Glastonbury and the surrounding areas, annually attract large numbers of travellers and it is no secret to anyone who travels or uses the Robert Barton Trust that there is historically an atmosphere of negative publicity amongst the local media and the settled population. Our work here brings us into meetings with the local council and parish members and we hope, through this interaction we can begin to create a positive dialogue between these diverse groups that fosters mutual respect, understanding and acceptance in the community at large. We have also contacted the electoral register and we of no fixed abode, can through the RBT register to vote and use our democratic power to choose who sits in council or in government making decisions in our name. If you would like information about any of the issues mentioned here or would like to meet with either of us you can find us at the drop in on Thursday between 11 - 12, call 01458 833797, email us at rbtrachel@yahoo.co.uk or julezrbt123@yahoo.co.uk.
Hello from Rachel and Julez, our
new Non Bricks and Mortar support workers.
The purpose of Non Bricks and Mortar workers is to support people in the local Glastonbury area who do not live in conventional housing. This covers a broad range of people in our community, from those born and raised in traditional traveller families, to those who have chosen a lifestyle of travelling for ideological or political reasons, to people who end up in caravans, tents or on the streets due to housing problems and general shortages, dysfunctional relationships and/or mental health issues.
We can provide information, advice and contacts with other organisations for members of our community experiencing difficulties and travellers in general who experience eviction issues, we also have contacts for people who can help with towing vehicles to or from locations when there are no other alternatives. We are part of the Robert Barton Trust Team that run the drop in on Thursdays so whether you want a chat, a shower to wash your clothes or use the internet we are here to help, you simply have to ask.
A Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) is currently underway in the South West Region and through the work of the Non Bricks and Mortar Support Workers, the Robert Barton Trust is acting as a liaison point for a number of community interviews as well as a place to pick up blank surveys and drop off completed surveys. This assessment process is a key step in ensuring that site provision in our local area is universal enough to meet the needs of the people who are directly suffering because of a general lack of facilities for travellers. Some of you may be familiar with the previous assessments that have been done in this region and of the outstanding oversights continually made in Somerset and Mendip regarding planning and site provision. There are no guarantees, but we are hopeful that the work being done now will actively address this problem and we are involved in making sure that this research covers all the relevant sites and interested parties in our area.