There are lots of resources available to celebrate and support young people from different communities in Scotland.
Below you can find some specifically for Gypsy/Traveller and Roma communities. If you think there are any we could add, please get in touch with us at contents@young.scot.
Activate Your Rights
Visit our Activate Your Rights resources page to find out about your rights, what the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) means to you and what to do if you feel your rights aren’t being respected.
Article 12
Article 12 in Scotland works to build capacity and social capital through access to formal and non-formal learning and development opportunities that amplify the voice of those young people who are less likely to be heard.
GP Health Access Cards
If you’re looking to register at a GP practice, there are two information cards to help you with registering with a new GP practice.
- The first is a business card, which sets an individual’s rights to healthcare in Scotland. It also provides contact information for NHS Inform and the Patient Advice and Support Service.
- The second card is a larger, six-sided ‘Z card’, which provides the same information as above, as well as more detail including reference to the recently revised Charter of Patient Rights and Responsibilities and NHS 24.
Progress in Dialogue
Progress in Dialogue is a social enterprise that strives to improve the lives of marginalised communities and champion grassroots voices. They have information on racism and hate crime, including how to report a hate crime.
Friends, Families and Travellers
Friends, Families and Travellers is an English-based third-sector organisation which works to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. You can find many good resources on their website, such as their Helpline and links to other support organisations.
Are you looking after or caring for a family member, friend or member of your community regularly and on a long-term basis?
Did you know? A young carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a family member, friend or member of your community, regularly and on a long-term basis. You might help someone get dressed in the morning, or get their shopping each week, or you might provide emotional support.
There are many resources and support available to help you in your caring role:
Young Carers Package
If you are between 11 – 18 years old and provide care, you can sign up for our Young Carers Package, which gives you free access to a bunch of discounts, rewards, prizes and opportunities! Find out how to apply here.
Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP)
If you want to find out more about your rights and need direct support MECOPP have a dedicated Advice and information for Gypsy/Traveller carers. You can get in touch with them here.
Support with education and deciding your next steps
STEP provides young people with information about the options available for education beyond primary school. There are learning resources and links to people and places where you can get help on your career pathways.
Mental health and wellbeing support
MECOPP direct support
MECOPP offer their ‘Community Health Matters’ Service which provides direct support to the Gypsy/Traveller community in Scotland who live in houses, on sites and roadside. Their team can assist with access to health services and health professionals, advice and information on health and wellbeing related issues, advocating on rights and entitlements with you or on your behalf, sign-posting to other helping agencies and practical and emotional support. You can find out more information and how to get in touch here.
You can find out more about MECOPP’s other support and services here.
Young Scot #AyeFeel mental health & wellbeing information and resources
You can also find lots of information, articles, videos and other content on our AyeFeel page to learn how to look after your mental health. We have content covering a lot of topics, such as relaxation exercises, videos with exercises on supporting your mental health and wellbeing and articles on how to start talking about your feelings, how stress affects you and much more!