On The Road

As we come to the end of the current series of On The Road we look back at some of the highlights. Terry also reads out some poetry. 

As it's now Gypsy and Traveller History month in the UK we hear from award winning Thomas McCarthy who sings traditional songs passed down through the generations of his family. He also shares his knowledge of the history of Irish Travellers. 

David Donaldson is a young Scottish Traveller whose experiences growing up have made him to determined to change things for the better. Despite struggles with the education system he is now at University and now sits in Scottish Parliament regularly fighting for the rights of Scottish Gypsies and Travellers.    

In this week's episode of the award winning On The Road we hear from Mihai Bica from The Roma Support Group about how Brexit may impact Roma people in the UK as well as how other GRT people may be affected. We hear again from Jonathan Lee from the ERRC about the impact of far right politics in Europe and Gypsy leader Billy Welch gives his opinion on Brexit. Also hear about the important Court case won by London Gypsies and Travellers against wide injunctions in Bromley. Plus we hear about the award On The Road has won.   

Jonathan Lee is a Welsh Romany Gypsy who works at the European Roma Rights Centre in Brussels. In this episode of On The Road he talks about his life, the experience of Roma people throughout Europe and the worrying implications of the rise of the far right in European politics. 

Sabrina Stewart is a proud Scottish Traveller who has spent most of her life living on the road. She is a mother of 6, a trained nurse and activist. She talks about her experiences of discrimination and abuse as well as how she is hoping to bring about change by working alongside the GRTPA ( Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Police Association) 

We head to Leedsgate to speak to Helen Jones and Kim Maloney MBE about a unique pilot scheme they have set up with Leeds council which allows people living on The Road to stop for longer and negotiate with the council and community. 

In this week's On The Road we look at the report published by the Women's and Equalities Committee into the the shocking inequalities faced by GRT people in the UK. We hear from people who have fed into the report and discuss it's recommendations. 

One Call Away is a helpline set up by Romany Gypsy brother and sister Caroline and Mark to help prevent suicides in the Gypsy and Traveller communities. They tell us why they set up the helpline and how it works. They also talk about the reasons why there appears to be a suicide epidemic in Gypsy and Traveller communities.   

Gypsy Activist Joseph Jones tells us about his life and what led him into activism and also explains the history around an offensive term that is unfortunately still widely used.  We also hear about an important announcement made by The Church Of England. 

Joseph Jones and Roger Lee from the Gypsy Council and Gypsy Co-operative speak about the plans they have for the future from the new base in Kent. 

Damian Le Bas talks about his book The Stopping Places and tells us  why he had to write it. He explores the ancient stopping places used by his ancestors and many other Travellers and Gypsies throughout the UK. He also shares his experience of growing up in a Romany Gypsy family, troubles at school and making it to Oxford University.     

Romany Gypsy Jim Davies served as Police Officer for over 20 years with Thames Valley Police. We hear about his experience of racism and why he decided to set up the GRTPA ( Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association). 

Roma communities are learning English and are accessing education to help intergrate and get a better life in The UK. We speak to 2 project workers who help Roma by mentoring and supporting them to fulfill their dreams. We also hear about how many of Europe's Roma are segregated in all areas of life and the discrimination they have faced.       

How can prison work for you? On this episode of On the Road we hear from Miley who has turned his life around in prison. With the help of a fellow Gypsy man he got 'on the right road' over his fears and learnt to read and write. He is now on the road to employment. 

"Pupils from Gypsy or Roma backgrounds and those from a Traveller background had the lowest attainment of all ethnic groups throughout their school years." Race Disparity Audit 2017 This episode of On The Road looks at the reasons why GRT pupils have the lowest attainment of all ethnic groups in education. We hear from Pauline Anderson Director of Education for Derby City Council who comes from a Irish Traveller background as well as other community members. 

On this episode we take you down 'memory lane' with stories from back in the day. Hear Mena, Billy and Terry recall stories from days gone by. 

Travellers and Gypsies up and down the UK have been taking part in#FoodbankNomination challenge. We talk to the man who started it all off and find out the impact it has had. We also hear about other charitable deeds by Gypsies and Travellers in the run up to Christmas 2018. 

Jonny and Nancy report from the annual Traveller Movement Conference 'Beyond The Tick Box'. On this episode we focus on one of the topics of the day. 'Is GRT ethnicity seen as a risk factor by the police?'

Tina talks to Jonny & Nancy about suffering extreme domestic violence at the hands of her husband and how she got away from him after 10 years. Tina is now a women's worker at the Traveller Movement and provides support to GRT women who are victims of domestic abuse. She can be contacted on:  women@travellermovement.org.uk or call 020 7607 2002.

Romany Gypsy Terry talks about his life; from the care system to prison, his mental health issues and a very long wait to get  housed on a site.  He is with Ivy Manning who works at Friends, Families and Travellers an organisation based in Brighton.  We also have On The Road news from Mike Doherty the editor of Travellers Times.    Friends, Families and Travellers contact details:  https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/ 01273 234 777 fft@gypsy-traveller.org

Is discrimination towards Gypsies, Roma and Travellers the last 'acceptable' form of Racism in the UK? In this weeks' episode we look at how discrimination and racism affects every part of life for GRT people. GateHerts a GRT led organisation run a website for reporting racism and discrimination tell us their how and why people need to report it. (Details below)  Reportracismgrt.com  Twitter  @ReportRacismGRT  Freephone 0800 8101800  

On this episode of On The Road we hear about one of our hosts lives. Jonny is an Irish Traveller who whilst in prison worked at National Prison Radio as a presenter and producer. Jonny talks to co-host Nancy about his early life, problems at school, becoming a father and his time in prison.  Lisa Smith from Travellers Times also speaks about an event for GRT women that she attended.   

A new podcast for Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities which will also be broadcast on National Prison Radio. Coming soon.....