Health

Gypsy, Roma & Travellers have the worst health record of all the UK’s minority groups. Although Gypsies have been in this country for more than 500 years they still have the highest infant mortality rates and Gypsy men die 10 years earlier than the average for the UK population. Clearwater Gypsies who lobby for the accommodation needs of the Gypsies, Roma & Travellers believe that adequate accommodation (site provision) would go a long way to alleviate this situation.
Additionally this would facilitate a massive improvement in the Health & Education of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller children.

Education

Gypsy, Roma & Traveller History Month 2009.

Work has now started on the 2009 Gypsy, Roma & Traveller History Month, to be held in June. Visit our blog to see what is happening.

Diversity Training

For Schools (ages 5 - 11)

example of a traditional vardo provided for the presentation

A presentation is given to the children to explain the history and culture of the Gypsies. Gypsies are a recognised ethnic group under the Race Relations Act, as amended.
We provide a traditional caravan to capture the children’s interest. The children are welcome to have hands on experience with the caravan and is acts as a good way to capture their interest and stimulate comments and questions.
This presentation is usually given in conjunction with The Travellers Education Service on the lines of a “Social Inclusion of Ethnic Groups“ component of the national curriculum.

For Secondary Schools/Colleges/Universities
Citizens Advice/Save The Children

This event starts with a presentation and then progresses to a discussion session which usually identifies students prejudices and allows us to break down the stereotypical views of Gypsy and Travellers which have usually been implanted by the popular press and media and not by actual contact with the Gypsy and Traveller population.

The Red Cross / Fire Brigade

This takes the form of an initial presentation on the Do’s and Dont’s of making contact with a Gypsy & Traveller group, followed by an unlimited Q&A session.
We cover subjects such as :-

How to present yourself in a non threatening manner to a Gypsy & Traveller site.
How to locate Gypsy & Traveller sites, via local authorities liaison etc.
How to get to the people you are attempting to reach.
How to provide your information to Gypsy & Traveller communities.
How to present your message to the Gypsy & Traveller community.

This course has already been successfully presented to, and well received by, members of the East Sussex Fire Brigade and the British Red Cross (South Eastern Territories).