Since June 2008, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) History Month has been celebrated in the UK to educate and raise awareness about the GRT community. The month helps to tackle prejudice, challenge myths and amplify the voices of GRT people.
Throughout this month the council is flying the Romany flag at the Guildhall to mark the importance of GRT History Month. This is part of the council’s commitment to strengthening equality and diversity in Cambridge.
As part of GRT History Month, we wanted to share an update on some of the projects we have been working on throughout the year to support GRT people.
New Community Development Officer
Last year, we recruited a Community Development Officer who works with the GRT communities to run activities and provide support for families. Part of the work that our Community Development Officer has been delivering, includes drop-in sessions every Friday (10am to 12pm) at Brown’s Field Youth and Community Centre. The sessions offer the GRT community support by answering queries and referring them to relevant services. Since the drop-in started at the end of November last year, we have supported 107 families. The support available ranges from financial support to physical and mental health support.
Midsummer Fair
Midsummer Fair will be taking place on Wednesday 19 June to Saturday 22 June – this is its 811th year running. The council has been working with partners to bring together a first of its kind offer to Midsummer Fair, which will see hundreds of health and educational professionals at the event, who will deliver a community drop-in event. The drop-in events will offer:
- free health checks offered by Healthy You
- health resources from Cambridge University Hospital
- maternity support for expecting mothers
- CPR training
- general support and advice
- The Vaccinators.
A trip to the National Horseracing Museum for home educating families
Home educating families are being offered an opportunity to attend the National Horseracing Museum where they will be able to explore the museum and see some of the horses. Artist Hilary Cox Condron will be leading an arts and crafts session. The trip is free and will take place on Wednesday 26 June (11am to 3pm) – please book your place by Sunday 23 June by contacting Jo Chisholm on 07704 019 537.
Water safety course for families
The council has also partnered up with Region of Learning, Abbey Leisure Complex and the police and fire services to develop the Summer of Safety programme. The free, five-week course teaches families what to do if they get into any kind of water danger. Sessions run every Tuesday afternoon from 30 July to 27 August. It covers water safety, first aid and fire safety. Spaces can be booked by contacting Jo Chisholm on 07704 019 537.
Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment
A draft Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire has been produced and officers have provided feedback on this. Once a final draft is ready the councils will be in a position to agree a publication date. Once the assessment is published, Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council will work together on implementing recommendations.
Additional advice and support for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people is available through the council and includes accommodation support, health and education support and how to report a hate crime.
