Topics covered will include an overview of barriers that individuals from Gypsy and Traveller communities face, and statistical information from our reports will be outlined to provide context. A specific focus will be given to questions on provision and management of social housing for Gypsy and Traveller communities, with a run-through of good practice examples provided.

The session will include:

• Polls to anonymously quiz knowledge.
• Jamboard interactive activity to discuss questions and analyse.
• Q&A at the end of the session.

After the training, you will:

• Have a better understanding of the diversity within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities as well as cultures, traditions and histories.
• Have better understanding of the barriers which Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and nomadic people face when accessing public services across health, accommodation, justice and education as well as an improved knowledge on how to support people through these barriers.
• Be equipped with information to provide more inclusive services to Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and nomadic people.

This session will be carried out by Michelle Gavin from Friends, Families & Travellers. Having previously run FFT's Outreach and Helpline programmes, Michelle is passionate about working with Gypsy and Traveller families at the grassroots level and amplifying voices when advocating for long-term improvement of accommodation and health outcomes.

Friends, Families and Travellers (Background information)

Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) is a leading national charity working to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life.

At FFT, we support individuals and families with the issues that matter most to them, at the same time as working to transform systems and institutions to address the root causes of inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.

We operate a National Helpline, Sussex-based Outreach teams and work at a national level as a strategic partner for the Department of Health, NHS England and Public Health England, and sit on the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance. We also act as Secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gypsies, Traveller and Roma and are a registered Royal Society for Public Health training centre.

FFT is the largest organisation working with Gypsy and Traveller communities across the country. Over the past 30 years we have created a trusting relationship with Gypsy and Traveller communities, which has allowed us to support authentic community engagement at all levels.