About Us
Gypsy Outreach UK is an independent, non-profit organisation supporting Gypsy and Traveller individuals and families. We work for families—not for social services—and help ensure people are treated fairly, respectfully and without discrimination.
We support families involved with children’s social care, including those attending Child in Need meetings, child protection conferences, looked-after child reviews and other important professional meetings. We attend meetings alongside families, help them understand what is happening and make sure their views, concerns and cultural identity are properly heard and considered.
Where families believe they have been treated unfairly, we can help raise their concerns and submit complaints on their behalf. We also help people understand letters, reports and assessments, prepare for meetings, communicate with professionals and maintain a clear written record of the issues raised.
Our support includes:
* Attending meetings with families as an independent advocate
* Helping families communicate with social workers and other professionals
* Supporting parents through child protection processes and care proceedings
* Making sure families understand what is happening and what is expected of them
* Helping prepare letters, responses and formal complaints
* Challenging unfair treatment, discrimination and inaccurate information
* Encouraging professionals to recognise and respect Gypsy and Traveller culture and identity
* Helping families access appropriate legal advice and specialist services
* Supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse, domestic abuse and trauma
* Providing a confidential and understanding space where people can speak without fear of judgement
Gypsy Outreach UK was founded by me, Polly, through my own lived experience. I have personally stood in front of a judge and experienced first-hand how frightening, confusing and overwhelming the system can feel.
I am also a survivor of sexual abuse, which gives me a personal understanding of trauma, fear and the courage it takes to speak out. I understand how difficult it can be to share your experiences when you feel nobody is listening, fear you will not be believed, or fear backlash from your own community.
These experiences inspired me to establish Gypsy Outreach UK so that other people would not have to face these situations alone. I use my experience to stand beside families, help them find their voices and ensure they are included in decisions affecting their lives and their children.
We understand that many families feel frightened, overwhelmed or unheard when dealing with social services and other official organisations. Our role is to support families, help them understand the process and make sure they have a fair opportunity to express their views.
Gypsy Outreach UK does not replace a solicitor and cannot provide regulated legal advice. However, we provide independent advocacy and practical support, help families communicate with professionals and assist them in finding appropriate legal or specialist services when needed. No family should feel they must face the system alone.
At Gypsy Outreach UK, we listen, support and speak up—making sure every family has a fair opportunity to be heard.