About The traveller movement
The Traveller Movement: Advocating for Equality and Tackling Discrimination
The Traveller Movement is a UK-based charity organization that advocates for and works with Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) people to tackle discrimination and promote equality. The organization was founded in 1990 by a group of GRT activists who recognized the need for a collective voice to address the issues faced by their communities.
The Traveller Movement's mission is to empower GRT communities to challenge prejudice, discrimination, and inequality through education, advocacy, research, and policy development. The organization aims to raise awareness about the rich cultural heritage of GRT communities while also highlighting the challenges they face in accessing basic human rights such as housing, education, healthcare, employment opportunities.
One of the key areas of focus for The Traveller Movement is tackling hate crime against GRT communities. Hate crime refers to any criminal offense committed against an individual or group because of their race or ethnicity. Unfortunately, hate crimes against GRT people are all too common in the UK. According to a report by Friends Families & Travelers (FFT), there were over 2000 reported incidents of hate crime against Gypsies and Travellers between 2016-2017 alone.
To combat this issue head-on, The Traveller Movement has launched several initiatives aimed at raising awareness about hate crime among both law enforcement agencies and members of the public. These initiatives include training sessions for police officers on how best to respond when dealing with incidents involving members of GRT communities as well as community outreach programs designed to educate people about what constitutes hate crime.
Another area where The Traveller Movement has made significant strides is in promoting access to education for young members of GRT communities. Education can be particularly challenging for these groups due to factors such as frequent relocation or lack of access to appropriate resources. To address this issue head-on, The Traveller Movement has developed several programs aimed at improving educational outcomes for GRT children.
One such program is the Traveller Education Support Service (TESS), which provides support to GRT children and their families in accessing education. TESS works with schools, local authorities, and other organizations to ensure that GRT children receive the support they need to succeed academically. The organization also runs a mentoring program that pairs young people from GRT communities with mentors who can provide guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of education.
In addition to its advocacy work, The Traveller Movement also conducts research into issues affecting GRT communities. This research helps to inform policy development and ensures that decision-makers have access to accurate information about the experiences of these groups. Recent research conducted by The Traveller Movement has focused on issues such as housing, health inequalities, and access to justice.
Overall, The Traveller Movement is an essential organization working tirelessly towards promoting equality for members of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities in the UK. Through its advocacy work, community outreach programs, educational initiatives, and research efforts - this charity is making a real difference in the lives of those it serves. If you're looking for ways to get involved or show your support for this vital cause - consider donating your time or resources today!