Gypsy and Traveller Training Through Safer-Space Dialogue
You cannot become “competent” in somebody else’s culture during a two-hour training session.
That is why Proud Gypsy Traveller CIC does things differently.
Our sessions are led by ethnic Gypsy and Traveller facilitators. We create honest, structured conversations where participants can ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions and examine how their decisions affect real people.
This is dialogue, not a lecture.
More than cultural awareness
Traditional cultural-awareness training often gives participants information about a community without creating any meaningful contact with its members.
People may leave knowing a few facts but still feeling anxious, defensive or unsure how to respond in real situations.
PGT creates space for conversation.
We provide essential context, but we also invite participants to bring the questions, experiences and challenges they face in their own work.
Learning about people has limits. Talking with people can create understanding.
What is a safer-space conversation?
A safer-space conversation is a carefully facilitated discussion with clear boundaries.
It is a space where people can be curious, make mistakes, hear different perspectives and examine difficult subjects without the conversation becoming hostile or harmful.
Safer does not mean comfortable.
Racism, stereotypes, cultural conflict and institutional practice can be uncomfortable subjects. Avoiding them does not make them disappear.
Our facilitators help groups remain in the conversation long enough for genuine learning to happen.
What can a session cover?
Every session is shaped around the organisation and the people attending. Topics may include:
- Romani Gypsy, Irish Traveller and Scottish Gypsy Traveller identities
- Culture, history and family life
- Racism and media stereotypes
- Accommodation, planning and roadside life
- Education and relationships with schools
- Health inequalities and access to services
- Building trust with communities
- Language, recording and ethnicity
- Real situations from participants’ work
- Changes needed within policy and practice
We will agree the purpose and content with you before the session.
What happens during a session?
A session will normally combine:
- Essential cultural and historical context
- Interactive discussion and activities
- Questions people may have been afraid to ask
- Real examples and workplace situations
- Reflection on organisational practice
- Practical actions participants can take
Sessions can be delivered online, but in person is always preferred and adapted for different roles, organisations and levels of experience.
Who is it for?
PGT works with:
- Local authorities and elected members
- NHS and healthcare teams
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Police and criminal justice organisations
- Housing and planning professionals
- Social workers and safeguarding teams
- Charities and community organisations
- Employers and public-facing services
We can work with frontline staff, specialist teams, managers, senior leaders and trustees.
Led by lived and professional experience
Our training is led by people who understand Gypsy and Traveller life from within the communities.
Dr Violet Cannon brings extensive experience in community leadership, advocacy and facilitated dialogue. She is a Council of Europe-trained Intercultural Mediator, an experienced safer-spaces facilitator and received an honorary doctorate from the University of York in 2022.
PGT does not speak about Gypsy and Traveller people from a distance. We lead these conversations as members of the communities being discussed.
What participants have said
“I learned more in 60 minutes with you than in 10 years of training.”
“This is the first time I didn’t feel afraid to ask questions.”
“It was funny, emotive and educational. It’s the best training session I have ever had.”
Training is only the beginning
A successful session can increase knowledge, confidence and understanding. It cannot compensate for discriminatory policies, inaccessible services or decisions made without community involvement.
We encourage organisations to treat training as the beginning of change—not evidence that the work is finished.
If you are prepared for an honest conversation and willing to act on what you learn, contact PGT.
Many organisations are offered “cultural competency training,” where someone explains a community to you.
We don’t believe that creates understanding, inclusion, or change.
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.”