About this Event
As the UK enters a new era of devolved decision-making, this year's Traveller Movement Annual Conference will explore what local power means for Romani Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Devolution presents a significant opportunity to reshape how decisions are made and how public services are delivered. However, if communities who have historically experienced exclusion are not actively involved, there is a risk that inequalities are simply transferred from Westminster to local government.
This year's conference will bring together community leaders, policymakers, elected representatives, academics, practitioners and allies to explore how inclusive devolution can deliver meaningful change.
Together, we will ask:
How can Romani Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities shape the decisions that affect their lives?
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration and Networking
🕑: 09:45 AM - 09:55 AM
Speakers to gather at main reception desk for photographs
Info: Gather at main reception
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Welcome from the Conference Co-Chairs
Host: Pauline Melvin-Anderson OBE
Info: Pauline, an Irish Traveller and long-time chair of the Traveller Movement, has expertly chaired our conference for many years. She brings extensive expertise in education and was recently appointed chair of the Department for Education’s Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Advisory Group.
Shaun, also an Irish Traveller, joined the Traveller Movement through a six-month community internship programme. He holds an excellent degree in Politics and International Relations and is now the Senior Policy and Campaigns Officer.
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote Address
Info: To be confirmed
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:40 AM
Panel 1
Host: Liam Shrivastava- Lewisham Mayor
Info: From Westminster to the Town Hall. Devolution, Democracy and what this means for Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller Communities
🕑: 11:40 AM - 11:50 AM
Refreshments Break
Info: Teas and Coffees
🕑: 11:50 AM - 01:00 PM
Panel 2
Host: Alanna Witney - Luton Irish Forum
Info: Around the Campfire: Identity, Belonging and Representation
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Lunch and Networking
Info: Variety of food available including sandwiches, crisps, fruit, juice and water. Dietary requirements must be made at booking
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Workshops
Info: WORKSHOP 1: Pathways to Opportunity: Skills, Employment and Economic Inclusion for Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish, Scottish and Welsh Traveller Young People WORKSHOP 2: Our Mothers, Our Stories: Improving Maternity Care Through Lived Experience, Advocacy and Community Leadership WORKSHOP 3: Men’s Mental Health: Breaking the Silence, Building Support WORKSHOP 4: Building Inclusive Councils: Stronger Partnerships, Better Services and Thriving Communities
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Pauline Melvin-Anderson OBE
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Conference Ends
Event venue & nearby stays
Lambeth Town Hall, 1 Brixton Hill, London, United Kingdom