Equality and Social Justice Unit

The Equality & Social Justice Unit (ESJU) is a service operated by the Traveller Movement to support Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller communities who are facing discrimination in accessing essential public and private services.

The ESJU specialises in early intervention action to prevent and challenge discrimination. We also support further legal action and litigation of eligible cases, via the support of our pro bono panel of highly experienced lawyers.

Currently we provide help with the following areas:

• Discrimination in services (public and private) including; Discrimination in health care; Unlawful action or detention by the police; Accessing emergency services; Booking holiday stays and transport; Post and deliveries
• Hate crime including; Online and offline hate speech; Support with hate crime referrals to the police
• Other issues including; Referrals and signposting to specialist organisations

We can work with you to try and resolve a problem you may have. If it does lead to court, we will try to refer you to lawyers who can support you. We can also act as an advocate between you and the lawyer.

We are supported by a pro bono panel of lawyers who kindly provide the ESJU with advice and assistance.

Due to funding for our advice service coming to an end, we are now providing limited casework support for emergency cases ONLY.

We understand this may be difficult. We are working hard to secure new funding to support the service.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

In the meantime, please see the below list of alternative support organisations:

 

Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group – A community-led support organisation providing assistance and information to the Gypsy community in and around Derbyshire.            

Call: 07799 443830

Friends, Families and Travellers – A support organisation providing assistance to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities as well as Boaters, Showmen and New Age Travellers.

Call: 01273 234 777

GATE Herts – GATE Herts is a community-led support organisation working in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas to promote awareness of the issues affecting Gypsy and Traveller Communities.

Call: 01707 247088

Leeds GATE – A grassroots organisation supporting Gypsy and Traveller people across West Yorkshire.

Call: 0113 240 2444

Leicestershire GATE – A grassroots organisation supporting Gypsy and Traveller people in Leicestershire.

Call: 020 7607 2002

London Gypsies and Travellers – A support organisation which challenges social exclusion and discrimination, working for change in partnership with Gypsies and Travellers.

Call: 020 8533 2002

Luton Roma Trust – A support organisation working to enhance the lives of the Roma community in London.

Call: 01582 510709

Pride of Romany – A community-led organisation dedicated to promoting Romany Gypsy culture and heritage.

Email: prideofromani@gmail.com

Roma Support Group – A Roma-led community organisation supporting Eastern European Roma.

Call: ​​07949089778

York Travellers Trust – A community-led organisation supporting Gypsy and Traveller communities.

Call: 01904 630526

 

For emergency cases, please contact the Traveller Movement team on:

esju@travellermovement.org.uk

 

You can also ring: 020 7607 2002 or alternatively, TM’s Community Advocacy Caseworker, on 079 0843 3413