Get to know your Traveller neighbours - Ireland

From the Londonderry Sentinel

SETTLED people in Londonderry are being urged to get to know their Irish Traveller and Roma Gypsy neighbours better through a number of planned events in the shared future centre in Irish Street.

Local community groups and organisations are being invited to take part in a special course aimed at raising awareness of the cultures and customs and of the city’s Traveller Community.

Carol Stewart, Community Relations Officer for Derry City Council, said: “The awareness training will provide those attending with tools aimed at removing stereotypes and helping people understand how to engage with our local Travelling and Gypsy Communities in relevant ways.

“We would encourage people to come along and learn more about the Traveller community, their culture and how to improve relations and promote integration in general within the local community.”

As part of its Good Relations Strategy, Derry City Council has organised a short training/awareness course for local groups and individuals who deliver services or events to the public, or who are interested in diverse range of cultures alive in our city and surrounding area.

Londonderry currently has a significant Traveller and Gypsy population, and local groups are being urged to learn more about the languages, customs and moral codes of the community.

The course will take place on Thursday November 8 between 2pm–4.30pm at the Shared Future Centre in Irish Street, Londonderry.

The course is non-accredited, but a certificate of attendance will be provided for all those who participate.

The closing date for registration is Monday 5th November 2012. For additional information, please contact Laura Gibson at laura.gibson@derrycity.gov.uk or Tel: 71365151 ext 8221.