A series of events at Worcester’s Hive Library will celebrate Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month this June, highlighting lived experiences and tackling discrimination.
Three free talks have been organised by Dr Peter Unwin, Principal Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Worcester, who has carried out extensive research in recent years alongside members of the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.
Dr Unwin said: “People attending these events will be able to meet people from these Gypsy and Traveller communities. They’ll be able to learn and ask questions in a safe environment, with presenters who are happy to chat about their lives.”
“I hope anyone who comes along will be able to learn positively about these family-orientated communities,” he added. “But also, they’ll learn about the challenges they face across care, health and education.”
The first event, Myths and Realities, The Lived Experiences of Gypsies and Travellers in England, takes place on Tuesday 2 June 6.30-8pm. Kelly Horsley, from the Romany Gypsy community and among the last generations of families linked to fruit picking in Worcestershire will share her experiences.
Together with Dr Unwin, Kelly will be talking about the myths and realities of Gypsy life.
The second event, titled Ignorance, Discrimination and Hope: The Exclusion of Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers from Healthcare Services, will focus on Dr Unwin’s research across the fields of disability and mental health and takes place on Thursday 4 June 2.00-3.30pm.
The final event, on Tuesday 9 June, 6.30-8pm, will see Romany Gypsy Chris Smith talk about his recent book, The Tan: Memories from a Romany Childhood. Chris is a member of the University of Worcester’s IMPACT group, who help educate students about lived experience.
Chris’ story is one of resilience, survival, and an unbreakable connection to land, family, and spirit.
The University of Worcester recently won the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award at the 2026 Better Society Awards; recognising its approach to building a community where everyone can succeed; a commitment reflected in events such as these.
Dr Unwin said: “Universities have a role to play in society in sharing reliable knowledge. Our research alongside Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities goes some way towards redressing the discriminatory views many people hold about these communities, and we hope these events can help to balance those negative perceptions that often characterise these lifestyles wrongly.”
The events are all free and can be booked on the following links:
Tuesday 2 June 6.30-8pm- Myths and Realities: The Lived Experiences of Gypsies and Travellers in England.
Thursday 4 June 2-3.30PM- Ignorance, Discrimination and Hope: The Exclusion of Gypsies, Roma, and Travellers from our Health Care Services.
Tuesday 9 June 6.30-8PM- Chris Smith: The Tan.