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Wrexham

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The local authority commissioned the production of a myth-busting DVD to increase the cultural awareness of their staff with regards to the Gypsy Traveller community. Two Fair Share Trust-funded Inclusion Officers were asked by the Council’s Traveller Education Support Teacher to co-ordinate this project because of their links with the community and their liaison and co-ordination skills. The work involved visiting people’s trailers and houses and asking them to talk about their lives as Travellers. Subjects covered include history, culture & religion, discrimination, living on sites, education and future aspirations. The DVD was very positive in outlook, without detracting from important issues such as the discrimination faced by this community and how it affects them and their families.

It is a testament to the post-holders, and to the Fair Share Trust-funded projects, that the local authority has sought their skills in creating a new DVD to support their own staff in developing their understanding of the Gypsy Traveller communities. In addition to developing their own skills and expertise through co-ordinating the production of a new DVD, the long-term impact of increased understanding from council staff will be substantial, if not always measurable. The panel will view the completed DVD at its next meeting, and it will form part of the outputs and outcomes described in future impact assessments.

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