Moving Forward Together Conference

More than 120 delegates from a wide range of organisations and sectors (including health, education, housing and police) came together to focus on how services can work with the traveller community more effectively. 

The conference was developed in partnership by the Faculty of Education and Theology, York Travellers Trust, City of York Council and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.  The day included keynote speakers, workshops and an interactive theatre event. 

Catherine Hemmings, Traveller and Ethnic Minority Support Service team leader, City of York Council, said: “Delegates had the opportunity to hear some of the key academics in the field and the forum theatre drama gave a more participatory element to the event. The evaluations indicate that this mixture of styles was appreciated, as was the involvement of members of the Traveller community.

“Many also commented that they hope we can organise another conference next year as opportunities to meet with others working in this area are really valuable.”

Katie Simpson, Head of Partnership Development for the Faculty of Education and Theology, York St John University said: “This event was very well received and demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership towards raising aspirations, dispelling myths and challenging prejudices in relation to the traveller community.”