Parallel Lives Roma Project

Roma Communities

Roma people constitute the largest ethnic minority in Europe with an estimated population of 10-12 million. Roma people living in Western Europe have often migrated from Eastern European countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Frequently confused with English Gypsies and Irish Travellers, Roma communities need extensive support and guidance from professionals to help them adapt to life in the UK.

Many Roma people have faced racism, discrimination and social exclusion in their countries of origin. This has limited their access to essential services such as healthcare, education and appropriate housing.  Having faced educational segregation, many Roma people have very limited employment prospects, and are often in low paid, insecure employment. They can become victims of violence and labour exploitation, sometimes within their own communities.

This website aims to provide a wide ranging information resource for professionals working with Roma communities. More information is available from the following organisations:

• Roma Support Group
  Telephone number – 07949 089778
  Email – info@romasupportgroup.org.uk
• ​​Compas Charity, Peterborough
  Telephone number – 07718 062144
  Email – petr.torak@compas.org.uk 
• Luton Roma Trust
  Telephone Number – 01582 510709
  Email – office@lutonromatrust.org.uk