Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month looks ‘Onwards with Hope’

People across the UK are being invited to look ‘Onwards with Hope’ as part of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month this June. 

The month has been marked across the country every June since 2008, featuring a mixture of celebration, education, and awareness-raising. 

This year’s them focuses on the aspirations and dreams of present and future Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller, New Traveller, Showmen and Liveaboard Boaters, and what kind of future we want to build together. 

Gypsy/Travellers continue to face many disadvantages as a minority ethnic group, including prejudice and stereotyping. Many will hide their ethnicity due to racism directed towards them. 

Young Travellers are considered to be one of the groups most at risk of low attainment in education, with Gypsy/Travellers also facing disadvantages around health and housing. 

Aberdeenshire Council has a dedicated Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officer, whose role is to assist the community by providing signposting, support, and assistance to try to achieve positive outcomes. 

This year, schools and children are being invited to explore the theme of hope by creating a collage outlining what hope means to them, and about their hopes for the future, with the chance of winning book vouchers. 

Local activities during the month will involve storytelling for primary school pupils and the sharing of information about the former Aikey Brae Fair, as well as the recollections of Travellers about life in and around the north-east of Scotland. 

Further details of the art competition for youngsters, an education resource pack, and a timeline of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller histories can all be found at on the Friends, Families and Travellers website at https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/grthm/