8th November 2005

Charles Smith

It is with great regret that we were today informed of the death of Charles Smith, Chair of the Gypsy Council (GCECWCR). Charles has been at the forefront of Gypsy activism and politics in the UK for nearly three decades, In recent years he became the first Gypsy Mayor in the Country in the Borough of Castle Point, Essex. Charles has been instrumental alongside the Gypsy Council in the work of the Gypsy and Traveller Law Reform Coalition.

East Notts Traveller Association would like to express our sympathy to his family and friends at this sad time.

23rd September 2005

"Opening the Door" Launch

A new drugs awareness DVD / Video was launched today. The result of over two years work between Gypsies, Travellers, drugs workers and youth workers, this Home Office funded short film and resource pack is aimed at raising awareness of drugs and drugs services. Taken from the real life experiences of Gypses and Travellers, the dramatised film follows the jourmey of two young Gypsies lads who become involved with drugs. The film explains how young Gypsies and Travellers can access free and confidential drugs services.

Whilst the DVD / pack can be used by young Gypsies and Travellers in the privacy of their own home, the pack can be used by drugs workers and youth workers within individual or groupwork settings to "open the door" on drugs issues.

The project was financed by the Home Office, led by "face it" (Young Peoples Drugs Agency), and produced with the help of East Notts Traveller Association