origins, insofar as is useful to participants in the training, with the aim of inspiring best practice and improving service delivery;
• To introduce to participants examples of community members who are role models and who can challenge the prevailing stereotypes of Gypsies and Travellers or the negative images of Roma, present in media and popular press;
Outcomes
By the end the session participants will have:
• Increased their knowledge of the culture, traditions and history of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities (this includes a timeline of key historical events and legislation);
• Developed an understanding of diversity within the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities (that is, who are Gypsies, Roma and Travellers?);
• Increased their awareness regarding the prejudice and discrimination faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in Wales and more widely across the UK;
• Identified obstacles to access and attitudinal issues or barriers in education, health, employment, accommodation, safeguarding and other public services, that inhibit the delivery of quality provision to GRT communities;
• Improved participants’ understandings of how to engage effectively with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community and what they can do to address exclusion and ensure inclusion in the delivery of services;
• Developed an Action Plan that will put their learning into practice, in the workplace;
• Established a baseline of knowledge and support that can be accessed to assist officers.
There will only be 50 places available so please book early to avoid disappointment. The cost for the day (to include light refreshments, lunch & VAT) is £130.00 per
delegate, if you book before the Monday 8th February and £145.00 if you book between 8th February and 19th February. Places will only be secured with a confirmed payment.
To find out more go to http://www.romaniarts.co.uk/working-with-gypsy-roma-traveller-communities-training-day
or contact Isaac Blake directly:
Tel: 02920 786 439
Mob: 07854 412 097
Email: isaacblake@romaniarts.co.uk
Exciting Job Opportunity at Leeds GATE - 1-10-15
Leeds GATE are excited to announce a new position for a Community Archivist. The archivist will manage a two-year community archiving project - Feet on the Ground – cataloguing, preserving, developing and promoting our Gypsy and Traveller Heritage Collection of literature, photographs and small artefacts. For more details please see here
Leeds GATE are excited to announce a new position for a Community Archivist. The archivist will manage a two-year community archiving project - Feet on the Ground – cataloguing, preserving, developing and promoting our Gypsy and Traveller Heritage Collection of literature, photographs and small artefacts. For more details please see here
Operation Travellers Rest - 1-10-15
As you will no doubt be aware new guidance from the government redefines who Gypsies and Travellers are for the purposes of planning. Under the new guidance if a Gypsy or Traveller stops travelling permanently, even for education or health reasons or reasons of old age, they will no longer be within the definition of Gypsy and Traveller. Many people have been asking what they can do about this.
There will be more than one way to raise awareness of and show opposition to these unfair and discriminatory changes. For one, extremely effective, approach please read this article by Ryalla Duffy of Lincolnshire Gypsy Liaison Group here. For more information please contact us at natglg@outlook.com
As you will no doubt be aware new guidance from the government redefines who Gypsies and Travellers are for the purposes of planning. Under the new guidance if a Gypsy or Traveller stops travelling permanently, even for education or health reasons or reasons of old age, they will no longer be within the definition of Gypsy and Traveller. Many people have been asking what they can do about this.
There will be more than one way to raise awareness of and show opposition to these unfair and discriminatory changes. For one, extremely effective, approach please read this article by Ryalla Duffy of Lincolnshire Gypsy Liaison Group here. For more information please contact us at natglg@outlook.com
SITES FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN - 28-09-15
This is an appeal to build up a legal fund to challenge the Government’s recent change to the planning definition of Gypsies and Travellers in planning policy which will make it impossible for those who have stopped travelling permanently on grounds of old age or ill health from seeking planning permission for a Gypsy or Traveller site.
Please give what you can spare to help us fight this cruel and inhumane policy change.
Full information here
This is an appeal to build up a legal fund to challenge the Government’s recent change to the planning definition of Gypsies and Travellers in planning policy which will make it impossible for those who have stopped travelling permanently on grounds of old age or ill health from seeking planning permission for a Gypsy or Traveller site.
Please give what you can spare to help us fight this cruel and inhumane policy change.
Full information here
Good news from Worcestershire Gypsy Roma Traveller Partnership - more here
Thanks to the Traveller Education Service, Worcestershire has the best school attendance amongst Gypsies and Travellers. To build on this success Rooftop Housing Association are launching our digital inclusion project for Gypsies and Travellers.
The digital Inclusion project has brought together Worcestershire’s Traveller Education Service and Rooftop Housing Association ( managers of the Houndsfield Lane site) to develop a strategy to improve the academic attainment and school attendance of the children who live there.
One of the incentives used to encourage children to attend school more regularly is that those who attain over 85% attendance ( national minimum) will be eligible to receive a laptop. The laptop can be used to connect to free Wi-Fi on the site to further aid with their homework and studies. The aim is that this encourages other children on the site to also improve their attendance to become part of the project and those children that improve their attendance by over 20% (12 days average) in the term will also be presented with laptops. All children on site will continue to be supported by the Traveller Education Service.
The first two recipients of laptops achieved attendances of 91% and 89% respectively.
This is an exciting project and the first of its kind and shows what can be achieved by organisations working in partnership with the community.
Thanks to the Traveller Education Service, Worcestershire has the best school attendance amongst Gypsies and Travellers. To build on this success Rooftop Housing Association are launching our digital inclusion project for Gypsies and Travellers.
The digital Inclusion project has brought together Worcestershire’s Traveller Education Service and Rooftop Housing Association ( managers of the Houndsfield Lane site) to develop a strategy to improve the academic attainment and school attendance of the children who live there.
One of the incentives used to encourage children to attend school more regularly is that those who attain over 85% attendance ( national minimum) will be eligible to receive a laptop. The laptop can be used to connect to free Wi-Fi on the site to further aid with their homework and studies. The aim is that this encourages other children on the site to also improve their attendance to become part of the project and those children that improve their attendance by over 20% (12 days average) in the term will also be presented with laptops. All children on site will continue to be supported by the Traveller Education Service.
The first two recipients of laptops achieved attendances of 91% and 89% respectively.
This is an exciting project and the first of its kind and shows what can be achieved by organisations working in partnership with the community.
Open Society Foundation-funded engagement events are a success
Thanks to funding from the Open Society Initiative for Europe we were able to hold (in partnership with local GRT groups) three “engagement events” in York (VIEW HERE), Birmingham (VIEW HERE) and London (VIEW HERE). The aim of the events was to translate the recommendations contained in the “Gypsy, Traveller, Roma: Experts by Experience” report into action through bringing together members of the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities, local authority members and officers and other agencies to look at the report’s key findings and discuss ways forward. As a direct result of the Birmingham event we are now working closely with Birmingham City Council and Clinical Commissioning Groups in the city, focusing initially on the health recommendations of the report.
Thanks to funding from the Open Society Initiative for Europe we were able to hold (in partnership with local GRT groups) three “engagement events” in York (VIEW HERE), Birmingham (VIEW HERE) and London (VIEW HERE). The aim of the events was to translate the recommendations contained in the “Gypsy, Traveller, Roma: Experts by Experience” report into action through bringing together members of the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities, local authority members and officers and other agencies to look at the report’s key findings and discuss ways forward. As a direct result of the Birmingham event we are now working closely with Birmingham City Council and Clinical Commissioning Groups in the city, focusing initially on the health recommendations of the report.
Meeting at York Travellers Aid Trust
Our ultimate aim is to see political parties and other relevant bodies adopting the report’s recommendations, with this being reflected in their policies at both national and local levels. Obviously this is an ambitious target and will not be reached overnight – indeed we see the engagement events as linking into a whole series of longer-term strategies aimed at achieving implementation of the recommendations.
Watch this page for future events and updates.
Our ultimate aim is to see political parties and other relevant bodies adopting the report’s recommendations, with this being reflected in their policies at both national and local levels. Obviously this is an ambitious target and will not be reached overnight – indeed we see the engagement events as linking into a whole series of longer-term strategies aimed at achieving implementation of the recommendations.
Watch this page for future events and updates.
Howe & Co. launch Traveller Justice Face Book page
Howe and cCo. have launched a Traveller, Gypsy and Roma Justice campaigning Facebook page and would be very grateful if you would ‘Like’ and ‘Share’, so that they can reach the widest possible audience. The link to the Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/TravellerJustice.Please take a few moments to Like the page and show your support for Howe and Co.'s campaigning work.
Howe and cCo. have launched a Traveller, Gypsy and Roma Justice campaigning Facebook page and would be very grateful if you would ‘Like’ and ‘Share’, so that they can reach the widest possible audience. The link to the Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/TravellerJustice.Please take a few moments to Like the page and show your support for Howe and Co.'s campaigning work.
National Holocaust Centre and Museum Exhibition
The National Holocaust Centre and Museum, Acre Edge Road, Laxton, Newark, Notts, NG22 0PA, phone 01623 836647, is holding an exhibition of some of the Romani Holocaust photos that National Gypsy and Traveller historian and researcher, Bob Dawson has bequeathed them in a special exhibition running throughout June and it is hoped beyond. Download the flyer here
“The Porrajmos is so little known that I hope people will try to get to it to show that the Romani community DOES care what happened to it and of its importance and the devastation it caused to the Romani population of Europe during WW2. Amongst the pictures are ones of a group of women and children with SS, moments before they were machine gunned (titled by the soldier, ‘Resettling Gypsies in the Wood’); a terrified teenage Romani girl flanked by two giant SS; camp guard holding a Romani toddler; malnourished infant in a concentration camp and many, many more. This is irrefutable evidence of what happened. I am now in a position to prove that the death toll was at least one million.
Bob Dawson
The National Holocaust Centre and Museum, Acre Edge Road, Laxton, Newark, Notts, NG22 0PA, phone 01623 836647, is holding an exhibition of some of the Romani Holocaust photos that National Gypsy and Traveller historian and researcher, Bob Dawson has bequeathed them in a special exhibition running throughout June and it is hoped beyond. Download the flyer here
“The Porrajmos is so little known that I hope people will try to get to it to show that the Romani community DOES care what happened to it and of its importance and the devastation it caused to the Romani population of Europe during WW2. Amongst the pictures are ones of a group of women and children with SS, moments before they were machine gunned (titled by the soldier, ‘Resettling Gypsies in the Wood’); a terrified teenage Romani girl flanked by two giant SS; camp guard holding a Romani toddler; malnourished infant in a concentration camp and many, many more. This is irrefutable evidence of what happened. I am now in a position to prove that the death toll was at least one million.
Bob Dawson
PRESS RELEASE
After strenuously fought legal proceedings lasting over 3 years and culminating in a 3 week trial at the end of 2014, His Honour Judge (HHJ) Hand QC, who sat with a race assessor, gave judgment today.
The judge found (para 149 of his 91 page judgment) that the thinking of Wetherspoons was:
“suffused with the stereotypical assumption that Irish Travellers and English Gypsies cause disorder wherever they go. In my judgment this is racial stereotyping of those with that ethnic origin. It can be reduced to this crude proposition: whenever Irish Travellers and English Gypsies go to public houses violent disorder is inevitable because that is how they behave”
The Court found that the pub chain had breached the Equality Act 2010, in the racially discriminatory way in which it had refused service to the Travellers and those seeking to enter the pub with them.
Martin Howe, partner at Howe and Co Solicitors, said:
“This judgment will shake to the core all those who engage in racist conduct towards Irish Travellers and Romani Gypsies. The last bastion of ‘acceptable racism’ has come crashing down. Shops, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, clubs and pubs will now realise that treating Gypsies and Travellers as second-class citizens is an affront to their dignity that is no longer tolerated. Discriminators will pay in damages, in costs and in loss of reputation. This is a watershed day when Gypsies and Travellers no longer have to move on but can hold their heads high in the knowledge that there is equal treatment for all”.
Solicitors from Howe & Co, who acted for the claimants, Irish Travellers and English Romani Gypsies will be present at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday 18 May 2015 and are available for the press and media to give interviews. The Traveller Movement received support in its legal challenge from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and the Commission continues to actively support a number of other claims of racial discrimination being brought by Romani Gypsies and Irish Travellers against other service providers across the country.
Telephone Contacts
partners@howe.co.uk
Howe & Co Solicitors, 1010 Great West Road, Brentford, Middx, TW8 9BA
18 May 2015
- JD Wetherspoon plc, with over 930 pubs in the UK, guilty of direct racial discrimination against Irish Travellers and associates
- Individual Travellers and The Traveller Movement win judicial declaration of unlawful race discrimination for refusal of entry to a pub
- Pub Chain has to pay £3,000 damages to each Traveller and associates (total of £24,000)
After strenuously fought legal proceedings lasting over 3 years and culminating in a 3 week trial at the end of 2014, His Honour Judge (HHJ) Hand QC, who sat with a race assessor, gave judgment today.
The judge found (para 149 of his 91 page judgment) that the thinking of Wetherspoons was:
“suffused with the stereotypical assumption that Irish Travellers and English Gypsies cause disorder wherever they go. In my judgment this is racial stereotyping of those with that ethnic origin. It can be reduced to this crude proposition: whenever Irish Travellers and English Gypsies go to public houses violent disorder is inevitable because that is how they behave”
The Court found that the pub chain had breached the Equality Act 2010, in the racially discriminatory way in which it had refused service to the Travellers and those seeking to enter the pub with them.
Martin Howe, partner at Howe and Co Solicitors, said:
“This judgment will shake to the core all those who engage in racist conduct towards Irish Travellers and Romani Gypsies. The last bastion of ‘acceptable racism’ has come crashing down. Shops, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, clubs and pubs will now realise that treating Gypsies and Travellers as second-class citizens is an affront to their dignity that is no longer tolerated. Discriminators will pay in damages, in costs and in loss of reputation. This is a watershed day when Gypsies and Travellers no longer have to move on but can hold their heads high in the knowledge that there is equal treatment for all”.
Solicitors from Howe & Co, who acted for the claimants, Irish Travellers and English Romani Gypsies will be present at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday 18 May 2015 and are available for the press and media to give interviews. The Traveller Movement received support in its legal challenge from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and the Commission continues to actively support a number of other claims of racial discrimination being brought by Romani Gypsies and Irish Travellers against other service providers across the country.
Telephone Contacts
- Martin Howe – partner – Howe & Co Solicitors – 07710921256 & 020 8840 4688
- Kieran O’Rourke – partner – Howe & Co Solicitors – 07961423117 & 020 8840 4688
- David Enright – partner – Howe & Co Solicitors – 0798 4465923 & 0208 840 4688
partners@howe.co.uk
Howe & Co Solicitors, 1010 Great West Road, Brentford, Middx, TW8 9BA
18 May 2015
A Major Event in Wales
Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Arts & Culture National Symposium , g39, Oxford Street, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF24 3DT
Tuesday 7 July 2015 - 9am - 1pm
INVITATION
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company is proud to announce the Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Arts & Culture National Symposium.
The event, hosted by g39, will feature artists Daniel Baker and Shamus McPhee plus guests including Dr Ethel Brooks, Associate Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and Sociology at Rutgers University, US and a Tate-TrAIN Transnational Fellow at the University of the Arts London, Dr Colin Clark of The University of the West of Scotland and Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Wales. This varied range of speakers will engage the audience in conversation regarding the current state of GRT arts and their implications for wider society.
This unique event will take place in the context of the Gypsy Maker project; an exciting new RCAC venture that facilitates the development of innovative works by established and emerging GRT artists. The project aims to stimulate dialogue across communities about the ways in which art continues to inform our lives. For this inaugural presentation of the project the RCAC has commissioned exhibitions of new work by Daniel Baker, Romani Gypsy and Shamus Mc Phee, Scottish Traveller.
“The arts help us to express what’s distinctive and singular, but also what unites and binds us together. I look forward to exploring these and many other issues when we convene for the Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Arts & Culture National Symposium.” Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive Arts Council of Wales
“We are very excited indeed to be working with the Romani Cultural & Arts Company. The Gypsy Maker Project makes a significant contribution to contemporary art discourse and its practice in the context of GRT communities. It's an honour to be hosting such a high profile event at g39 and we are looking forward to a continuing partnership between the two organisations and their respective communities.” Chris Brown, co-director of the artist-led gallery g39.
The half-day symposium will be followed by a visit to Baker’s exhibition ‘Makeshifting: Structures of Mobility’ at Art Central, Barry. The private view of McPhee’s exhibition ‘Aspects of Gypsy Traveller Life’ will take place in the evening at The Riverfront, Newport.
If you are interested in joining us for this ground-breaking event or for more information please contact Isaac Blake at:
isaacblake@romaniarts.co.uk. We will then send you a BOOKING FORM that will need to be returned to secure your place.
Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Arts & Culture National Symposium , g39, Oxford Street, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF24 3DT
Tuesday 7 July 2015 - 9am - 1pm
INVITATION
The Romani Cultural & Arts Company is proud to announce the Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Arts & Culture National Symposium.
The event, hosted by g39, will feature artists Daniel Baker and Shamus McPhee plus guests including Dr Ethel Brooks, Associate Professor of Women's and Gender Studies and Sociology at Rutgers University, US and a Tate-TrAIN Transnational Fellow at the University of the Arts London, Dr Colin Clark of The University of the West of Scotland and Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Wales. This varied range of speakers will engage the audience in conversation regarding the current state of GRT arts and their implications for wider society.
This unique event will take place in the context of the Gypsy Maker project; an exciting new RCAC venture that facilitates the development of innovative works by established and emerging GRT artists. The project aims to stimulate dialogue across communities about the ways in which art continues to inform our lives. For this inaugural presentation of the project the RCAC has commissioned exhibitions of new work by Daniel Baker, Romani Gypsy and Shamus Mc Phee, Scottish Traveller.
“The arts help us to express what’s distinctive and singular, but also what unites and binds us together. I look forward to exploring these and many other issues when we convene for the Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Arts & Culture National Symposium.” Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive Arts Council of Wales
“We are very excited indeed to be working with the Romani Cultural & Arts Company. The Gypsy Maker Project makes a significant contribution to contemporary art discourse and its practice in the context of GRT communities. It's an honour to be hosting such a high profile event at g39 and we are looking forward to a continuing partnership between the two organisations and their respective communities.” Chris Brown, co-director of the artist-led gallery g39.
The half-day symposium will be followed by a visit to Baker’s exhibition ‘Makeshifting: Structures of Mobility’ at Art Central, Barry. The private view of McPhee’s exhibition ‘Aspects of Gypsy Traveller Life’ will take place in the evening at The Riverfront, Newport.
If you are interested in joining us for this ground-breaking event or for more information please contact Isaac Blake at:
isaacblake@romaniarts.co.uk. We will then send you a BOOKING FORM that will need to be returned to secure your place.
Have you registered to vote yet?
The campaign for the 2015 UK General Election has now started in earnest. We would encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to register. This is your chance to play a real role in deciding who governs us and what policies they pursue.
Key dates and things to be aware of:
● You need to Register to Vote by the 20th April. You can register at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-voteand all you need is your address, your date of birth and your national insurance number. It takes just a couple of minutes
● To find out which party is closest to your views use Vote Match 2015, a simple online quiz which only takes just 3 minutes. Go to http://election2015.votematch.org/ and have a go or sit down with someone and help them do the quiz
● Thursday 7th May is Election Day from 7am – 11pm. You can cast your vote in your local polling station (usually your nearest school, community centre).
To celebrate the launch of the election campaigns the Traveller Movement have launched "Operation Traveller Vote: We are Community We are Society page" . The aim of this is to ensure that Gypsies, Travellers and Roma hold their politicians to account and that their politicians are listening to and respecting them.
You can access the campaign page here http://rm.travellermovement.org.uk/
The campaign for the 2015 UK General Election has now started in earnest. We would encourage everyone who is eligible to vote to register. This is your chance to play a real role in deciding who governs us and what policies they pursue.
Key dates and things to be aware of:
● You need to Register to Vote by the 20th April. You can register at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-voteand all you need is your address, your date of birth and your national insurance number. It takes just a couple of minutes
● To find out which party is closest to your views use Vote Match 2015, a simple online quiz which only takes just 3 minutes. Go to http://election2015.votematch.org/ and have a go or sit down with someone and help them do the quiz
● Thursday 7th May is Election Day from 7am – 11pm. You can cast your vote in your local polling station (usually your nearest school, community centre).
To celebrate the launch of the election campaigns the Traveller Movement have launched "Operation Traveller Vote: We are Community We are Society page" . The aim of this is to ensure that Gypsies, Travellers and Roma hold their politicians to account and that their politicians are listening to and respecting them.
You can access the campaign page here http://rm.travellermovement.org.uk/
"STOP PRESS: we have been successful in obtaining some funding from the Open Society Initiative for Europe to hold three “engagement events”(consisting of presentations of the "Experts by Experience" report’s key findings and detailed discussions of the way
forward) bringing together members of the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma (GTR) communities, local authority members and officers and parliamentary candidates . We will be holding 3 such events: one in the North of England; one in the Midlands and one in London/the South.
These will be arranged by staff in NFGLG’s Head Office working in partnership with the local organisations that constitute the NFGLG’s membership – these organisations will play a key role in identifying venues and promoting the events amongst their communities. As soon as the dates and locations are firmed up we will put the details on both our website and Facebook page, so keep your eyes open".
The Federation office is hosted by DGLG (www.dglg.org)
The National Federation is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Company No: 6983027, Charity number with the Charity Commission Registered Charity No: 1136730.
The Aims of the Federation are:
1. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by working with Gypsy and Traveller groups who are socially excluded and to relieve the needs of such people to assist them to integrate into society, in particular by:-
Providing a network group that encourages and enables members of the Gypsy and Traveller community to participate more effectively with the wider community.
Increasing, or co-ordinating, opportunities for members of the Gypsy and Traveller community to engage with service providers, to enable those providers to adapt services to better meet the needs of that community.
2. To educate the public, for the benefit of the public, in the culture, life and traditions of the Gypsy and Traveller community.
The federation aims to share good practice and encourages groups to work together.
To get in touch, please see the Contact Us page.
Please see information about the monitoring of the UK Integration Strategy on the Europe page
For more information visit the page here
forward) bringing together members of the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma (GTR) communities, local authority members and officers and parliamentary candidates . We will be holding 3 such events: one in the North of England; one in the Midlands and one in London/the South.
These will be arranged by staff in NFGLG’s Head Office working in partnership with the local organisations that constitute the NFGLG’s membership – these organisations will play a key role in identifying venues and promoting the events amongst their communities. As soon as the dates and locations are firmed up we will put the details on both our website and Facebook page, so keep your eyes open".
The Federation office is hosted by DGLG (www.dglg.org)
The National Federation is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Company No: 6983027, Charity number with the Charity Commission Registered Charity No: 1136730.
The Aims of the Federation are:
1. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by working with Gypsy and Traveller groups who are socially excluded and to relieve the needs of such people to assist them to integrate into society, in particular by:-
Providing a network group that encourages and enables members of the Gypsy and Traveller community to participate more effectively with the wider community.
Increasing, or co-ordinating, opportunities for members of the Gypsy and Traveller community to engage with service providers, to enable those providers to adapt services to better meet the needs of that community.
2. To educate the public, for the benefit of the public, in the culture, life and traditions of the Gypsy and Traveller community.
The federation aims to share good practice and encourages groups to work together.
To get in touch, please see the Contact Us page.
Please see information about the monitoring of the UK Integration Strategy on the Europe page
For more information visit the page here
Holocaust Memorial Day 27th January
The theme this year is “Keeping the memory Alive” Derby City is one of the places that has received a special candle in commemoration of 70 years of Liberation of the Camps
Download the information here
The theme this year is “Keeping the memory Alive” Derby City is one of the places that has received a special candle in commemoration of 70 years of Liberation of the Camps
Download the information here
