Working with Gypsy and Traveller communities January 2017 This powerpoint presentation should be delivered with the appropriate best practise guide

Gypsy and traveller communities: a taboo area? Discussions around the gypsy and traveller communities in the UK are ones that are often considered very sensitive: in fact, the concerns about offending the group being discussed can weigh so heavily on the minds of practitioners that the area is often considered to be taboo. However, the fear of this ‘taboo’ subject is rooted in a lack of understanding of this community and it’s particular features, and as such many are unsure what is the appropriate way to begin any discussion involving gypsy and traveller communities. This best practise guidance aims to dispel some of this confusion and provide support and guidance for advisers wishing to do work in this area. This powerpoint presentation should be delivered with the appropriate best practise guide

BAME BAME is an acronym for: Black Asian, Minority Ethnic Gypsies and Travellers are technically a BAME community, and are protected as such under UK law. When discussing Gypsy and Traveller communities, many of the issues we face when trying to engage with them are also found – to greater or lesser degrees - in other BAME communities within the UK. There are several distinct sub-types of Gypsy and Traveller, with quite a few pronounced differences. There are estimated to be 300,000 in the UK (0.5%). There are several indicators – social, economic, health – that provide evidence that members of this group are significantly disadvantaged compared to members outside it. This powerpoint presentation should be delivered with the appropriate best practise guide

Barriers we find in BAME communities An intrinsically cash-centric culture. A society that revolves around religious belief. A distrust of British authorities. Evidence of gender bias and discrimination. Isolated communities. Low levels of literacy. Intradependence: very close-knit, extended families. Early marriage and large families. A cultural focus on honour and shame. This powerpoint presentation should be delivered with the appropriate best practise guide

Barriers unique to Gypsy and Traveller communities This powerpoint presentation should be delivered with the appropriate best practise guide

How do we break down these barriers? The gypsy race is an old-fashioned and, sadly, a very bitter one. They live, breathe, sleep, grieve, love and care for only their own people. They don't like or trust the ways of others and don't have contact or friendships with other races, afraid that one day they will be forced to turn their backs on their once proud way of life and become like any other. Quote source: Gypsy Boy by Mikey Walsh Mikey Walsh grew up in a gypsy community, and was in fact a champion bare-knuckle fighter. He left when still a teenager as he was gay and that was not well-accepted by this community. More info can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikey_Walsh

How do we break down these barriers? Step One – Review your existing knowledge and skills Do you already have experience of working with BAME communities? Identify partners and trusted intermediaries Have you had experience of delivering basic skills training to people who are unable to read and write English? Have you talked with an experienced trainer about their work with this community? Do some research about BAME communities in your local area This powerpoint presentation should be delivered with the appropriate best practise guide

How do we break down these barriers? Step Two – Review your service and take steps to make it more accessible Carry out a review Identify partners and trusted intermediaries Your local authority Health professionals (specialist health visitors) Provide specific support for clients with low levels of literacy Provide flexibility and assistance with appointments Prepare and display targeted publicity materials This powerpoint presentation should be delivered with the appropriate best practise guide

How do we break down these barriers? Step Three – Provide a specific service for Gypsy and Travellers Make direct links Community development and engagement work Celebrate Gypsy and Traveller History Month Advice surgeries (alone or in partnership) Building trust through campaigning and joint action This powerpoint presentation should be delivered with the appropriate best practise guide

How do we break down these barriers? Step Four – Develop a dedicated outreach and support service Advice Hub/Network Expert Outreach advice service This powerpoint presentation should be delivered with the appropriate best practise guide

Thanks for listening!

Our team David Mahon Forums / Training & resources Hannah Luck 03000 231 582 Hannah Luck Forums / Communication & information 03000 231 581 Email: financial.skills@citizensadvice.org.uk Basam Diablos Financial capability development consultant Christy McAleese Service Delivery and Contract Manager-Financial Capability 03000 231 209

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