What's new?

In June, LGTU is once again taking part in supporting Gypsy Roma Traveller History month in North East London. The well-established Hackney GRTH month partnership which includes Education, Libraries, the Museum, Hackney Home and LGTU, will be putting on a wide range of activities: art, theatre, music, historical exhibits and films, and even crochet. LGTU's Youth Groups will feature in "Hackney Sounds" at Hackney Museum (6th June - 29th June) - hear the one-off recording by Maverick Sabre and the young Travellers. Click here or on the picture to the left for more information about what's on in Hackney during the GRTH month.

DESTROYING LEGAL AID - The Ministry of Justice Consultation Paper – Deadline June 4th - there are many disastrous proposals in the consultation paper Transforming Legal Aid. However the proposal that will have the most dramatic effect on Gypsies and Travellers is that relating to legal aid and judicial review cases. We will be responding to the consultation and encourage you to do so by the 4th June. If you need help in responding, go to Marc Willers and Chris Johnson blog on the Travellers’ Times website for further advice and to view a short film explaining the facts. There are also links to submit to the consultation online. Alternatively please send your response by post or fax to: Annette Cowell, Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9AJ Fax: 020 3334 4295

Our Purpose

The London Gypsy and Traveller Unit supports Travellers and Gypsies living in London: to influence decisions affecting their lives; to improve their quality of life and the opportunities available to them and to challenge the discrimination they routinely experience. In partnership with the Traveller community, LGTU uses this detailed experience to contribute to the development of local, regional and national policy.

What do we do?

Accommodation and Advocacy Advice - An advocacy and advice service to Gypsies and Travellers living on sites and in houses, on accommodation, benefits and access to services.
Community Development - Support on sites, particularly in relation to site provision and site management, and setting up residents associations.
Youth Programme – For young Travellers in North and East London, including group work, and courses in personal development. LGTU is NEET registered.
Campaigning for New Sites in London - Supporting Travellers in responding to London boroughs plans and pitch proposals based on our work responding to the Mayors London Plan.
Media Work - Promotion of positive and fair media coverage of Traveller issues. Work with the media and Gypsies and Travellers, to challenge negative coverage and promote a fair representation of their views.
INSET Training and Services on a commisioned basis coordinated by LGTU staff and using specialist associates for local authority services and other agencies.
Research - In relation to issues arising from work on the ground, or on a commissioned basis. Also routinely respond to requests by other researchers to facilitate consultation with the community.
Strategy Work and Policy Development - At a national level, the managing agency for the Traveller Law reform Project - a partnership of 3 Traveller organisations. At a Borough level, key agency in setting up and ensuring informed and representative input to inter-agency and strategy groups in the Boroughs worked in.
Advice and information - To agencies, professionals, community groups, the media and students. We have a number of resources available for sale.

Annual Report

Our latest Annual Report 2012 describes another successful year for the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit where we continued to support, empower and represent Gypsies and Travellers at all levels.