Gypsy/Travellers action plan: 2023

Improving education oucomes

Understanding of barriers to education

Developing partnerships with young people and their families to improve our understanding of the barriers to taking part in learning and develop strategies that will address them. 

June – September 2023 focus

Research publication: June 2023 

August 2023: STEP has completed early research on the feasibility of a Gypsy/Traveller Pledge Schools scheme in Scotland. Four school have indicated that they will act as pilots and the programme will be developed over coming months.  The university of Edinburgh is also currently developing approaches to becoming a Higher Education Pledge institution for the community. 

Better incomes in and out of work

Social security benefits

Working in partnership with the third sector to maximise the take-up of benefits administered by Social Security Scotland amongst Gypsy/Traveller communities. 

June – September 2023 focus

Social Security teams are going to be holding sessions with stakeholders and G/T members to find out the barriers they face when accessing services and continually ensuring information about services and benefits are communicated through organisations they trust. Our Local Delivery teams will continue to build relationships with travellers’ sites to encourage trust and offer our pre-claim support service. There are currently a variety of sites across Edinburgh and Fife where Local Delivery Client Support Advisers have been able to meet and engage with the community members. The team will continue to work closely with MECOPP over the coming months to support those in and out with the sites and build trust with the community.