The Gypsy, Roma Traveller History Month runs from the 1st – 30th June 2015. It aims to raise awareness of these communities and their valuable contributions to our society and to offset the negative stereotyping and prejudice that have led to the situation where;
- Gypsies, Roma and Travellers are the largest ethnic minority community in the European Union with over 12 million people across the EU and some 300,000 in the UK
- The Children’s Society report that nearly 9 out of 10 children and young people from a Gypsy background have suffered racial abuse and nearly two thirds have also been bullied or physically attacked
- The achievement levels of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are the lowest of any of the BME communities
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities have the worst health and lowest life expectancy in the country
There are several different groups of Gypsies and Travellers living in England, including Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers and New Travellers, and Circus and Fairground families. Some cultural values and traditions are shared, including a nomadic lifestyle or heritage.
Gypsies and Romany ethnic groups whose ancestors migrated from India in the 10th century and then mixed with European and other groups. Irish Travellers are a nomadic group with a distinctive way of life who have been part of Irish society for centuries.
‘Roma’ is used to describe the European Romany speaking groups who have come to England from Eastern and Central Europe, and is sometimes used to refer more generally to Gypsies and Travellers. New Travellers are people of settled background who adopted a travelling lifestyle in the more recent past, although some are now in their third or fourth generation of travelling. Circus and fairground families are another group who travel for their work.
Roma communities throughout Europe, including in the UK, continue to face discrimination. The age-old sensationalist between Romani people and crime still continue, while many remain on the edge of the society facing prejudice and tension in the communities where they reside.
Did you know…?
- Travellers have been an integral part of our society for over 500 years, working as agricultural labourers, horse traders, craftsman, musicians, in the scrap trade and as soldiers
- Two Victoria Crosses were awarded to Gypsies during the I and II World War for bravery
- Charlie Chaplain, Mother Theresa, Michael Cane and Elvis Presley all came from Gypsy backgrounds
- In 2008 alone, 3 MBEs were awarded to Gypsies and Traveller women for services to the community
- English and Welsh Gypsies, Irish Travellers and Scottish Gypsy Travellers are all recognised as distinct ethnic minority groups in the UK
- Life expectancy in Traveller women is estimated to be 15 years less than the average nationwide
- According to Ofsted, Traveller children remain the most ‘at risk’ within the educational system