Sussex Gypsy and Traveller Inclusion Network
Working together to improve outcomes for Gypsy and Traveller people across Sussex.
Gypsy and Traveller people continue to experience some of the poorest outcomes across health, education, accommodation, employment and access to services. Too often, professionals and organisations are working in isolation, without opportunities to share learning, build relationships or develop more effective approaches together.
The Sussex Gypsy and Traveller Inclusion Network has been created to change that.
This network brings together professionals from local authorities, NHS services, VCSE organisations, education, housing, policing, public health, social care and other sectors who are working with, or want to work more effectively with, Gypsy and Traveller people across Sussex.
The network aims to create a safe space for:
- Sharing knowledge, resources and best practice
- Building stronger cross-sector relationships and collaboration
- Improving understanding of barriers faced by Gypsy and Traveller people
- Listening and learning about different cultures
- Highlighting local and national developments affecting the communities
- Increasing culturally informed and inclusive practice
- Supporting earlier intervention and reducing crisis-driven responses
- Creating opportunities for joint working and systems change
The network is open to both frontline professionals and strategic leads. Whether you are already engaged in this work or looking to improve your organisation’s approach, the network provides an opportunity to learn from others and contribute to more effective and inclusive services for all across Sussex.
Why join?
By joining the network, you will:
- Receive updates on future events, training and resources
- Gain discounts on FFT training webinars
- Hear about relevant research, policy and funding developments
- Connect with professionals working across Sussex
- Share challenges and examples of effective practice
- Contribute towards improving outcomes for Gypsy and Traveller people
Listening & Networking
I found the day incredibly inspirational and educational. Hearing people's experiences and insights so openly shared was both powerful and thought-provoking, and it reinforced the importance of approaching our work with humanity, authenticity and understanding. I particularly appreciated the safe and welcoming environment that was created. It was wonderful that people felt comfortable enough to share such personal experiences, and I think that openness made the day even more meaningful.
We found it amazing that so many people from the establishment wanted to hear from, and implement changes to the system, to help people like us and the wider community. It's so unusual for us to be listened to, but even more unusual to get answers. I am aware it will take a long while for everything to come together, as the stigma from both sides needs negating, but we were very surprised at how you all managed to make this possible.
As an attendee I can only say a big thank you for the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and skills and reaffirm that my practice has always been and still is, human to human, regardless of background or ethnicity, gender or anything else. Hearing first hand from the speakers on the day was powerful and as a social worker I was naturally appalled to hear of such awful practice, power has always been a problem within state organisations, and it seems it still is. Hearing from those with lived experience always lands hard, its direct experience and there is nothing more powerful than listening to those voices.
As a proud member of the Romany Gypsy community, it meant the world to me to attend the speaking and listening event and speak openly about the discrimination that I have experienced, and the discrimination that my community continues to face every day. Being able to share both my personal experiences and my professional perspective, while also listening to others, was truly eye-opening. I genuinely believe that more events like this need to happen.
Just wanted to say what a brilliant day I thought this was! I learnt so much and was inspired by the speakers on video and in the room. There’s a very long road to travel, prejudices born of fear and ignorance are so deeply ingrained and the process of correcting them will take many years but each of us is doing what we can in our own workplaces and within our own families and friends so there is definitely reason to hope!
Listening
A key component of the network is listening to the experiences of Gypsy and Traveller people. Being present, without preconceptions, without judgement, simply as one human hearing another. Not only is this the most powerful way of learning, but it can also be incredibly healing for those who have lived through traumatic experiences.
Networking
It is one thing to be heard. It is another to see actual change.
For change to occur we need everyone talking to one another. People on the ground sharing their experiences, with managers who know how the systems work, with commissioners who can fund the changes, with MPs who can influence parliamentary decisions. The network requires each and every one of you to really bring about positive changes for Gypsy and Traveller people!
Can we make Sussex a best practice example of different local authority areas working together to create a region where people feel safe to proudly say that they are a Gypsy or a Traveller? Where access to services improves not just for members of the communities, but for everyone!
