Covid-19 Inquiry
The Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic was one of the biggest challenges our country and our communities dealt with. As Restrictions were being lifted and the country reopened, it was important to still be mindful of the people around you and adhere to the current regulations.
When the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the UK, Romani Gypsy, Roma, and Irish Traveller communities were left stranded in the floodwaters of government decision-making. Vaccine uptake among these communities was almost non-existent, not because of a lack of need, but because of a devastating lack of communication, inclusion, and trust. They were not seen, not heard, and not included in the vaccine rollout. The result? Vulnerable lives were put at unnecessary risk. This cannot happen again.
The Covid Inquiry is an unprecedented opportunity to ensure the failures of the past are not repeated in the future. For the first time, we have a platform to shine a spotlight on how Romani Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities were failed during the pandemic, particularly during the vaccine rollout.
Our participation isn’t just about recounting past injustices. It’s about shaping future policies, ensuring that no community is left behind in a time of crisis. The benefits of being part of this inquiry are enormous. They include:
Visibility and Inclusion
Building Trust for the Future
Shaping cross-departmental solutions
Accountability and change
Don’t Build an Ark in the Middle of a Flood: Why Our Participation in the Covid 19 Public Inquiry Matters
Read our January 2025 Blog here as the Traveller Movement made an impactful and hard-hitting opening submission to Module 4 of the Covid Inquiry.
Full BLOG here
Covid-19 Inquiry Module 4 Opening Submissions (14th January 2025 (time from 23.16)
Covid-19 Inquiry Module 4 Hearing (16th January 2025 AM (time from 26.02)
Resources from other NGOs
Pavee Point in Ireland has developed some great resources for Irish Travellers and Roma. View their information resources here.
Friends, Families and Travellers have developed specific guidance on Gypsy and Traveller access to the Covid Vaccine and surplus guidance for professionals.
Travellers’ Times have released their Coronavirus Special. You can access it here.
Travellers’ Times have created a bank of free educational resources. Access through the link here
Equally Ours (pan equality membership group) have created a specific webpage outlining theirs and various organisations covid-19 policy responses. Visit their website here
The Community Law Partnership (CLP) have written about the use of evictions during covid-19 pandemic. Read here and here.
The CLP advice line is still open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm for anyone affected by roadside evictions. Ring 0121 685 8677
Health and Wellbeing
For the latest government advice, visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Use the NHS website, NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, HSC Northern Ireland and follow the relevant links.
You can access the World Health Organisation’s website here
You can also find translations of NHS guidance here.
Employment and Benefits Advice
For the latest guidance for workers, including access to benefits, statutory sick pay, information for furloughed workers (employees on a leave of absence), and support with your rent costs visit GOV.UK here
The most recent update from government is available to read here
For more information on our Covid-19 work, please contact policymanager@travellermovement.org.uk
Children and Young People
Children and young people need information too, but this needs to be appropriate for age and understanding. BBC Newsround and Childline resources can be useful.
For information on how to care for children and their mental health, please read here
Watch a video here, by Christina Kerrigan of how you can talk your children.
While social media is great for keeping in contact and entertainment, it is problematic in terms of accurate information about the virus. Only use trusted sources
