Royal Society for Public Health Training for Gypsy and Traveller Communities
Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) are an accredited Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Training Centre and deliver training to Gypsy and Traveller people on health improvement and behaviour change.
FFT's approach develops local Health Champions who are equipped to share evidence-based health information, promote positive change and strengthen community capacity. The training delivers a proven, sustainable model for improving engagement, reducing inequalities and supporting communities to lead on health and wellbeing initiatives.
We deliver the following award winning training courses:
- RSPH Level 1 Award in Health Awareness
- RSPH Level 2 Award in Understanding Health Improvement and Understanding Behaviour Change
- RSPH Level 2 Young Health Champion
These accredited trainings can be delivered flexibly in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, prisons, community venues, local authority services and voluntary sector organisations.
More than 500 Gypsy and Traveller people have completed the training and received a nationally recognised qualification, equivalent in level to a GCSE. For many participants, this represents their first formal qualification. This has supported progression into further education and employment, with some participants going on to attend college and others becoming long-term volunteers with FFT.
I was nervous at first, but I was able to settle in with the other people who were on the course. I learnt so much, I sat the exam and passed it! I gave up smoking after I did the course and I got mum to as well. I talk to other Travellers now and encourage them to quit.
Romany Gypsy Participant in Level 2 RSPH Qualification in Understanding Behaviour Change
In recognition of our work, we were runners up in the ‘Community Health Development Award’ at the RSPH Health and Wellbeing Awards 2019, and winners of the 'Children and Youth Award' at the Charity Awards 2021.
