Using drama to address discrimination and stereotyping of Gypsy Traveller communities Rachel Wemyss Health Policy Officer Friends, Families and Travellers

Anti-Bullying Bullying at school is one of the main barriers for Gypsy Traveller children to engage well with education. GRT pupils are reported to be amongst the lowest achieving ethnic groups within schools in England “The other kids call me names over and over again making me feel completely worthless and alone, not that you’d care”

Building Trust Lack of trust between Gypsies and Travellers and healthcare professionals is a key barrier to access that prevents communities from – receiving equal access and treatment – e.g health visitors not going on to site going to the doctor in a timely fashion due to fear of discrimination “Mum says I should go to school and get myself an education, but what’s the point when I just get picked on. I ask my mum when will it stop? When the gorgers open their hearts and minds.

The Act Concerning Egyptians 1530 Anyone who is an Egyptian will be made to forfeit their goods and ordered to leave the realm within 15 days or be imprisoned if they do not obey. Henry VIII

Racism Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers and Roma are all recognised ethnic minorities. They are protected by the Equality The Public Sector Equality Duty. Public bodies must show ‘due regard’ to the need to – eliminate discrimination advance equality of opportunity foster good relations between groups On her travels Crystal meets Zekia a Serbian Roma girl in hiding from the Nazis “The last ‘acceptable’ form of racism” - Commission on Race Equality

Gypsy Traveller Health Inequalities Shorter Life Expectancy years lower life expectancy even when adjusted for socio- economic status Long term conditions 42 per cent of English Gypsies are affected by a long-term condition Immunisation & Screening Low uptake rates of immunisation Poor access to screening, especially if no fixed abode or not registered with a GP

Prevalence of long-term conditions (Cemlyn et al, 2009)

Gypsy Traveller Health Inequalities Mental health Higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression High incidence of male youth suicide Poor access to bereavement support Social care Gypsies and Travellers provide the most unpaid care of any ethnic minority Gypsies and Travellers have the poorest self-reported health of all ethnic minorities according to the 2011 Census

Social Determinants of Health Few Gypsies & Travellers educated beyond secondary school Loss of traditional trades Unauthorised encampments may have no access to water or sanitation Racism and Discrimination Lack of support for self-employment National shortage of site provision and existing sites often in poor condition. Lack of access to healthy food Poor access to health care

Feedback from the play Very well put together, more people need to be made aware of this play’ … ‘thank you for educating me today and giving me an understanding of the Gypsy and Traveller community’ Sussex Police Training event The children really had a thought provoking and up-lifting experience! There is a real change in attitude from the children who saw the play. The message is now clear! Teacher, Belvedere Primary school Kent I think Crystal’s Vardo is an excellent way of learning about Gypsy and Traveller history in an interactive and fun way. I think adults and children alike would benefit from seeing the show as it has the capcity to make all age groups think about issues of discrimination and prejudice. Health Visitor, South Gloucestershire