Join Worcestershire Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) Partner Network in celebrating this June!
The theme is… ‘Onwards with Hope’.
- What does hope mean to you?
- What are you hopeful about for the future?
The national charity Friends, Families & Travellers (FFT) have set the theme and you’ll find some national resources here: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month – Friends, Families and Travellers
Worcestershire has a large Gypsy, Roma and Traveller population with a rich local history, but communities often face health inequalities and discrimination. This June the Worcestershire GRT Partner Network and Circle of Hope GRT Support are raising awareness and celebrating their cultures, traditions and some of the great things going on in Worcestershire.
How can you get involved?
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- Take a look at the Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) GRT History Month 2026 educational resources, plan a school assembly, lesson or perhaps a lunch and learn for colleagues: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month – Friends, Families and Travellers
- FFT are inviting children and young people to create a collage on this year’s theme. Register your interest to join us in showcasing your student’s collages and creations locally by contacting: abi@thecircleofhope-grt.com
- Download our GRTHM26 ‘Hope’ colouring pack here.
- Share a social media posts but remember you can turn the comments off to avoid discrimination and hateful comments.
- Use the FFT social post template on page 13 of the education resource: GRTHM26-Education-Pack.pdf
- Attend one of the GRT History Month 2026 events or activities taking place across the county, listed below.
- Enquire about Circle of Hope’s GRT Cultural Awareness Training here: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) Awareness Training – Expression of Interest – Fill in form
- To join the Worcestershire Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Partner Network and help to improve health inequalities and outcomes for our local communities, contact phengagement@worcestershire.gov.uk
To find out more about Circle of Hope GRT Support in Worcestershire, visit the Facebook page: The Circle of Hope – GypsyRoma&Traveller | Facebook or contact Abi via email: abi@thecircleofhope-grt.com
What’s On in Worcestershire
Local School Painted Vardos Display, Worcestershire County Museum – throughout June
Visit Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle throughout June and check out their display of painted vardos from local schools, run by the Atchin Tan Project. Read more about the Atchin Tan project on their Facebook page: Atchin Tan Project | Kidderminster | Facebook
Museum information: Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle
Hope through History: ‘Go All In’ for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month Redditch Library – Thursday 11th June, 3:30 – 5pm
Part of the National Literacy Trust’s ‘Big Lunch‘, come along for:
– Author Gemma Lees telling her story
– Traditional food
– Activities for children
– Exhibition of art created for GRT history month by local children
GRT History Month Talks at The Hive, Worcester
Dr Peter Unwin, Principal Lecturer at the University of Worcester, hosts a series of talks presented by Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community members, where the questions you have always wanted to ask can be answered:
Customs of Gypsies and Travellers from Cradle to Grave The Hive – Tuesday 2 June, 6:30pm – 8 pm
Gypsy and Traveller life is variously romanticised or vilified by mainstream ‘Gorger’ society, the everyday realities of which are largely unknown outside of Gypsy and Traveller communities themselves. This presentation will explore the myths and realities of customs such as Mochadi (Cleanliness) and rituals surrounding death and illness. Book your free tickets: https://e-services.Worcestershire.gov.uk/LibraryEvents/EventDetails.aspx?id=7452
Ignorance, Discrimination and Hope: The Exclusion of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers from our Health Care Services The Hive – Thursday 4 June, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
The University of Worcester’s research across mental health, disability and kinship care will be illuminated by Dr Peter Unwin and community colleagues. Book your free tickets: https://e-services.Worcestershire.gov.uk/LibraryEvents/EventDetails.aspx?id=7453
Chris Smith: The Tan The Hive – Tuesday 9 June, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Herefordshire Romany Gypsy and Author, Chris Smith, will speak about his autobiographical publication ‘The Tan’ (2025). The book is a raw and deeply moving memoir of identity, struggle, and defiance – a journey from childhood innocence to the harsh realities of prejudice, discrimination, and legal injustice. Book your free tickets: https://e-services.Worcestershire.gov.uk/LibraryEvents/EventDetails.aspx?id=7454
Crystals Vardo FREE Performance Holy Innocents’ Church – Foley Park, doors open 6.30pm for 7pm Tuesday 23rd June 2026
You are invited to an amazing night of theatre: Crystal’s Vardo! The performance is FREE to attend, suitable for ages 7+, and everyone is welcome. Refreshments available, parking on site. Crystal’s Vardo is an inspiring and important production which tells the story of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history and culture through time. Come and experience 1200 years in one hour!
Let us know if you are holding an event, email: phengagement@worcestershire.gov.uk
