Gypsy Traveller Diversity Training

Gypsy Traveller people have been a part of society for hundreds of years. They were originally thought to be Egyptians and that is where the name Gypsy comes from. Today however, it is believed that they migrated from India through the Middle East, Northern and Central Europe, eventually reaching Scotland and Wales in around the 1500. There unique Romany language which is still spoken today, originated from Sanskrit, one of the main root languages of humanity. Gypsy people were documented as wearing colourful clothes and dancing in the streets. Many were accomplished jugglers, acrobats and sellers of potions. However, with there appearance followed draconian legislation which commenced with the “Egyptians Act in 1530 requiring them to leave the country on pain of imprisonment, forfeit of goods or death. This was followed by a number other acts relating to punishment of “vagabonds and undesirables” Throughout the centuries and even to date, Gypsy Traveller people have experienced legislation which has criminalised there way of life. One such piece of legislation was the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

Gypsy Traveller people bring with them a rich colourful history and lifestyle. They are proud people who have in the past preferred to live on the edge of society for reasons of safety and survival. Employment has been in the main working on the land, and by buying and selling goods and livestock. At times of unrest they have served in the armed forces and thousands of Gypsy Traveller people were gassed on mass along with Jewish people in the concentration camps.

The prejudice and discrimination which is still experienced by the Gypsy Traveller Community has far reaching consequences. One is homelessness. The other is poor access to health and related services. If you were a woman from my Community you would be significantly less likely to give birth to a live child. You would be significantly less likely to carry your child to full term. You would be significantly more likely to experience the death of a toddler than a settled woman. Life expectancy is also significantly lower for both men and women from the Travelling Communities.

Research tells us that Gypsy Traveller children’s academic attainment is far lower than that of the settled community and highlights a number of factors, including Racism, discrimination and bullying as major factors. The majority of Traveller children face a barrage of abuse, name calling and isolation in Schools, which in turn affects both there mental well being and ability to learn. Forced eviction from land and homelessness also has a detrimental effect upon the children’s education. Irish Travelling children suffer some of the worst discrimination and this results in low academic achievement and poor life chances.  

Many organisations strive to provide an equable service to Gypsy Traveller people, but report a “hard to reach Community” which hinders the delivery of services and interventions. Therefore, to enable equitable services, we need to gain an understanding of the Culture, Customs and Lifestyle of the people we are working with. I believe that by acquiring that knowledge, it not only disseminates the myths around the Gypsy Traveller Communities, but also provides staff with an understanding of the relevant issues. They are then better equipped and more confident to deliver services as required.