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Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month (GRTHM)

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GRTHM - events and activities in Scotland

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GRTHM - events and activities in Scotland

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GYPSY, ROMA AND TRAVELLER HISTORY MONTH 2022

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Celebrating Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month with events held across Scotland

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Since 2004 there has been a number of organisations lobbying for a national GRTHM. Lord Adonis Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Schools gave his approval in October 2007.

Through activities and information in schools, museums, libraries and the media we will be able to challenge stereotypes, contribute to community cohesion and understand the contributions that the GRT community has made to British society.

Good practice when promoting GRTHM in your school:

Ensure that you are aware of your school population

Download our Twinkl resources to help your school plan an assembly

Link the Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month to school Inclusion/Race Equality agenda

Raise staff awareness through a planning group Involve pupils in planning process Involve parents, local community, and governors

Gather information, and ensure you are aware of current Gypsy, Roma and Traveller issues

Plan events and activities

Contact local GRT agencies for additional support and guidance

It is important to acknowledge this celebration until Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history and culture is taught in schools nationwide!

For now, here's a few websites and organisations that have some great resources and ideas that you could share with your school:

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Advocating for and working with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people to tackle discrimination and promote equality

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Every June since 2008, people from across the UK have celebrated Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month helps to tackle prejudice, challenge myths and to amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in wider society.

This year our theme for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is " Weaving Journeys: A celebration of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller lives, histories and cultures ".

The theme will focus on patterns of travel, spanning across the past, and leading to the future. It will ask and feature where Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller and other nomadic communities have travelled before, and where people would like to travel next, as a celebration of cultures and traditions.

Download our "Weaving Journeys: A celebration of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller lives, histories and cultures" GRTHM participation packs below for everything you'll need to get started.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2023 Brochure Expand

Have you ever wondered what popular decor might adorn an Irish Traveller family home? Or if there are any significant shapes or colours in Romany Gypsy or Roma cultures?

Then, take a look at our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month Brochure, filled with stories from Boater, New Traveller, Showmen, Romany Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller people, mesmerising patterns, and a look at what inspired this year's 'Weaving Journeys' theme.

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month Brochure - Download here.

We've created an Education pack to increase understanding and engagement with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month across schools and prisons.

You'll find resources such as a competition for children to design their own patterns, or a how-to guide on raising awareness of and celebrating Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. The packs include something for everyone across education, from schools to prisons.

Education pack - Download here.

This year, we've decided to provide a Digital Engagement pack for anyone and everyone, so that you can celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2023 in your own way.

The pack provides guidance on how you can mark and celebrate GRTHM online, and the tools you need to do so - including social media templates and images, and print 'n' stick map posters, featuring stopping places across the UK.

Digital Engagement pack - Download here.

While you're here, why not check out our social media channels to see what we're up to this GRTHM?
@GypsyTravellers /FriendsFamiliesandTravellers @FriendsFamiliesandTravellers
We've created a poster timeline of significant dates in history for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, which you can find in the packs above, and an exciting series of print 'n' stick maps, with marked stopping places across the UK.

Download the maps and stickers.

Celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month online using our social media images:

All of our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month materials are free, and we hope you enjoy them!

Your support means that we can highlight the importance of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, and increase understanding and awareness of nomadic communities. If you would like to help us continue our work in future years, donate here.

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Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2023 - Friends, Families and Travellers

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This year's theme for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is 'Weaving Journeys', focusing on patterns of travel, old and new.

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Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month | Leeds GATE

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UNCRC Incorporation in Scotland: Implications for GRT Learners

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UNCRC Incorporation in Scotland: Implications for GRT Learners

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How the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), now incorporated into Scots law, strengthens rights and protections for Gypsy/Traveller and Roma pupils.

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Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Inclusion Toolkit | Diverse Educators

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Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are a connected but distinct collection of ethnic groups who share similar historical themes and traditions with nomadism.

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Supporting Gypsy Travellers in Education

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Education Scotland is a Scottish Government executive agency responsible for supporting quality and improvement in Scottish education.

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Supporting Gypsy travellers: Oban High School

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Education Scotland is a Scottish Government executive agency responsible for supporting quality and improvement in Scottish education.

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This charity provides excellent resources for supporting GRT pupils in education. Their cultural awareness training has been eye-opening for our staff, and their educational resources help create an inclusive environment for GRT students.

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This colourful book can help young readers from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community written and produced by Maxine Lambert.
Read the digital book. The Pavee and the Buffer Girl by Siobhan Dowd
This book tells the story of Jim, a young Traveller boy, his experiences at the Buffer school (Buffer is what Travellers call non-Travellers) and developing new friendships.
Find out more and purchase the book. Books by Richard O'Neill
Author and playwright, Richard O'Neill has written a serious of illustrated books with fantastic representation of Gypsy and Traveller characters. Look out for Polonius and The Pit Pony, Yokki and The Porno Gry, The Lost Homework, and Ossiri and The Bala Mengro.
Purchase books by Richard O'Neill. The Show Must Go On
Purchase this book to celebrate 'World Funfair Month 2021'. Follow Mary Ann and her travelling Showmen family as they defend their yard from developers. The generations work together to help everyone understand that Grandad Henry is right: 'not all treasure glistens'.

Purchase the book.
Wee Bessie by David Pullar
Wee Bessie is Inspired by the childhood of Scottish Traveller Betsy Whyte one of Scotland's most celebrated storytellers.
Find out more on Good Reads. Books by Janna Elliot
Settela Steinbach was a Dutch Sinti girl, she was murdered along with other members of her family in Auschwitz. Janna Eliot translator of the original biography, created the novel 'Settela's Last Road' for younger readers.
See all of Janna's books on Good Reads. Why the Moon Travels by Oein DeBhairduin
Why the moon travels is a haunting collection of twenty tales rooted in the oral tradition of the Irish Traveller community.
Find out more about the book. Can't lose Cant
A book of Cant, the Old Language of Irish Travellers, by Children in Co Kildare Ireland.
Buy the book. Books by Robert Dawson
Robert Dawson has a wide selection of books and activity booklets on his website, including 'Leaves in the Holocaust', a novel about the persecution of Roma and Sinti people in World War Two.
View the Robert Dawson website. Fairground Art: The art forms of Travelling Fairs, Carousels and Carnival Midways by Geoff Weedon and Richard Ward
The authors devoted years of research to photographing and cataloguing the work of fairground artists as well as investigating the histories of the craftsmen and their creations.
Find the book. they lit fires: lenti hatch o yog Raine Geoghegan
Raine Geoghegan presents a selection of timeless and culturally rich songs and monologues based upon her Romani Roots.
Purchase the book.
Books by Maggie Smith-Bendell

Maggie's books, including 'Rabbit Stew and a Penny or Two' recount the 'old ways' and Romani Gypsy life and culture at the dawn of the 21st Century.
Find out more on Good Reads. Books by Eva Petulengro
Eva Petulengro is a Romani author who spent her childhood in a caravan before settling in Brighton. Eva's books 'The Girl in the Painted Caravan' and 'Caravans and Wedding Bans', reflect on Eva's life on the road.
Find out more. The Showmen's War by Michael Smith, Stephen Smith and Kevin Scrivens
This book was produced to accompany the Exhibition held at the Fairground Heritage Centre in 2018 to commemorate the part played in the Great War by the Travelling Showmen of Great Britain.
Find the book. Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant
In the aftermath of World War One, Ben, Clara and Lotti try to rebuild their lives, As they make their way on an epic journey, some of which on a narrowboat, they search for loved ones and a place to call home.
Books by Jess Smith
Jess Smith comes from a long line of Travelling people and writes about her early years on the road in Scotland with her family.

View Jess' website.
The Stopping Places by Damian Le Bas
In this critically acclaimed book, Damian seeks to better understand his heritage by setting out on a journey to discover the stopping places - the old encampment sites known only to Travellers.

Find out more about the book.
Gypsy Girl by Rosie McKinley
Rosie McKinley is an Irish Traveller, she grew up on the road moving around England and Ireland. Read her story of roaming fields and meadows with her siblings.

Find out more about the book.
Muddy Waters by DH Clacher
A series of fun, vibrant and colourful books sharing Muddy's adventures on the UK Waterways.
Find out more about the books. Books by Betsy Whyte
The Yellow on the Broom and Red Rowans and Wil Honey cover Betsy's childhood as a Gypsy Traveller in 1920s and 1930s Scotland, as well as traditional workmanship from hawking to, fruit and potato picking until the Second World War.
Find out more about the books. Smoke in the Lanes by Dominic Reeve
The author's account of living the Gypsy life on the road in the 1950s.
Find out more about the book. Gypsy Princess by Violet Cannon
The story of Violet's parents and her childhood.
Find our more about the book.

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Teaching Resources - Friends, Families and Travellers

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Many Gypsy, Roma and Traveller young people feel that their culture and way of life is not recognised or affirmed within the education system. We have created this page to support teachers and other staff in ... Teaching Resources Read More "

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Young people from travelling communities share the positive and negative experiences of education

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While not specific to Gypsy/Traveller communities, this self-assessment tool from the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society can be a useful starting point for reflecting on one's own cultural competence and identifying areas for improvement.

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CVIMS - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

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Cultural Competency - CVIMS - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

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Understanding Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History

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Understanding Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History

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Explore this comprehensive resource from The Open University, offering free courses on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history. It's an excellent starting point for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of these communities.

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The historical and ongoing persecution of Europe’s gypsies

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It’s estimated that 25% of the Roma pre-war European population perished as a result of Nazi persecution. This article explores the anti-Roma prejudice that still goes on today, and what can be…

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MECOPP offers excellent cultural awareness training sessions specifically focused on Gypsy/Traveller communities. While primarily geared towards professionals in Scotland, their resources and approach are valuable for anyone in the UK seeking to enhance their cultural competence.

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Community-Led Cultural Competence Training — MECOPP

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Volunteers delivered MECOPP’s new Gypsy/Traveller Cultural Competence Training at a launch event on Wednesday 27th March at Saltcoats Town Hall. The trainers — who come from Gypsy/Traveller communities in Irvine, Perth and the Lothians respectively — have worked with MECOPP to design a community-le

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Travellers' Times is an excellent online platform featuring news, personal stories, and cultural insights directly from the Gypsy and Traveller communities. It's an invaluable resource for hearing authentic voices and perspectives.

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Friends, Families and Travellers Cultural Competence Course

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Friends, Families and Travellers Cultural Competence Course

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This UK charity offers an online cultural competence course specifically focused on working with Gypsy and Traveller communities. It's an excellent resource for professionals seeking to enhance their cultural awareness and improve their practice.

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Training Packages - Friends, Families and Travellers

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With over 25 years’ experience of working with individuals from Gypsy, Traveller and nomadic communities, our Gypsy and Traveller cultural awareness training will suit the needs of your organisation. Have a better understanding of the diversity … Training Packages Read More »

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'We Are The Romani People' by Ian Hancock

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'We Are The Romani People' by Ian Hancock

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While not a blog, this book by Ian Hancock, a Romani scholar, offers deep insights into Romani culture and history. It's an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the broader context of Gypsy/Traveller communities.

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Educational experiences of the Traveller community ...(2024)

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Educational experiences of the Traveller community ...(2024)

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A national charity that works on behalf of all Gypsies, Travellers and Roma. We offer advice, consultancy, promote health and wellbeing and contribute to research and policy making.

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This academic journal provides scholarly articles on various aspects of Gypsy and Traveller culture, history, and contemporary issues. It's an excellent resource for in-depth, research-based understanding.

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CURRENT ISSUE | PAST ISSUES | SUBMIT | SUBSCRIBE Journal of Gypsy Studies is an interdisciplinary and peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing high quality research and scholarship. Journal o…

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Improving educational outcomes for children and young people from travelling cultures: guidance (2018)

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Improving educational outcomes for children and young people from travelling cultures: guidance (2018)

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Improving educational outcomes for children and young people from travelling cultures: guidance

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Guidance for local authorities, schools, early learning and childcare settings, and other stakeholders to help support children and young people and their families to engage in education.

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The Traveller Movement, a UK charity, conducts and publishes research on issues affecting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Their reports offer valuable insights into education, health, and social inclusion.

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A publication from The Traveller Movement

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The educational experiences and views of children and adults from the Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland (STEP 2023)

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The educational experiences and views of children and adults from the Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland (STEP 2023)

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A survey of the educational experiences and views of children and adults from the Gypsy Traveller communities in Scotland - STEP

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Education and change for mobile cultures

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An introduction to travelling communities

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An introduction to travelling communities

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Education and change for mobile cultures

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Roads from the past, A short history of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers

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Roads from the past, A short history of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers

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Roads From The Past - Short Film - Travellers' Times Online

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Gain further insight into mobile communities through the community produced materials below.

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Young voices: Young people from different travelling backgrounds reflect on education

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Young voices: Young people from different travelling backgrounds reflect on education

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STEP resources: Richard O'Neill shares insights on formal education and nomadic communities

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STEP resources: Richard O'Neill shares insights on formal education and nomadic communities

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Produced by members of the Gypsy/Traveller community, these videos forefront personal experiences and human stories about accessing the Scottish school system. By sharing challenges and proven strategies, these parents and young people hope to empower other families with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about their children’s education.

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Produced by members of the Gypsy/Traveller community, these videos forefront personal experiences and human stories about accessing the Scottish school system. By sharing challenges and proven strategies, these parents and young people hope to empower other families with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about their children's education. We are deeply grateful to the community members who made this project possible. Our thanks go to interviewer, Tommy Bennett, for guiding these vital conversations. Together, your voices offer a powerful roadmap for other Gypsy/Traveller to navigate their own educational journeys.

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Produced by members of the Gypsy/Traveller community, these videos forefront personal experiences and human stories about accessing the Scottish school system. By sharing challenges and proven strategies, these parents and young people hope to empower other families with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about their children's education.

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Traveller Times education resources about history & traditions

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Traveller Times education resources about history & traditions

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This Welsh organisation's website features blog posts, articles, and resources about Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller culture. It's a great source for cultural events, art exhibitions, and educational materials.

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Education and change for mobile cultures

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Artists from traditionally nomadic communities

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Artists from traditionally nomadic communities