The Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Social Work Association are looking for new members!

Are you a social worker and Gypsy, Roma or Traveller (GRT)?  Allison Jackie and Doreen are setting up a GRT Social Work Association and are looking for new members!

Hello, our names are Jackie Bolton, Doreen Dove and Allison Hulmes and we are all social workers from Gypsy and Traveller families. There have been many times when each of us has wanted a shared space for support and to influence a shift in the narrative around the negative way social workers are viewed by GRT communities. We know that’s often due to the social workers’ lack of understanding about GRT communities and poor practice. We have a hunch that there are more GRT social workers out there who we would like to link up with, including some who may be reluctant to talk about their ethnicity for fear of discrimination in their workplace.

We are planning to set up a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Social Work Association to provide a network for all GRT social workers, and a space where we can share experiences, be visible and confident in saying who we are. We want to support good social work practice within GRT communities and promote social work as a positive career choice for anyone from a GRT background. 

Membership is open to all GRT social workers (or student social workers) in the UK and Republic of Ireland plus allied professionals in social care.

To learn more join our Facebook group ‘GRT Social Workers’ or email Allison Hulmes at Cymru@basw.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you. 
 

Main photo: Founding members of the GRT Social Work Association