As June draws to a close, so too does Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) History Month, a time to recognise, celebrate and reflect on the rich cultures, contributions and histories of GRT communities across the UK.

This year, at Eastside Community Trust, we marked the occasion with a very special event at Felix Road Adventure Playground. GRT children from across East Bristol came together in a joyful day of play, celebration and cultural pride. The playground came alive with music, food and shared stories. It was an afternoon where children were free to be themselves, connect with one another and take pride in their identity.

“It was amazing to see so many GRT children from across East Bristol come together to play, laugh and just be themselves,” said Ollie Fournier, Manager at Felix Road Adventure Playground. “At Felix Road, we work hard to make sure every child feels welcome and proud of who they are, and events like this are a reminder of how important that is. GRT History Month is about celebrating identity, but it’s also about building trust and lasting relationships.”

We’re proud to say that this work is not a one-off. At Eastside, we are committed to supporting GRT families throughout the year. GRT children and young people are a valued part of our community at both the Easton Community Centre and Felix Road, where they regularly take part in our activities, build friendships, and shape the spaces that belong to them.

Why this work matters

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities remain among the most marginalised in the UK. According to government data:

• GRT pupils have the lowest school attendance and attainment rates of any ethnic group in the UK. In 2022, only 8% of Gypsy/Roma pupils and 19% of Irish Traveller pupils achieved a Grade 4 or above in English and Maths at GCSE, compared to 65% of all pupils nationally.

• Exclusion rates are disproportionately high: Gypsy/Roma children are over four times more likely to be permanently excluded from school than the average child.

• Life expectancy among GRT communities is up to 12 years shorter than the national average, with high levels of housing insecurity, poor health outcomes, and barriers to accessing services.

• Locally in Bristol, GRT children and young people are particularly concentrated in areas like Easton and Lawrence Hill, with families often facing overcrowded housing, discrimination and limited access to culturally appropriate support.

As part of our long-standing commitment to inclusion, Eastside Community Trust is an active member of the SARI GRT Strategy Group here in Bristol. It is a collective of organisations, advocates and GRT community members working together to ensure better representation, equity and opportunities for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people in the city. The group plays an essential role in raising awareness, influencing policy, improving services and creating spaces for GRT voices to be heard. It’s about meaningful partnership and putting GRT people at the heart of decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Our next chapter: the GRT Scheme of Work

One way we’re building on the momentum of this month is through our newly developed Scheme of Work (SOW), which is a three-year programme of commissioned work with Roma children and young people in Easton and Lawrence Hill, partly funded by Bristol City Council. Developed through in-depth consultations with Roma young people at both our sites and in partnership with City Academy Bristol, this programme is designed to be responsive, inclusive and shaped by the young people themselves.

From September 2025, we’re shifting our focus to where it’s most needed:

• Enhancing play and youth sessions for Roma boys and girls

• Creating new ways for Roma and non-Roma children to mix through activities like trips and cooking sessions

• Planning seasonal Roma-focused days of celebration and connection with schools and families

• Employing a Roma youth and play worker, to help lead and shape this work

• Continuing our partnership with City Academy to raise aspirations and support young people into positive futures

At Eastside, we believe the answers lie in continuing to listen to GRT children, supporting their ambitions, and creating welcoming spaces where they can thrive, lead, and shape their own futures. The stories they are living today are the history of tomorrow and we’re proud to walk alongside them.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this month and to the GRT families who bring so much to our community every single day.