Gypsy Roma Traveller Leeds
The permanent site of the Gypsy Roma Traveller Communities
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Traveller pipers John Rooney and son Larry recently visited Leeds for a musical session.
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Travellers Health Partnership
Visit to Dublin
In November 2002, a group of six Travellers and Gypsies from across Leeds accompanied by eight professionals representing Leeds Voice, South Leeds Health For All, Travellers Education Service, Irish Health and Homes, Harehills Irish Music Project and the N.E. Primary Health Care Trust spent nearly 4 days looking at provision for Travellers in Ireland.
Why Visit Ireland?
The main reason for the visit was that Ireland has been developing a worldwide reputation for being at the forefront of provision for Travellers. The last 20 to 30 years have seen a number of new initiatives established in Ireland, the work evolving in exciting ways through new approaches being taken. The members of the Leeds based Travellers Health Partnership hoped to be able to learn from the successes as well as challenges faced in the work undertaken.
A further reason for the visit was the recognition that many of the Travellers in England were Irish or from an Irish background and still relate to family back in Ireland.
Funding For the Project
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A halting site in Dublin |
The idea of the trip was first explored at meetings of the Traveller Health Partnership. South Leeds Health for All supported the group to plan and fund raise for the project and a successful application to Leeds Voice Community Chest provided the basis for the funding. Further support was provided by Leeds City Council Equal Opportunities Unit, Park Lane College, Irish Health and Homes, N.E PCT, Harehills Irish Music Project and The Children’s Fund to enable the trip to take place.
Itinerary
The visit included visits to Pavee Point a voluntary or non-governmental organisation which is committed to human rights for Travellers. Site Visits were conducted and there was a visit to meet the Irish Traveller Movement.
Another study
Making a Difference
There have been Gypsies and Travellers in Leeds for over 500 years. They have their own heritage, language and long established cultural traditions and are recognised minority ethnic groups.
Travellers’ problems are complex and are often caused or exacerbated by the environmental living conditions. Many families live with a tremendous amount of anxiety – fear of eviction, finding a place to stop and the constant battle against discrimination and poor access to medical care in some parts of the country.