The Traveller Movement 2024 annual conference looking to usher in a new dawn in Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller public policy

Immediate release 

Date: 11th November 2024 

The Traveller Movement 2024 annual conference is looking to usher in a new dawn in Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller public policy 

Tickets are now on sale for the Traveller Movements annual conference taking place on Thursday 21st November at Lambeth Town Hall. 

Entitled ‘An Era of Change: Revolutionising tomorrow’, the conference will herald in a new chapter in policymaking and will explore innovative policies that can bring about substantial improvements in the lives of our communities. 

An Era of Change will give Romani (Gypsy), Roma and Irish Traveller communities a chance to call upon decision makers to break down barriers and to chart a new path to bring about a new dawn. The Traveller Movements Operation Traveller Vote campaign highlighted how powerful the communities’ voices can be when they are combined for one goal; change. This year our conference will aim to channel those voices to tackle years of structural and institutional failings by revolutionising the policy landscape with new and creative ideas. 

Speakers will include the Lead for Equity, Diversion and Inclusion for the Youth Justice Board, Jacob Sakil, London Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Former Head of the RMT Union Mick Cash, Director of Diversity and Governance of the Association of Colleges Jeffrey Greenidge, Researcher at Runnymede Trust Simon Hood, the first Irish Traveller to receive a PHD in Ireland Thomas McCann, as well as activist Betty Billington Smith.  

The four interactive workshops will take place in the afternoon, with break out rooms and trained facilitators. Each workshop will focus on a key policy area: education; disproportionality in the criminal justice system; empowerment of women and girls, and identity in the modern age.  

Tickets can be purchased on the Traveller Movements Eventbrite.  

Yvonne MacNamara (CEO, The Traveller Movement) said:  

“The Traveller Movement 2024 annual conference is not just an event; it’s a call to action. With a new Government there comes a new opportunity for policymakers and community members to come to the table to collaborate on revolutionary policies which will break down barriers which have long held communities back. Join us at this year’s conference as we usher in an era of renewed hope and innovative policymaking.” 

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Contacts  

020 7607 2002 

Sabrina@travellermovement.org.uk