Gypsy, Roma and Travellers in South Gloucestershire
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) is a term that describes a number of ethnic and cultural groups, who are all represented in South Gloucestershire. Each group has its own cultural identity.
Ethnic Gypsy, Roma and Travellers include:
- English Romany Gypsies
- Irish Travellers
- Scottish and Welsh Gypsies
- Eastern European Roma
These Gypsy, Roma and Travellers are categorised as ethnic minority groups under the Race Relations Act 1976 amended 2000, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Equality Act 2010. They often have their own traditions, customs and languages.
Cultural Travellers live a nomadic lifestyle for economic, social or environmental reasons.
Cultural Travellers include:
- Circus and Travelling Showpeople
- New Travellers
- Boat dwellers
Where our Gypsy, Roma and Travellers live
Although most Gypsy, Roma and Travellers see a nomadic lifestyle as part of their identity, they do not all live in caravans on Traveller sites.
Ways of living include:
- being ‘on the road’, moving regularly around the country
- living permanently in caravans or mobile homes on sites provided by the council or on private sites
- living on private ‘Showpeople’ sites during the winter and travelling during the summer months
- living in ‘bricks and mortar’ housing
We run 2 authorised sites in South Gloucestershire:
- Northwood Park, which has 19 plots
- Highwood Park, which has 20 plots
Pitches are allocated according to our Allocation of Pitches Policy. There is no emergency or transit accommodation.
To apply for a plot on either of the 2 council run sites, complete a South Gloucestershire Council HomeChoice application form.
Education
There is a legal duty for a Local Authority to provide pupils from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities access to education.
For support with any education needs, email EMTAS@southglos.gov.uk.
More information on support with Traveller students for South Gloucestershire schools can be found on our Integra website.
Healthcare
South Gloucestershire does not have a specialist Health Visitor for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families. For support accessing health services, contact the Corporate Traveller Unit.