By Helen Birch (Training & Education Officer)
June is Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, and this year’s theme is Heroes: Who Inspires You? This important event celebrates inspirational individuals from Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller, New Traveller, Showmen, and Liveaboard Boater communities. It also serves as a vital opportunity for education, awareness-raising, and challenging harmful stigma.
Having spent every weekend and school holiday on the canal, immersed in the boater community, I’ve seen firsthand some of the unique challenges these communities face. My parents have lived on the canal for over two decades, offering me invaluable insight. While I acknowledge my position of privilege and don’t claim to be an expert, being part of The Academy at Harmless enables me to continually learn and share vital knowledge. That’s why delivering our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention course is not just part of my role – it’s a deeply meaningful endeavour.
Empowering Professionals: Our Training in Action
What We Do
Earlier this month, we delivered our Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Communities Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention course to a diverse group of professionals across Nottinghamshire County Council. This powerful three-hour session goes far beyond simply sharing information. We explore general knowledge, specific risk factors, the pervasive issue of stigma, and effective strategies for response and signposting. Our dynamic approach ensures delegates are not just informed but truly engaged – through real-life case studies, lived experiences, and interactive breakout tasks designed to suit various learning styles.
Why It Matters
The statistics surrounding mental health and suicide within Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities are deeply concerning. There is a long journey ahead to dismantle stereotypes and rebuild trust between travelling and non-travelling communities. That’s exactly why these sessions are essential – they represent a crucial step toward fostering understanding, increasing engagement, and delivering support where it’s most needed.
Empowering Delegates
Our goal is to equip professionals with practical tools and the confidence to make a real difference. We create a safe, inclusive space for open discussion and questions – both during the session and afterwards via email. We encourage you to engage, reflect, and think about how you’ll apply these essential skills in your own practice.
In Our Delegates’ Words
‘Absolutely fantastic training, incredibly informative, powerful, and hopeful. Thank you for delivering this!’
‘As a soon to be social worker in an area with a large traveller community this training was invaluable. Many good ideas were presented with a lot to reflect upon. I particularly thank the trainer for sharing their lived experience in a way that allowed me as an attendee to understand more the information being presented’
Flexible Learning: Our New E-Learning Platform
We’re also excited to announce that our essential CPD-accredited training – including the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Communities content – is now available via our new E-Learning platform. This development removes barriers, making vital training more accessible regardless of time or budget constraints. Our module-based courses blend interactive videos, quizzes, and creative exercises, letting you learn at your own pace and convenience.
How will you help build a more understanding and supportive society this Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month?
Learn more about our courses here or get in touch at sales@harmless.org.uk to discuss bespoke training for your organisation.
Wearing My Scars on My Wedding Day
By Chloe Webster-Harris (Researcher) For a long time, I’ve actually been dreading the part of wedding planning that so many
