Onwards with Hope: Celebrating Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Communities

Every June since 2008, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM) has been celebrated across the UK. The month provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Romany Gypsy, Roma, Irish Traveller, New Traveller, Showmen and Liveaboard Boater communities, while also helping to challenge misconceptions and promote greater understanding.

This year's theme, ‘Onwards with Hope’, focuses on the aspirations and ambitions of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, encouraging us to think about the kind of future we want to build together- one rooted in inclusion.

We marked GRTHM by bringing residents, families and partner organisations together for a shared celebration at our Greenfields Way site, made possible thanks to funding from Moving for Change and The National Lottery. Families took part in activities that included sunflower planting and plant pot decorating, with participants able to take home their sunflowers to grow and enjoy after the event.

Partner agencies including Avon Fire & Rescue Service and North Somerset Health Visitors, Early Years, Education and Public Health teams joined us on the day, providing a valuable opportunity for residents to meet local services, helping to build connections and awareness of local support available.

The event reflected this year's theme by bringing people together, encouraging shared experiences and creating space for conversations about the future. Whether through building new connections with local services or simply enjoying time together, the day was a reminder of the importance of opportunity and looking ahead.

We would like to thank everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success. We look forward to continuing to work alongside our Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and celebrating their cultures and achievements throughout the year.