This month we’ve been extra busy telling people about what we do within the Equality & Social Justice Unit. You may have seen our stall or said hello as we were walking around Appleby Horse Fair! We were there for three days speaking to people about their experiences of discrimination and explaining how we could support them. We had some really interesting conversations which highlighted just how much these services are required. We’re also preparing to be at Cambridge Fair on the 20th of June to get out and speak to more people about what we do, so please say hello if you spot us! 

We’ve also been busy speaking to parents who intend to travel for work over the summer and would like more information on speaking to schools about the use of the T code. If you’re in a similar position, give us a call – we’re always happy to help where we can. 

Finally, keep an eye out on social media for the launch of our Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month video as well as clips from our Know Your Rights sessions from the past couple of months. The aim of these videos is to help you understand your rights around popular questions on refusal of service, education and discrimination. 

You can contact our Community Advocacy Caseworker on esju@travellermovement.org.uk 

National Volunteers Week was celebrated from the 3rd of June to the 9th of June 2024, and there was no better time to thank the Traveller Movement Volunteers. 

National Volunteers Week is in its 40th Year of being celebrated, and it is an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful contribution volunteers make to their communities.   

Volunteering is when someone spends unpaid time doing something to benefit others, and here at the Traveller Movement we recognise the time and effort our Trustees put into the organisation and the support they offer the team.  Our trustees are committed to realising the vision and mission here at the Traveller Movement. 

As an organisation, we are also luck enough to have Nanna Varey on our team of Volunteers.  Nanna joined us in 2022 and oversees the Recipe and Tips Facebook group (otherwise known as the ‘nicest group on Facebook).   

Watch this space for a future blog from Nanna 

This year we sent a letter to all of our Trustees and Nanna thanking them for their contributions. 

TM Trustee, John McCarthy also received an award for Outstand Trustee at the Irish in Britain awards. Attending the 2024 Annual Volunteer Awards at the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith, John was presented his award which was sponsored by Moreland Investments Ltd which included an Irish hamper gifted by Your Irish Shop. Sabrina Franklin (TM Office Manager) and John Delahunty (CEO of Innisfree Housing Association) described John as a “powerful advocate and spokesperson… who also leaves a lasting impression as a true champion for social justice and equality” and an “ambassador for Innisfree” and “the best neighbour you could ever hope for”. 

John proudly took to the stage and spoke both of his pride in being a Traveller man and a role model for the community as well as the discrimination that Travellers have faced.   

This month we have had Shaun Mongan join the team as the Policy Intern.  Shaun initially heard about the Traveller Movement through a social worker, Franics, who works at the Lewisham Irish Centre.  His interest was caught following his attendance at the TM annual conference in November 2023 in which Shaun himself said he recognsied a space where he could utilise his degree to further help Travellers.  Shaun’s Blog will be featuring next month in spotlight.