Projects
Union Romani Voice delivers a comprehensive portfolio of community-led, rights-based projects designed to support Roma and Romanian communities to access services, build confidence, and participate fully in UK society.
Our projects combine frontline support, community empowerment, and systemic advocacy, grounded in lived experience, safeguarding, and human rights standards.
1. Health & Wellbeing Open Day
The Health & Wellbeing Open Day is a community-led initiative designed to improve access to health information, prevention services, and direct support in a safe and welcoming environment.
The event brings together Roma families, NHS professionals, local authorities, and community and voluntary organisations, creating opportunities for trusted dialogue, early intervention, and relationship-building between services and the community.
During the Open Day, families can:
• Receive health information in an accessible and culturally appropriate way
• Speak directly with health professionals and support services
• Ask questions without fear or judgment
• Access signposting, advice, and practical guidance
Due to its strong community engagement and positive impact, Union Romani Voice is committed to delivering the Health & Wellbeing Open Day as an annual initiative in Ipswich.
2. Roma Support – Free Community Services (Core Project)
The Roma Support Project is the foundation of our work.
We provide FREE, confidential Information, Advice, Guidance and Advocacy through drop-in sessions, five days per week, in a safe and culturally informed environment.
Drop-in sessions (5 days per week)
Support is available:
• face-to-face
• by phone
• by email
This service responds to immediate needs while promoting safety, dignity and long-term inclusion.
Areas of support include:
• Immigration & Status
o EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
o Visas and immigration status
o Understanding rights and responsibilities in the UK
• Housing, Benefits & Debt
o Housing advice and homelessness prevention
o Welfare benefits and applications
o Debt support and referrals
• Employment & Education
o Employment guidance
o Education access for children and adults
o Advocacy with schools and colleges
• Health & Wellbeing
o GP and NHS registration and access
o Mental health and emotional wellbeing
o Referrals to specialist services
• Family & Social Support
o Family counselling
o Parenting support
o Safeguarding and crisis intervention
• Climate Change Awareness
o Community awareness activities
o Engagement on environmental issues affecting communities
Our frontline staff work directly with individuals and families, helping with forms, letters, appointments and advocacy, ensuring people feel safe, respected and supported.
3. ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages
Language is a critical barrier to inclusion.
Our ESOL programme supports adults and young people to:
• develop practical English skills
• build confidence in everyday communication
• engage with services, schools and employers
• reduce isolation and dependency
Classes are:
• accessible
• community-based
• culturally informed
4. Digital Skills & Inclusion Project
Digital exclusion limits access to services and rights.
Our Digital Skills Project helps participants to:
• use smartphones, tablets and computers
• access online services (GP, school, council, benefits)
• understand digital safety and privacy
• build independence and confidence online
This project supports equal participation in a digital society.
5. Education, Aspiration & EAL Student Support
EAL Students Aspiration Programme
We work with local primary and secondary schools to support EAL (English as an Additional Language) students, particularly Romanian Roma young people.
The programme aims to:
• motivate and inspire students to aspire, achieve and flourish
• support school integration and attendance
• promote positive role models
• strengthen communication between schools and families
We also work closely with parents, supporting engagement with schools and smoother transitions into the UK education system.
6. Civil Participation & Active Citizenship Project
This project supports Roma and Romanian communities to:
• understand their rights and civic responsibilities
• engage with local decision-making processes
• participate in consultations and community forums
• build confidence to speak up and be represented
The project strengthens democratic participation and inclusion.
7. Cultural Identity, Pride & Awareness-Raising Projects
Celebrating Roma identity and history is central to tackling stigma and discrimination.
We organise and deliver cultural and awareness-raising initiatives, including:
- International Roma Day – April
- Celebrating Roma culture, history and resilience.
- Roma Month – June
- A programme of events promoting Roma heritage, pride and positive representation.
- Roma Holocaust Remembrance
- Commemorating Roma victims of the Holocaust and promoting dignity, memory and recognition.
- Roma Fashion Show
- A flagship creative event celebrating Roma identity, creativity and empowerment, challenging stereotypes and raising public awareness.
- These projects build community pride while educating wider society.
8. Safeguarding & Family Protection Project
Safeguarding is embedded across all our work.
This project includes:
• child and adult safeguarding support
• family risk assessment and guidance
• referrals to statutory and specialist services
• trauma-informed support during crises
Our approach prioritises safety, dignity and partnership.
9. Suffolk Access to Justice
Union Romani Voice promotes access to justice by:
• increasing legal awareness
• supporting individuals to understand their rights
• facilitating referrals to specialist legal advice
• working with legal partners on access to justice initiatives
This project reduces barriers and promotes accountability.
10. Partnerships & Collaborative Initiatives
We work in partnership with:
• local authorities
• schools and education providers
• health and social care services
• legal advice organisations
• civil society and human rights networks
These collaborations strengthen service delivery and amplify Roma voices.
Why Our Projects Matter
Across all projects, we:
• centre lived experience
• promote dignity and human rights
• strengthen confidence and independence
• improve educational and wellbeing outcomes
• support long-term inclusion and participation
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