Hearing the Voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities

“This book, written by well-respected activist-scholars and community members, challenges the establishment to hear the strength of voice in the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and to recognise the power of co-production to facilitate transformative change.” Dr Jo Richardson, Professor of Housing and Social Research, De Montfort University, Leicester @socialhousing

"This important book provides understanding of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, based upon insider activists' insights as well as academics' . A must for those concerned with community development and equalities." Marjorie Mayo, Emeritus professor, Goldsmiths, University of London

"An indispensable book for anyone working with GRT communities. Based on first-hand accounts, it provides vital and challenging insights into their struggles to achieve recognition and equality in the UK." Alison Gilchrist, Independent community development consultant

Andrew Ryder is a Fellow at Bristol University, Associate Fellow at the Third Sector Research Centre, Birmingham and Visiting Professor at the Corvinus University, Budapest.

Sarah Cemlyn is a Fellow at Bristol University. She has worked extensively with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities as community practitioner, researcher, writer and activist

Prof Thomas Acton holds honorary chairs at Greenwich and Corvinus, Budapest, is Senior Research Fellow, Bucks New University, and Patron, Roma Support Group, London.

Foreword ~ Gary Craig;

Introduction~ Thomas Acton, Sarah Cemlyn and Andrew Ryder;

Pedagogies of hope:the Gypsy Council and the National Gypsy Education Council ~ Thomas Acton, Peter Mercer, John Day and Andrew Ryder;

‘Ministers like it that way’: developing education services for Gypsies and Travellers ~ Arthur Ivatts with John Day;

Charles Smith: the fashioning of an activist ~ Thomas Acton and Andrew Ryder;

Friends, Families and Travellers: organising to resist extreme moral panics ~ Neil Ansell with Rob Torkington;

Building bridges, shifting sands: changing community development strategies in the Gypsy and Traveller voluntary sector ~ Angus McCabe, Yvonne MacNamara and Sarah Mann;

The Gypsy and Traveller Law Reform Coalition ~ Andrew Ryder and Sarah Cemlyn;

Below the radar - Gypsy and Traveller self-help communities and the role of the Travellers Aid Trust ~ Margaret Greenfields and Susan Alexander;

Gender and community activism: the role of women in the work of the National Federation of Gypsy Liaison Groups ~ Sarah Cemlyn, Maggie Smith-Bendell, Siobhan Spencer and Sally Woodbury;

The Roma in Europe: the debate over the possibilities for empowerment to seek social justice ~ Thomas Acton, Iulius Rostas and Andrew Ryder;

Roma communities in the UK: 'opening doors' taking new directions ~ Sylvia Ingmire and Natalie Stables;

Conclusion: In Search of Empowerment~ Thomas Acton, Sarah Cemlyn and Andrew Ryder.