Gypsy & Traveller Awareness Training — Safer Space Conversations NOT “Cultural Competency Training”
We Don’t Do Cultural Competency Training.
We Do Real Conversations Led by Gypsy & Traveller People.
Many organisations are offered “cultural competency training,” where someone explains a community to you.
We don’t believe that creates understanding, inclusion, or change.
At Proud Gypsy Traveller CIC, all of our sessions are led by real Gypsy and Traveller people with lived experience.
We don’t lecture.
We facilitate brave, honest conversations.
Because learning about people rarely changes anything.
Talking with people does.
✅ What Is a Facilitated Safer-Space Conversation?
A safer-space conversation is a confidential, guided discussion where participants can explore:
- Gypsy and Traveller culture & history
- Real situations and challenges they face in their work
- Misunderstandings, myths and media stereotypes
- How to build trust and positive community relationships
People are encouraged to ask questions they’ve never felt comfortable asking before.
What makes our approach different?
- Lived experience, not theory
- Dialogue, not PowerPoint
- Understanding, not box-ticking
Every session is shaped by the group.
Difficult conversations are welcomed — not avoided.
“I learned more in 60 minutes with you than in 10 years of training.”
⭐ What Happens During a Session?
Each session includes:
- Interactive quiz and icebreaker
Helps everyone feel safe and curious rather than guarded or anxious. - Short presentation
Removes fear of “getting it wrong” and provides key context. - Open Q&A and real case discussions
Participants bring questions and challenges from their own workplace.
Attendees leave with:
- increased confidence,
- practical tools,
- real understanding of Gypsy and Traveller lived experience.
👥 Who Delivers the Training?
Dr Violet Cannon, Founder of Proud Gypsy Traveller CIC
- Gypsy Traveller lived experience
- CEO of York Travellers Trust
- Chair of Moving For Change
- Council of Europe trained Intercultural Mediator
- Train-the-Trainer (University of Derby)
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of York (2022)
Violet has been delivering facilitated safe-space conversations for 15+ years to:
- Local authorities
- Housing providers
- Police forces
- Healthcare teams
- Educators and safeguarding leads
“This is the first time I didn’t feel afraid to ask questions.”
Why Choose Proud Gypsy Traveller CIC?
- We are Gypsy and Traveller led — not speaking on behalf of, but speaking as.
- We provide culturally appropriate advocacy and dialogue, not “whitewashed” narratives.
- We believe people with lived experience should lead conversations about their own culture.
Ready to Book a Session?
Send us an enquiry:
📧 proudgypsytraveller@gmail.com
Or visit our Contact Page to book online.
Feed back from sessions
“Its such a relaxed fun session, I feel like I learned so much and could listen all day. Thank you “
Police New Recruit
“It’s been interesting, I find the subject very difficult and whilst its not completely changed my views, it was interesting to meet sensible travellers and hear their side. Food for thought”
Elected Member Northumberland
“It’s been so nice to talk to a person who lives the life and can talk openly and from the heart, you got asked some difficult questions and even though we could see it was difficult, you maintained composure and answered them honestly”
Social Work Student
“Just some feedback on your session. It was brilliant!
Staff Member Britannia Hotel Group
It was funny, emotive and educational. You are a very bright and articulate women with an amazing sense of humour. It’s the best training session I have ever had truth be told.
I am sorry to hear what your community goes through, and what they have gone through since the beginning of time. All I can do to help is pass on what I learnt today and help be the change in perception you are so passionately working towards.
I strongly believe today’s session should become a part of the curriculum in school, as lessons in other ethnic minorities histories/discrimination happen regularly. It’s amazing what a bit of knowledge on a matter can do.
Thank you for educating me on this subject.”