Worcestershire - Special Event Celebrates Vibrant Culture and Heritage
A special event has been held at Worcester Students’ Union to celebrate members of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman and Boaters communities.
‘A Kushti Divvus for Rokkering’ (A Good Day for Talking) was a vibrant celebration of the rich histories, voices, and culture of these communities and featured powerful talks on traditions, rituals, lived experiences and the challenges Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities face in the UK, particularly around inclusion in education, health and social care.
The event was a collaboration between the Students’ Union, the University of Worcester and members of these communities.
The University of Worcester and Worcester Students’ Union has previously signed the Gypsies, Travellers, Roma, Showman and Boaters in Higher Education Pledge, committing both organisations to creating a welcoming environment in which students from these communities feel welcomed and supported, and are able to thrive academically and personally.
The event featured a live interview session with Stacey Hodgkins, a University of Worcester Graduate and journalist and researcher for Travellers’ Times.
She shared the rich traditions and rituals which shaped her identity and culture, and was able to offer a personal perspective on what makes the community so vibrant and unique.
Speaking after the event, Stacey said: “This is an area I’m so passionate about, and it was an opportunity to showcase our culture in a really positive light.”
She continued: “The event was well attended, and there was a lot of positivity from the audience members who came up to speak to me after the event to ask questions and find out more about how they can use what they learned in their day-to-day lives.”
Stacey added: “It was a really good opportunity for people who aren’t from these communities to ask questions in a very safe space, it was an informal event where I could answer questions honestly. I’d love to put on another one next year.”
Dr Peter Unwin and Professor Győző Molnár explored the key challenges faced by members of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities in the UK, sharing insights from recent NHS-funded research into ethnic classification, health access and mental health inequalities.
Dr Peter Unwin said: “Celebratory events like this are rare in UK society, where Roma, Gypsy, and Traveller people often hide their cultures for fear of discrimination.”
He continued: “The community members present spoke eloquently, passionately and frankly about the everyday challenges of racism and discrimination they experience.”
He added: “It’s fantastic to see council staff, voluntary organisations and staff and students from the University of Worcester all working alongside Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities with the shared vision of improving their education and health outcomes.”
Antonia Rossiter-Eaglesfield, Director of Representation and Membership Services, Worcester Students’ Union, was one of the organisers.
She said: “I was genuinely moved by the turnout and engagement from people, organisations and members of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen and Boater community.”
She continued: “Worcester Students’ Union has long been committed to raising awareness of the under-representation of these communities in higher education.”
She added: “I hope this event helped spark new connections and started meaningful conversations about how we can work together, most importantly, with Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities to break down barriers to education and inclusion.”
To find out more about courses at the University of Worcester, visit www.worc.ac.uk/study
University of Worcester press release/TT News
(Lead photograph: L-R Georgie Stevens from Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum and Stacey Hodgkins. All photographs courtesy of University of Worcester)