Today, we’re excited to launch Friends, Families and Travellers’ Annual Report 2026! The report, which can be seen in full here, outlines our key activities and achievements over the past year from across our work.
Reflecting on the last year’s successes, motivations, and strides for change, Sarah Mann, Chief Executive at Friends, Families and Travellers said:
I’m pleased to welcome you to this year’s Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) Annual Report 2026!
This year, a particular focus of our work has been on tackling inequalities that have a long-term impact on the ability of Gypsy and Traveller people to live long and healthy lives.
Whether that’s co-developing resources to help healthcare professionals meaningfully engage with Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers, or celebrating NHS England’s landmark decision to align patient records with the 2021 census ethnicity categories, after 15 years of tireless campaigning by FFT.
As part of our multi-faceted approach, we’re also proud of each of the 27 young Gypsies and Travellers who gained a Level 2 RSPH Young Health Champion qualification this year, through our RSPH work. Along with an educational qualification, this training can help increase young people’s confidence in changing habits and behaviours for the better, from within their own communities.
Nationally, we saw a huge win as the Government accepted an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill (CPB), and now the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act’s (PCSCA) 12-month ban has reverted back to the original (pre-PCSCA) 3 months. With planning reforms on the horizon, we also supported more than 100 Gypsy and Traveller people to feed into a government consultation on planning and infrastructure.
We partnered with the Fuel Bank Foundation to help offset fuel costs and provide much-needed gas bottles, electricity vouchers and heating oil, creating real impact on the ground. Over 115 Gypsy and Traveller people accessed our scheme, which covered more than £40,000 worth of tangible support. This was a crucial service, and highlights how important partnerships can be towards making a real difference.
Our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM) theme this year saw us explore the inspiration within;“Gypsy, Roma and Traveller ‘Heroes’ Month: Who inspires you?”. Many stories of courage, ambition and hope came from people from Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller, New Traveller, Showman and Liveaboard Boater communities. It was wonderful to so much inspiration grounded in family and heritage and beautifully demonstrated the richness and diversity of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.
To all of our staff, trustees, volunteers and partners, and most importantly, the people we work with and for – thank you for the part you play in our collective strive for a brighter future. We asked the question, ‘What inspires you?’ for this year’s GRTHM theme, and now it’s time to give our answer. You are the ones that give FFT its drive for the better, and you show us what it takes to be kind and courageous every day. Together, we continue on the path of dignity, justice, and lasting change.
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Notes for Editor
About Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT)
Friends, Families and Travellers is a leading national charity that works to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life.
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Relevant Resources
‘Annual Report 2026’. September 2026. View report.
