Policy into practice - Traveller communities

There are up to 300,000 Gypsies and Travellers living in Britain today, many of whom feel alienated from important family services and professional support. The nomadic population suffers the highest rates of infant mortality and illiteracy of any ethnic group and has the lowest life expectancy. While there are some positive initiatives tackling the needs of Travellers, a greater priority must be placed on giving young people from Traveller communities the same level of respect, professional help and sense of community belonging that is enjoyed by their peers.

CASE STUDY 1

Travellers' Times is an online publication featuring news, opinion pieces and new media communication from within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Developed by The Rural Media Company, it was developed in recognition of the fact that many young Travellers are becoming increasingly savvy and enthusiastic about online media and it chimes with life experienced on the move. The publication, www.travellerstimes.org.uk, is widely read in Australia and the US as well as in the UK and has achieved almost 10,000 visits since its launch in April.