June 2022 Update - GRTHM
June 2022 - Gypsy, Roma & Traveller History Month
A slightly later update than we would have otherwise wanted, but technicalites with accessing the Blog module of our website has caused a few delays - but hopefully that is all resolved now.
June saw the arrival of GRT History Month, and as an Association we supported events where we were asked and when & where we could.
The Friends, Families & Travellers theme for GRTHM 2022 was "What Makes a Home", and we tried to echo this theme where we could.
NB: To read more about this theme, please see the FFT website here
We also tried to compile a record of GRT promotion and awareness activities undertaken by UK Policing to assess how we are making a difference and an impact as a National Support Network.
Here is a brief update of events which we were either directly involved with our were able to find out about:
GRTPA:
In additon to amplifying social media messages from GRT organisations and charities, Committee members took part directly representing the Association & members as follows:
Attended Cumberland Lodge's Conference on Policing Legitimacy & Confidence and sat as a panel member for the event.
Delivered a Key Note Speech at the "Improving Outcomes for Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Communities 2022" conference run by Government Events on the 23rd June 2022
Gloustershire Constabulary:
The Constabulary shared information on a weekly basis on their intranet about GRT histories and cultures.
Gwent Police:
Ran a communities awareness event delivered by members of GRT communities covering facts, myth-busting and a Q & A session for 20 police colleagues who attended.
Gwent Police also planned to deliver some Hate Crime awareness inputs and looked to set up a "Mini Police" branch at a school where there were a number of pupils drawn from the local GRT communities.
Hampshire Police:
Hampshire built upon previous work where Kate & Chris from the national GRTPA had delivered soem face to face presentations. 2022 saw more online & digital content - including an online training package about GRT Histories - being used through internal (to Hants Police) media messaging as well as increasing the presence of appropriate & interesting content and links on their internal intranet pages. The links were to organisations such as Friends, Families & Travellers, Traveller Movement and the Traveller Times.
A staff member from the Contact Management Centre & Police Control Room made literature available for their colleagues to read in the break-out & rest areas.
There were also some specific social media posts aimed at the New Forest West area promoting History Month.
Lancashire Constabulary:
The force published a blog on their intranet home page written by a staff member who is from a Showman background and who works in the West Division of the force area
Leicestershire Police:
Leicestershire Police ran a 4-week internal communications campaign, with each week being slightly differently themed.
This started, following the Platinum Jubilee weekend, with the International Romany Flag being raised on the force flagpole at the HQ complex with supporting social media activity by the Chief Constable and local GRTPA member Luke Russell.
There was also a History & cultural awareness presentation delivered to the East Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit about GRT communities.
Metropolitan Police:
The Met raised the International Romany Flag by Richmond Borough Police over Twickenham Police Station, and event attended by GRTPA Co-Director and MPS Officer Chris Baughurst. This was broadcast over MPS social media channels.
Nottinghamshire Police:
The Force secured funding from the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner to purchase and distribute International Romany Flag pin badges to officers & staff following focus group work with GRT communities members.
GRTHM awareness media was published on their force intranet and the International Romany Flag was raised at Notts Police HQ. An engagement survey was rolled out during the month to speak with residents of fixed sites to gain a better understanding from communities members about their needs and issues concerning polcing & community service.
Thames Valley Police:
The force updated their intranet pages with links for further reading, partner agencies as well as updating soem recent articles of engagement with local partnerships.
A local GRTPA member also wrote an article for the Diversity & Inclusuion bulletin about being both an officer and coming from the GRT communities and supporting this with an online Q & A session alongside TVP's communications team.
This is, we are sure, only a snapshot of activities which have been undertaken, supported or promoted either directly by the GRTPA or by members within their home forces & force areas.
Please let us know through our contact page about any other events we are unsighted on & we promise you that we will be better prepared without the technical glicthes for GRTHM2023.
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