Film Director Rosa Cisneros and editor Maria Polodeanu have compiled an inspiring short film about the importance of equity, motherhood, friendship and education in our communities for March 8th International Women’s Day
Rarticipants from across the UK contributed materials, including the poems of Dee Cooper – Family, It hurts you know, Romany Queen, Our Daughters.
The Renewed National Roma Network (NRN) survey, undertaken by Liverpool John Moores University, explored whether there is a need and/or energy to re-establish the NRN and, if so, what the renewed NRN aims/objectives be.
Founding members of the National Roma Network and Roma community members collaborated with Liverpool John Moore’s University, to co-design and develop through open consultation a ‘Renewed National Roma Network Survey’. The consultations took place over several weeks through online meetings and sample questioning.
• 72% state they miss the collective knowledge sharing provided by NRN. Since the NRN Disbanded in 2017 most people miss the collective knowledge sharing and networking. Furthermore, respondents miss the opportunity to learn from other Roma communities in the UK.
• 59% miss the NRN best practice models and 51% miss the collective Lobbying of the Government.
• Most respondents believe there is a clear barrier for the Roma community when getting access to support/ basic access needs.
• Most respondents believe language is the largest barrier with very few translators in schools/health care.
• Further barriers include literacy, digital exclusion, poverty, discrimination/trust.
• 70% of people believe funding is the biggest barrier to supporting the Roma community in the future.
• 48% of respondents said there is a barrier to engaging with the Roma community
• 61% of respondents believe it is difficult for Roma to access Universal Credit.
• Most people believe the local government does not have significant understanding of the local Roma community community’s
• 26% of respondents believe there is not enough in place within their organisation to support the Roma community.
The findings are that there is a need for a Roma support network for knowledge sharing, learning from other Roma and influencing government policy and practice. It recommends the formation of a support group for Roma through a bid.
Members of the Salford Irish Traveller community, Salford Children’s Services and Salford Community Leisure took part in a three year project to build a traditional Bill Wright-style Bow Top Gypsy wagon.
They worked with a local Irish Traveller master craftsman, learning traditional skills of wagon making which have been passed down over many decades. They also learnt about the lifestyle, culture and traditions of life and survival on the road.
This project enabled over 20 young Travellers and non-Travellers to work together and learn from each other, exploring a unique minority heritage which is often misunderstood and maligned.
The accompanying educational exhibition and activity programme explores themes such as traditions, culture, heritage and identity and why these things are so important in all our lives.
