Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2026 in Bradford

Celebrating Culture and Addressing Challenges

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (GRTHM) 2026 takes place throughout June, with the theme “Onwards with Hope.” The month-long event aims to recognise the history, culture, and contributions of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities across the UK, including those in the Bradford District and Craven area.

Background and Local Context

Bradford District and Craven have a long history of welcoming diverse communities, including Gypsy, Roma and Traveller groups. The city has hosted communities from Central and Eastern Europe for nearly a century, with a notable presence of Roma people primarily from Slovakia in recent years. The Roma community in Bradford is among the largest globally and contributes to the local society and economy.

Purpose of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month

Established in 2008, GRTHM serves several purposes:

• Promoting knowledge of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller history, culture and heritage
• Sharing information on positive contributions made by these communities to British society
• Increasing awareness of their cultural heritage
• Celebrating their culture and heritage

Focus for 2026: Present and Future Aspirations

The 2026 theme encourages reflection on hopes, dreams, and the future that Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities want to build, emphasising pride, resilience, community, and belonging.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental health is a significant concern within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Many individuals face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing support, which can negatively affect wellbeing. Health inequalities persist, with life expectancy for these communities estimated to be 10 to 25 years shorter than the wider population. These disparities are linked to exclusion from healthcare systems and difficulties in accessing culturally appropriate services.

Local Support Services

Several local organisations provide mental health services tailored to the needs of Central and Eastern European and Roma communities in Bradford. These include:

• A Roma Men’s Group offered by Connecting Roma
• Roma Wellbeing for Women group run by European Drom
• Shine group for Roma men and women with mental health issues, run by Inspired Neighbourhoods
• Unity Minds, a group for Roma men and women experiencing poor mental health, based at the Girlington Centre

Additional Information About the Roma Community

• The Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community is the largest ethnic minority group within the European Union, with over 12 million people, including around 300,000 in the UK.
• The Roma are believed to have originated from northern India and migrated to Europe between 1000 and 1100 AD.
• Romanes is the traditional language of the Roma, with regional dialects and the use of local languages depending on the country of residence.
• The Roma flag, adopted on 8 April 1971 at the first Romani World Congress in London, features blue (sky), green (land), and a red wheel symbolising movement and progress.