iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Earlier today, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Gypsies, Travellers and Roma met a delegation from Slovenia who are currently working with the University of Liverpool and The University of Manchester on the racialisation of Roma communities in Europe.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Nominations for our FFT Awards 2026 are now open! 🥳 These awards are a chance to come together and celebrate the incredible achievements of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and groups. (1/2)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

We’re also holding a recruitment open day — whether you’re actively looking for a new role or just want to know more about the work we do, we’d love to meet you! Email admin@gypsy-traveller.org to register your interest. (2/2)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

Do you want to hold power to account and push towards real change for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people? We have two new opportunities to join our team! 🗣️ 1 x Communications Officer ⚖️ 1 x Policy and Research Officer Closing 7 November 2025. More: www.gypsy-traveller.org/about-us/vac... (1/2)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

We’re sharing some quotes from our report, amplifying Gypsy and Traveller voices from focus groups and interviews, delving into the long lasting effects of suicide within the communities: gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/u... (2/3)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Gypsy and Traveller communities are twice as likely to be depressed and are three times more likely to be anxious than others. Our casework indicates a disproportionately high prevalence of suicide among the communities we work with. (1/3)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

💼 We've written to Emma Reynolds MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, to raise the issue of Gypsy and Traveller site residents experiencing constant barriers when trying to access home and contents insurance. Full letter: www.gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/u...

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

Alongside other Gypsy and Traveller organisations, we wrote to Minister for Housing and Planning to ensure landlords can apply for funding for Gypsy and Traveller sites under the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme. Read 👇

Letter on the inclusion of Gypsy and Traveller sites in the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme to the Minister for Housing and Planning, drafted by FFT and signed by various Gypsy and Traveller organisations.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

🥉3rd prize Taking inspiration from Paul O’Grady, the TV presenter who shares Barney’s love of dogs, Barney put together a poetry booklet on his love of dogs alongside a wonderful mixed medium piece, which you can find here (7/8):

Boys face with speech bubbles reading 'I like dogs' and a photo of a dog in the top right corner.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

🥈2nd prize: Eileen produced a vibrant collage, featuring old photographs and the Romany flag to showcase her inspiration: her ‘Big Mummy’, which you can see below! (6/8)

Collage with a womans face in the middle, a description of the entrant's inspiration and old photographs around it, with the Romany flag in the right hand corner.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Now onto our individual entry winners… 🥇1st prize: Congratulations to Marek for their beautiful poem on their experience of being Roma and accompanying collage made up of quotes from inspiring Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. (5/8)

Poem on the entrant's experience of being Roma and the collage they created, featuring the poem alongside it.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

🥉3rd prize: Next up in third place is T3 from Horn's Mill Primary where students created colourful fact sheets on Richard O'neill, a Romany performance storyteller, author and playwright. (4/8)

Fact sheets on Richard O'Neill's life and why students find him inspiring.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

🥈2nd prize: Horn's Mill Primary put together a wonderful compilation of pictures inspired by Charlie Chaplin, a famous Gypsy who encouraged ordinary people to be extraordinary. (3/8)

Drawing on why Charlie Chaplin is inspiring, including quotes.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Group entries: 1st prize🥇 When the Year 5 choir of Haberdashers' Slade Green School thought of ‘heroes’, Tyson Fury immediately came to mind — so they wrote and recorded a jovial song about the Gypsy King, touching on how has become a flag bearer for mental health. (2/8)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

We're grateful to APPG on Gypsies, Travellers, and Roma Member Andy Slaughter MP @hammersmithandy.bsky.social and supporting MPs for tabling an amendment, calling for the repeal of Part 4. You too can join the fight for justice by joining our campaign: gypsy-traveller.org/campaigns/pa...

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

It was wonderful to hear about the impact Katie's nan has had on her. If you'd like to read more, along with other inspirational stories about Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people, click here: gypsy-traveller.org/grthm/ (3/3)

FFT graphic with quote from Katie on why she finds her nan inspiring. Underneath there is a photo of them both sitting on the steps of a Vardo, with turquoise curtains leading into the entrance.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Proud of her heritage, Katie recognises that her nan helped instil the Romany values she holds dear today, and reminisces about holidays spent at the beach🏖️ (2/3):

FFT graphic with quote from Katie on why she finds her nan inspiring. Flower illustrations in top and bottom right corners.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Here’s the second installment of our ‘Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Heroes’ series! For Katie Davies, her Nan, who has over 70 grandkids, great grandkids and great great grandkids, is a huge source of inspiration (1/3):

FFT graphic with two photos side by side. One is of Katie Davies and the other is of the inspirational person she submitted as part of GRTHM, her nan. Underneath there is black cursive writing reads "Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month: "Who inspires you?". A block of yellow with black bold writing inside sits below and reads "For Katie Davies, her nan is a huge source of inspiration and helped instil the Romany values she holds dear today".

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

For Jelly, Smellington Piff's music around 'New Age Traveller life' is relatable and something she can connect to.🎶 👀Keep an eye on our socials (or head to our brochure) to read more about everyday inspirational Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people: gypsy-traveller.org/grthm/ (2/2)

FFT graphic with quote from Jemima on why she finds Piff inspiring. Underneath there is a black and white photo of Piff in a hoodie, a small section of a van can be seen behind him. Illustrations either side of the photo - one is a horseshoe, and on the right hand side is flowers.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

This Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, we asked you to tell us about the heroes in your life.🦸‍♀️ In our first installment of our inspirational people series, Jelly Pope told us about Smellington Piff, a New Traveller hip-hop artist. (1/2)

FFT graphic with two photos side by side. One is of Jelly Pope and the other is of the inspirational person she submitted as part of GRTHM, Smellington Piff. Underneath there is black cursive writing reads "Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month: "Who inspires you?". A block of yellow with black bold writing inside sits below and reads "Jemima Pope on Smellington Piff, a New Traveller Hip-Hop artist"

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

Crystal's Vardo weaves the histories and cultures of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities into one story — come and see our live performance tomorrow at 2pm!🃏 More details below 👇

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

Today is Romani Resistance Day. On 16 May 1944, Roma and Sinti people in Auschwitz-Birkenau stood against Nazi soldiers, resisting executions in the ‘Gypsy Camp’ for several months. We remember the resilience and bravery of Roma and Sinti people who stood against genocide.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

🚨CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS CALL FOR REPEAL OF PART 4🚨 We’ve written to the Government, alongside @amnestyuk.bsky.social, @libertyhq.bsky.social, @quaker.org.uk, @right2roam.bsky.social and others, to urge for a repeal of Part 4 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. (1/3)

Letter from leading civil society organisations to the Policing Minister, calling for Part 4 of the PCSC Act to be repealed

Signatures on letter from leading civil society organisations to the Policing Minister, calling for Part 4 of the PCSC Act to be repealed

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Do you want to find out more about the local history of Gypsies and Travellers in Sussex? 🔍 🔊Scan the QR code below to hear voice clips from our community archiving project, produced in collaboration with @sussex.ac.uk and supported by @heritagefunduk.bsky.social.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Thanks to the Women and Equalities Select Committee Chair, @sarahowen.org.uk, for meeting us yesterday to discuss some of the experiences of Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities, and the need to address deep rooted inequalities and racism, as well as routes forward to effect positive change

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

🙌A big thanks to John Grady MP for hosting Robert J Vaszi, from the Roma community, in parliament! 🖊️Robert's written an insightful piece on the impact MPs engaging with community members can have. Check it out: www.gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/u...

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

Thanks to @kimjohnsonmp.bsky.social for calling for the protection of the most marginalised communities and the defense of civil liberties. 👇Take part in our #Part4NoMore campaign now: action.gypsy-traveller.org/page/167333/...

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

Here is @hammersmithandy.bsky.social on the importance of rectifying the deep injustice of Part 4 of the PCSC Act. 👇Take part in our #Part4NoMore campaign now: action.gypsy-traveller.org/page/167333/...

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

We're grateful to @marykfoymp.bsky.social for supporting calls to repeal Part 4 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, with an impassioned speech on its impact on Gypsies and Travellers. 👇Take part in our #Part4NoMore campaign now: action.gypsy-traveller.org/page/167333/...

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Keep your eyes peeled for more GRTHM updates over the coming months! More: gypsy-traveller.org/news/fft-ann... #GRTHMHeroesMonth (4/4)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Your submissions will be central to our GRTHM celebrations, and may even be included in a special poster! Be quick! Submissions close on Sunday 16 March 2025. (3/4)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

This year, our theme is Gypsy, Roma and Traveller ‘Heroes’ Month: “Who inspires you?”. It can be family, a friend, or anyone that matters to you - tell us who inspires you and why by sending a voice note on WhatsApp to 07561866140 or click here: surveymonkey.com/r/DRSWTN7 (2/4)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

In June it's #GRTHM25, and we want to celebrate the incredible Romany, Irish Traveller, Roma, New Traveller, Showmen and Liveaboard Boater people who inspire you - and WE NEED YOUR HELP! Find out how you can get involved 👇 (1/4)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Thanks to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, we're at the UN with Roma Support Group, to highlight Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people’s experiences in the UK. (2/5)

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Difficulties experienced by Romany, Roma and Traveller people are often compounded after contact with the CJS, creating a revolving door of ‘punishment over support’. (4/5)

FFT graphic with quote from young person in prison on cyclical nature of the criminal justice system, making it difficult to escape.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

We held focus groups with Romany, Roma and Traveller people in prison, and interviewed their families, to understand the far-reaching impacts of the CJS. Discrimination was apparent, from cradle to grave: (3/5)

FFT graphic with quote from young person in prison on discrimination leading to mistrust in police.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Key findings include: 🚧Lack of culturally competent support. 🧑‍⚖️Alternatives to custody not considered for majority of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. 📚Poor provision of accessible education, workshops and courses (2/5)

FFT graphic with quote from young person in prison on keeping emotions hidden and lack of support.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

It's Holocaust Memorial Week, and our 'Remembering Roma Holocaust' exhibition in partnership with @sussexuni.bsky.social and @brighton-hove.gov.uk is up and running. Head to the Jubilee Library in Brighton this weekend to catch the end of it.

People at the 'Remembering Roma Holocaust' exhibition in Brighton.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

...a full investigation into GMP's decision-making and operational activities, and calls for an apology for the distress and anguish caused to the children, their families and the wider Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller communities. Full letter: gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/u... (4/4)

Joint letter on the over-policing and violent restraint of Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller children in Manchester.

Signatures on joint letter on the over-policing and violent restraint of Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller children in Manchester.

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Friends, Families and Travellers @fft.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

...deep concern about the actions of GMP over the weekend, including the application of racial profiling, over-policing and violent restraint of Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller children. The full letter can be seen here: gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/u... (2/4)

Letter to the Chief Constable of GMP on the over-policing and violent restraint of Gypsy and Traveller children by Greater Manchester Police

Signatures on letter to the Chief Constable of GMP on the over-policing and violent restraint of Gypsy and Traveller children by Greater Manchester Police

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