Transcript Crystal's Vardo A Gypsy Traveller history play as a tool

Using drama to address discrimination and
stereotyping of Gypsy Traveller communities
Rachel Wemyss
Health Policy Officer
Friends, Families and Travellers
[email protected]
Anti-Bullying
“The other kids call me names over and over again
making me feel completely worthless and alone, not that
you’d care”
Bullying at school is one of the main
barriers for Gypsy Traveller children
to engage well with education.
• GRT pupils are reported to be
amongst the lowest achieving
ethnic groups within schools in
England
Building Trust
“Mum says I should go to school and get myself an education, but
what’s the point when I just get picked on. I ask my mum when will
it stop? When the gorgers open their hearts and minds.
Lack of trust between Gypsies and
Travellers and healthcare professionals
is a key barrier to access that prevents
communities from –
•
receiving equal access and treatment
– e.g health visitors not going on to
site
•
going to the doctor in a timely fashion
due to fear of discrimination
The Act Concerning
Egyptians 1530
Anyone who is an
Egyptian will be made
to forfeit their goods
and ordered to leave
the realm within 15
days or be imprisoned
if they do not obey.
Henry VIII
Racism
“The last ‘acceptable’
form of racism”
- Commission on Race Equality
On her travels Crystal meets Zekia a Serbian Roma girl in hiding
from the Nazis
Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers and Roma
are all recognised ethnic minorities. They are
protected by the Equality 2010.
The Public Sector Equality Duty. Public bodies
must show ‘due regard’ to the need to –
• eliminate discrimination
• advance equality of opportunity
• foster good relations between groups
Gypsy Traveller Health Inequalities
Shorter Life Expectancy

10 - 25 years lower life expectancy
even when adjusted for socioeconomic status
Immunisation & Screening
• Low uptake rates of immunisation
• Poor access to screening, especially
if no fixed abode or not registered
with a GP
Long term conditions

42 per cent of English Gypsies are
affected by a long-term condition
Prevalence of long-term conditions
(Cemlyn et al, 2009)
Mobility Problems
Chest pain
Asthma
Gypsy Traveller
Age and sex-matched Comparators
Arthritis
Long-term illness
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Gypsy Traveller Health Inequalities
Mental health



Higher rates of stress, anxiety and
depression
High incidence of male youth suicide
Poor access to bereavement support
Social care
 Gypsies and Travellers provide the
most unpaid care of any ethnic
minority
Gypsies and Travellers have the
poorest self-reported health of all
ethnic minorities according to the
2011 Census
Social Determinants of Health
Racism and Discrimination
Loss of traditional
trades
Few Gypsies &
Travellers
educated beyond
secondary school
Lack of access to
healthy food
Lack of support for
self-employment
Unauthorised
encampments may
have no access to
water or sanitation
Poor access to
health care
National shortage of
site provision and
existing sites often in
poor condition.
Feedback from the play
I think Crystal’s Vardo is an excellent
way of learning about Gypsy and
Traveller history in an interactive and
fun way. I think adults and children
alike would benefit from seeing the
show as it has the capcity to make all
age groups think about issues of
discrimination and prejudice.
Health Visitor, South Gloucestershire
The children really had a thought
provoking and up-lifting experience!
There is a real change in attitude
from the children who saw the play.
The message is now clear!
Teacher, Belvedere Primary school Kent
Very well put together, more people
need to be made aware of this play’ …
‘thank you for educating me today
and giving me an understanding of
the Gypsy and Traveller community’
Sussex Police Training event