Award for MECOPP Gypsy/Traveller Carers' Project

MECOPP Gypsy/Traveller Carers' Project is pleased to announce they have won a national award from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland. The 'Principles into Practice' (Respect for Diversity) award celebrates the project's innovative work on mental health with the Gypsy/Traveller community. The project works with Gypsy/Travellers living in houses and on sites in three areas of Scotland (Argyll, Perth and Kinross and the Lothians). Michelle, Susan and Lizzie, from MECOPP, were at the Awards ceremony in Glasgow on the 6th of March 2015.

“It was great to get the award, we really, really didnae expect it. Mental health is no an easy thing to speak about in our culture but the way we did it with drama and stories made it enjoyable too” said Lizzie.

“It felt good to get this award, it’s great to get work by Gypsy/Travellers respected” said Susan.

"This award recognises a clear commitment to developing services that place the needs, views and rights of individuals and their families at the heart of everything you do" Colin MacKay, Chief Executive, Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland.

Huge thanks to all staff and volunteers in the Gypsy/Traveller team, in particular the Gypsy/Travellers who have had the courage to get involved and share their experiences.  Well done everyone!

If you want learn more www.mecopp.org.uk or read some of the stories which have been shared by community members - the Moving Minds book is available for sale  http://www.mecopp.org.uk/index.php?section_id=346

Look out for the TT review of Moving Minds in the Spring 2015 issue of the Traveller's Times magazine!