Travellers

Introduction:

One Transformation Fund project was specifically targeted at travellers: Dukeries College of Adult & Community Learning; whilst two others included travellers as one of a number of its target groups: New 2 Somerset - an inter-generational, cross cultural, all abilities project aimed to promote community cohesion and combat isolation by celebrating the history and heritage of Somerset; and the Yortime project in York aimed at increasing the diversity of participants in informal adult learning.

Web Links

Working with Gypsy/Traveller families to support literacy development

NIACE publication

Travellers Projects

New 2 Somerset

South Somerset District Council

An inter-generational, cross cultural, all abilities project aimed to promote community cohesion and combat isolation by celebrating the history and heritage of Somerset. Learners were drawn from a very diverse mixture of communities, including travellers, migrant and refugee communities, black and minority ethnic communities, disabled people, people with mental health issues, people with learning disabilities and older learners. Using digital media, participants worked together to produce films celebrating being ‘New 2 Somerset’. The films were premiered at a celebratory event and DVDs were produced that can be used in future learning contexts.

Traveller Project

The Dukeries College of Adult & Community Learning

The project was set up to build relationships between learning providers and traveller communities. Taster sessions and courses were delivered to traveller communities, in smocking (textiles and embroidery), holistic therapy, jewellery making, using Storybook Weaver (an ICT package), and digital photography. Learning providers were able to develop their skills and knowledge regarding working with traveller communities.

Yortime

Learning City York - York's LLL Partnership

Learning City York aimed to improve the infrastructure of York’s already thriving informal adult learning scene by engaging hard-to-reach groups including travellers, single parents, people with learning difficulties and disabilities, older learners and black and minority ethnic communities. Two community festivals were held, drawing in approximately 1000 adult learners, with 547 going on to attend taster sessions. Learning activities included singing, gardening, craft and chess clubs, with an additional focus on volunteering opportunities and IT skills.