Learning from People with Lived Experience: Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Communities Train... (apprentices)

This PWLE seminar is open to members of the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership. Please see below our Partner organisations.

This PWLE seminar hopes to equip learners with a deeper understanding of the historical context, cultural nuances, and contemporary challenges faced by Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. Through a combination of presentations and group discussion participants will gain valuable insights into:

• The historical Context of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities

• Health, Education and Housing Awareness to better support community members' needs

• Stigma and Prejudice faced by communities

• Cleanliness and ritual practices that are integral to daily life

• Positive Support Strategies when Working with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities

• The benefits of using a social pedagogical approach in your work or personal interactions

  
  

Furthermore, learners will be introduced to relevant support services and advocacy groups that can facilitate meaningful connections and positive change. This training session is designed to foster empathy, awareness, and inclusivity, ultimately empowering participants to make a positive impact in their own communities and beyond. Apprentices will be prioritised when we allocate spaces, however we encourage all social work practitioners to register their interest as there may be spaces available.

Deadline to register: Monday 5th of May

Stacey Hodgkins is a passionate advocate for marginalized communities, with over 20 years of experience working with children from diverse backgrounds, including those from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller heritage, English as an Additional language, looked-after children, and Special Educational Needs, Stacey has developed a deep understanding of the importance of inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Stacey's roles have spanned various sectors, including nursery nursing, nanny work, preschool management, parent support work, teaching assistance, and special educational needs coordination. She has also shared her expertise as a guest speaker at the University of Worcester.

In 2022, Stacey shifted her career focus to amplify Gypsy, Romany, and Traveller culture and pursue her dream of writing. Since then, she has worked as a trainee journalist and research assistant for Travellers Times magazine, further solidifying her commitment to raising awareness about marginalized communities. Stacey's involvement with the University of Worcester's Lived Experience IMPACT Group over the past two years has been instrumental in promoting understanding and appreciation of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller culture among students pursuing professional degrees, including social work, nursing, midwifery, and education.

Her notable projects include co-authoring a research report on mental health inequalities within Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities and developing a training package for the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership. Within the past year, Stacey has joined the University of Worcester's Social Pedagogy Research Group, contributing to a chapter on using a social pedagogical approach when working with marginalized communities.

Partner organisations:

Birmingham Children's Trust

Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City University

Cheshire East Council

City of Stoke-on-Trent Council

City of Wolverhampton Council

Coventry City Council

Coventry University

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Keele University

Sandwell Children's Trust

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Shropshire Council

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Staffordshire County Council

Staffordshire University

Telford & Wrekin Council

University of Birmingham

University of Warwick

University of Wolverhampton

University of Worcester

Walsall Council

Warwickshire County Council

Worcestershire County Council