Community Organisation Representing Gypsy, Roma and Traveller People
"Nothing About Us, Without Us"
GATE Herts Gypsy and Traveller Empowerment
Our mission is to build a sustainable organisation that provides leadership both locally and nationally in addressing the disadvantage and discrimination that GRT communities experience. GATE Herts will support and empower GRT communities to bring about this change.
GATE is a Community-led organisation working in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas to promote awareness of the issues that affect the Gypsy Traveller Communities.
Our Core Services
Accommodation and Advocacy Support
We deliver safe, secure housing solutions for individuals in need, alongside dedicated advocacy to help people navigate complex systems, understand their rights, and access vital support. Our person-centred approach empowers individuals to make informed choices and take control of their lives.
Programmes and Training for Young People
We design and deliver dynamic programmes tailored to young people, focusing on building skills, confidence, and resilience. Through workshops, mentoring, and practical projects, we create pathways for personal development and future employment, helping young people realise their full potential.
Consultancy Services for Organisations
We provide specialist consultancy and strategic support to organisations including employment services, local authorities, schools, and colleges. Working collaboratively, we help improve service delivery, develop effective strategies, and implement practical, sustainable solutions informed by real-world experience.
Support for Gypsy and Traveller Communities
We are committed to promoting equality and inclusion for Gypsy and Traveller communities through a range of targeted initiatives:
Cultural Awareness Training – Delivering training and workshops for public sector professionals to deepen understanding of Gypsy and Traveller cultures, traditions, and lived experiences.
Advocacy and Mediation – Acting as an independent voice, supporting individuals in engagement with local authorities and helping navigate legal, planning, welfare, and housing matters, while encouraging constructive dialogue.
Community Support – Providing guidance on housing, education, healthcare, and legal rights to ensure fair access to essential services and reduce barriers caused by discrimination.
Policy Consultation – Advising local councils and police on policies impacting Gypsy and Traveller communities to promote fair, lawful, and culturally informed approaches.
Challenging Discrimination – Actively addressing stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion by promoting understanding and building stronger relationships between communities and service providers
Our Vision…
That Gypsy Roma and Travellers are heard, included, and valued in all areas of life.
Our mission…
To build a sustainable organisation that provides leadership both locally and nationally in addressing the disadvantage and discrimination that GRT communities experience. GATE Herts will support and empower GRT communities to bring about this change.
Our Values…
GATE Herts thrives because it is guided by these core values…….
It is led by Gypsy-Travellers for Gypsy-Travellers
- Respects confidentiality
- Believes in equality and inclusion
Works in collaboration
Supports the development of community leadership
Supports social justice and participation.
Volunteer at GATE Herts
We encourage applications from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people and will offer an interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
GATE Herts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and the successful applicant will need to undertake an enhanced DBS criminal record check.
WE SEEK TO IMPROVE
- LEARNING
- HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
- ACCOMMODATION
- EMPLOYMENT
- DISCRIMINATION
- RACISM
Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities are widely considered to be among the most socially excluded communities in the UK. They have a much lower life expectancy than the general population, with Traveller men and women living 10-12 years less than the wider population.
Travellers have higher rates of infant mortality, maternal death and stillbirths than the general population. They experience racist sentiment in the media and elsewhere, which would be socially unacceptable if directed at any other minority community. Ofsted considers young Travellers to be one of the groups most at risk of low attainment in education.
Government services rarely include Traveller views in the planning and delivery of services.
Watch this video by Travellers Times made for Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month 2021:
