Somerset Gypsy and Traveller Accomodation Needs Assessement

The overall project has been commissioned from De Montfort University by the five district councils in Somerset, in cooperation with Somerset County Council, to fulfill the requirements of the 2004 Housing Act to research the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers. The project, led by Dr Jo Richardson, has a participatory methodology involving members of the communities as survey interviewers. The survey aims to include 40% of the local Gypsy and Traveller population including Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers, New Travellers and Showmen families. It addresses accommodation needs and experiences, and access to other services. The project includes three focus groups with young people, New Travellers, and women exploring health issues.

Sarah Cemlyn contributes to research design, training and support of community interviewers, takes responsibility for the young people’s focus group in partnership with the Children’s Society, and analysis and write up of the group, and contributes to the final report.