Support for Southwark Traveller’s Re-started - London

From the Peckham Voluntary Sector Forum

Southwark Traveller’s Action Group (STAG) has been very busy since re- starting it’s activities as a project hosted by Peckham Voluntray Sector Forum (PVSF) last November.

STAG’S main objective for 2013 is to set up as a constituted organisation so that it can have it’s own independence. We are working closely with PVSF in the pursuit of this aim. STAG’s usual work has continued in the meantime.

Here is a quick update on some of STAG’s work in the final few months of 2012.

HOUSING: STAG has been working with Councillors to scrutinise proposed new tenancy agreements for new tenants on Southwark’s four Traveller Sites. The agreements are welcomed as they give tenants more security of tenure. We are pleased that Councillors have agreed to review the agreement again to improve the terms regarding absence, animals and fire safety.

STAG is also overseeing the refurbishment of Spring Tide Close and has played a role in ensuring that repairs are properly reported and work is completed.

HEALTH: STAG has been involved in Southwark Council’s review of Health Inequalities experienced by Gyspies and Travellers, which focusses on maternal care. STAG has arranged consultancy sessions with community members and actively engaged with Councillors and Council Officers to highlight the health issues facing Travellers.

ONE TO ONE SUPPORT: STAG has supported community members through a range of personal difficulties.

ADVICE: In partnership with Blackfriars Advice Centre STAG has continued to provide drop in advice sessions for Travellers.

POLICE LIAISON: STAG has met with the Community Liaison Officer who deals with Southwark Traveller sites. Our aim is to ease unnecessary tensions between the police and Traveller community. The Officer praised STAG’s influence in the dropping of heavy-handed strategies which used to be used on Traveller sites.

REPRESENTATION: STAG has retaken its seat at the Forum for Equalities and Human Rights in Southwark.

SPECIAL PROJECTS: STAG has secured funding from Safer Southwark Partnership to put on a project which encourages community safety and improves employment prospects for young Travellers. We will keep you updated on developments.

For more details about STAG visit their website www.travellersite.org or ring 0207 277 6172