Kinship Matters Research Update: Hearing the Voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Children and Young People

The Kinship Matters research project continues to make important progress, with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people sharing their experiences of kinship care and family life, write Genty Lee and Allison Hulmes.

Peer researchers have been working directly with children and young people to ensure they feel comfortable and that their voices are at the heart of the research. First, family carers or young people over 16 reach out to us. Then we talk through how to make taking part feel comfortable. As peer researchers, we work creatively with the children to help them tell us the things they want to share. They can change their minds at any time.

For many involved, this approach is particularly important because it puts our communities in charge of our own stories, and because research has not always reflected the realities of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities or challenged harmful stereotypes.

So far, the project has gathered powerful stories from young people who have spoken openly about their lives, experiences and relationships. These conversations provide valuable insights into the role kinship care can play in supporting children and young people.

“I have had the privilege of meeting some very special young people. They have trusted us enough to share their stories, experiences and feelings, and I have learned more from listening to them than I could ever have imagined. Most importantly, their experiences have shown me just how important kinship placements can be. Family is not simply about where a child lives; it can provide identity, belonging, cultural connection, continuity and a sense of who they are. I am confident in hoping that this Kinship Matters research will help ensure that these experiences are properly understood and that the voices of the children and young people involved can contribute to meaningful change.” (Genty Lee, Peer Researcher)

Early findings highlight that family is about much more than where a child lives. Kinship placements can help maintain identity, belonging, cultural connections, family relationships and a sense of continuity. For many young people, these connections are central to their well-being and understanding of who they are.

The research team is grateful to the children, young people and families who have chosen to take part. Their willingness to share their experiences is helping to build a stronger evidence base about kinship care within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

As the project continues, researchers, partner organisations and young people hope the findings will contribute to greater understanding, inform future policy and practice, and ensure that the voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people help shape meaningful change.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the project so far. We look forward to sharing more updates as the research progresses.

If you are interested in taking part in the research, please contact Gentylia Lee or Allison Hulmes at: a.e.hulmes@swansea.ac.uk

By Genty Lee & Allison Hulmes

(Free licence stock image  by Kevin Martin Jose on Unsplash)