Travellers provision
The Traveller Project supports young people aged 8-19 by providing trusted, culturally responsive opportunities to connect, develop new skills and build positive futures.
Through a combination of one-to-one support, group activities, trips and holiday programmes, the project creates safe, inclusive spaces where young people can share their views, strengthen relationships and access support tailored to their needs.
This project aims to:
Foster positive relationships and trust
Encourage school engagement and attendance
Enhance social and communication skills
Expand horizons and broaden aspirations
Promote emotional wellbeing and self-confidence
Reduce isolation, boredom, and tensions
Encourage positive behaviour and family involvement
Impact:
12 young people
engaged in 2025/26
17 sessions
delivered
93%
attendance rate
100%
of the young people reported new bonds made and feeling safe and included.
100%
of the young people reported having fun, with 50% reporting trying something outside their comfort zone.
100%
of the young people identified an increase in feelings of self-confidence.
“I enjoy the Travellers project because ... it’s really fun and we also learn stuff here and do a lot of games and all of us participate and it’s really fun.... it’s what I really look forward to.”
“Through this project Traveller young people have access to many services and are not held back by low literacy skills. Traveller girls have become more independent and feel more confident to be themselves in the absence of boys. This includes learning new skills such as cooking and exploring dishes from different cultures, managing budgets, researching and independently shopping. Session ideas come directly from the young people themselves.
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Case study
Finding space to be herself: HoD’s journey with the Traveller provision
HoD joined the Traveller provision through community outreach and has been involved since the project began, attending regularly when family responsibilities allow.
She joined looking for something that felt like hers — a chance to step beyond her site, meet new people and experience more of the world.
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As a Traveller girl who has been homeschooled, HoD had limited opportunities to socialise outside her community and carried significant responsibilities at home, including caring for younger siblings and helping run the household.
“I want to get out and go around, which I don’t get to do on my own.”
In the early sessions, HoD often mirrored the strong cultural norms she had grown up with. As one of the older girls, she sometimes tested boundaries or took control in group settings. With clear guidance, support and consistency from staff, these moments became opportunities for learning and growth.
Over time, HoD has developed greater self‑awareness, confidence and social skills. During group outings, she now engages confidently and respectfully with members of the public, something that once felt unfamiliar and intimidating.
She has also grown into a positive leader within the group, often taking on a “big sister” role and supporting younger participants. During a cooking session, she independently planned the menu and led the activity, showing initiative, teamwork and decision‑making skills.
Her confidence has started to extend beyond the project too. Recently, HoD secured her learner’s licence and began driving lessons — a significant step towards independence.
Reflecting on her experience, she shared:
“Being part of this group has given me a place where I can just be myself and have fun.”
While HoD continues to navigate challenges linked to her circumstances, her journey shows the clear impact of the programme. She has gained confidence, leadership experience and practical life skills, and has begun to imagine a future with more choice, independence and opportunity.
Contact
Tizzie Diamond-Gatoff
Travellers Lead Worker
tizzie@youthactionalliance.org