Improving Employment Outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller young people in Greater London

Press Release

Immediate release

Date: 17/03/2023

Improving Employment Outcomes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller young people in Greater London

On the 21st of March, The Traveller Movement will be hosting the next event in its Connected Communities Series at London City Hall, in partnership with the Mayor of London.

The event will be an opportunity for organisations to respond to the recommendations of the Traveller Movement’s 2021 report, ‘Roads to Success’. Drawing on the findings of a team of peer researchers, the report examines the education, training and employment needs of young Gypsy, Roma and Travellers in the UK. Revealing how youth services are not being delivered consistently and that, at many levels, organisations and government could be working more effectively to support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller young people by addressing the barriers they face.

Pockets of best practice exist, however these are not always shared, leading to a ‘postcode lottery’ of opportunity for young people. Bringing together a host of organisations; Businesses, Local Authorities, mainstream Youth services, and Gypsy Roma and Traveller organisations, the event will forefront discussions and commitments to understand how we can meet the employment, education and training needs and aspirations of young people.

Delegates will hear from those delivering ‘best practice’ in the sector; Gypsy, Roma and Traveller role models, and vitally; the voice of the young people themselves. There will be a panel discussion attended by Sian Berry (Green Party), London Assembly member and David Beaney (Conservative Party) Kent County Cllr discussing the importance of lived experience and representation.

One of the report’s recommendations, the provision of Careers guidance in primary schools, has now been adopted by Government. This event will be an opportunity for further progress to be made at the level of individuals, organisations and government.

Traveller Movement Chair of Trustees & Director of Learning, Inclusion and Skills for Derby City Council Pauline Anderson-Melvin OBE said:

“Following a successful inaugural Connected Communities event in Salford, we are looking forward to an even bigger conference this time round, thanks to support from the Mayor of London. This event will have something for everyone. Sector stakeholders will hear about best practice for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller inclusion; there will be opportunities for networking between practitioners in youth, education, employment, and local government; and young people will have the chance to hear from community role models and speak to employers about their aspirations and career goals. This is not to be missed!”

ENDS

Contacts

Christian Johnson Policy@travellermovement.org.uk

Phil Regan

Partnerships@travellermovement.org.uk

020 7607 2002

Notes to Editor

* The Traveller Movement (TM) is a national community development policy and voice charity who campaign against discrimination, promote inclusion, participation and community engagement for the Irish Traveller and Gypsy communities in Britain. TM is proud to work in partnership with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities together with service providers and policy makers across the UK to better promote social inclusion and community cohesion.