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Government announces plans to introduce harsh new laws for roadside camps
This month the Government launched its response to the consultation on strengthening police powers for roadside camps. Despite public opposition, stronger police powers have been proposed for use against roadside camps. See our response.
New tool launched for people to write to their MP about harsh new laws for roadside camps
Use our quick and easy online tool to send a letter to your MP. Ask them to object to the draconian legislation in the Policing Bill which will lead to fines, imprisonment and confiscation of homes. Find out more.
FFT response to Pontins anti-Traveller blacklisting of Irish surnames
This month, an investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that Pontins parks were using a blacklist of 'undesirable guests' to refuse bookings from Gypsies and Travellers. Read more.
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Briefing on new police powers for encampments in Policing Bill
This month we released a briefing outlining the proposals in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and the impact of the criminalisation of trespass for Gypsies and Travellers. Read more.
The criminalisation of trespass - Community Law Partnership
Read a briefing from CLM on Home Office proposals to impose fines, imprisonment or confiscation of vehicles belonging to Gypsies and Travellers on roadside camps. Find out more.
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The APPG have been working behind the scenes to push the Government to address the needs of Gypsies and Travellers during the Covid-19 crisis.
Parliamentary Questions and Debates
APPG members in the House of Commons have been busy addressing measures outlined in the 'Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill' which plan to criminalise people on roadside camps. Work included fierce opposition from several APPG members during the second reading debates. View questions from Vice-chair Andrew Slaughter MP and Co-chair Martin Docherty Hughes MP.
Early Day Motion
APPG members and other MPs have tabled an Early Day Motion calling for more Traveller sites and a debate on the harsh new laws for Travellers proposed in the Policing Bill. View the Early Day Motion.
Co-chair to the APPG, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP publicly condemned the actions of Pontins holiday parks who were using a blacklist of "Undesirable Guests" to refuse bookings by Gypsies and Travellers. View the news here and here.
Friends Families and Travellers act as Secretariat to the APPG for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma.
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Update from the HWAlliance
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Ensuring that people at the sharp edge of inequality can access the COVID-19 vaccine
On April 6th, we are holding a webinar for healthcare professionals on 'Supporting COVID-19 Vaccination for Inclusion Health groups'. Register for the webinar here.
Access to both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine when travelling
We have developed a guidance and template letter for professionals in health and social care to support nomadic patients to receive both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Find out more here.
Addressing inequalities in waiting lists for nomadic populations
A new project will explore ways to address the disadvantage nomadic communities experience in accessing health and social care. If you would like to share your experience, get in touch.
We are working closely with policy makers at the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and Public Health England. If you would like to raise specific challenges being faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities at this time, please get in touch.
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Advice Line - If you have an issue or problem which you would like support with, call our helpline on 01273 234777.
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We provide Secretariat to the APPG for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma which is a group of MPs and peers who work to address the inequalities faced by Gypsies, Roma and Travellers.
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VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance - Want to share your experiences and ideas with NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England?
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Our critically acclaimed play Crystal's Vardo uses dance, drama, humour and music to share the rich history of Gypsy and Traveller communities.
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Online Gypsy and Traveller Cultural Awareness Training - Improve your engagement with Gypsy and Traveller communities by taking our award winning e-learning.
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Use our Inclusion Health Audit Tool to help your organisation to embed action on tackling health inequalities into your everyday activities.
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Services Directory - Find services which support Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in your area.
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Update from our casework:
"The lockdown has increased feelings of isolation and loneliness among young people, as well as a drop off in education. FFT youth team have been focusing on increasing digital skills of young people so they are able to participate with remote learning, engage and interact with peers and access online resources and tuition. In the last month we have helped 44 young people to access iPads through grants. They can now participate in online learning and socialise with friends."
Samson Rattigan BEM, Projects Coordinator
"Thank you so much Avril, we really appreciate it. Well done to you and everyone else that made this happen."
A message to our Projects Manager, Avril Fuller, and the Outreach Team who have supported young people to access digital equipment this month.
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