We were really proud last Friday 17th November to see a number of teams from across Pobl Group gain national recognition for the work they do at the Welsh Housing Awards held in the Vale Hotel near Cardiff.
The award for ‘Increasing Equality and Diversity in Housing’ was won by our Gwent Gypsy & Traveller Service which was set up in April 2016 following a Local Authority research study to identify support needs for Gypsies and Travellers in Gwent.
The services provides direct support and advice to Gypsy and Traveller communities, Local Authorities and key stakeholder groups in Newport, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.
It continues to adapt to the needs of the community by working with them to build on skills and knowledge and create cultural awareness and sustainable communities.
The service works on an individual basis with Gypsies and Travellers residing both on socially rented and private sites as well as roadside encampments and built accommodation. Two support workers provide support for a number of issues including access to health services, support with discrimination, money and welfare advice as well as access to education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities.
There’s also a strong need for local education of the wider community about Gypsy and Traveller culture and beliefs. The team work towards ensuring that communities have the opportunity to be involved with consultation processes on a local, regional and national level.
At the moment, ongoing research is currently being conducted to explore the impact of legislation and policy on Gypsy and Traveller communities and this will provide much needed evidence to affect policy in this area.
