Early Years and Parenting Support
Giving Roma Children the Best Start in Life
Union Romani Voice (URV) is a Roma-led charity based in Ipswich, Suffolk, dedicated to improving the lives, rights and opportunities of Roma families. Since 2014, we have worked alongside families experiencing poverty, discrimination, language barriers and social exclusion, helping them access the support and services needed to give their children the best possible start in life.
Supporting parents and young children is a core part of our work. We recognise that parents are a child’s first and most important teachers, and that early childhood experiences have a lasting impact on health, learning, wellbeing and future opportunities.
Since 2014, we have directly supported more than 1500 Roma children aged 0–5 and their families, helping them access healthcare, early education, family support and developmental services that improve children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.
Who We Support
Our Early Years and Parenting Support programme primarily supports Romanian Roma families with children aged 0–5 living in Suffolk and surrounding areas.
Many of the families we support experience multiple barriers, including:
* Poverty and financial hardship
* Overcrowded or insecure housing
* Language and communication barriers
* Limited access to healthcare and early years services
* Social isolation
* Discrimination and exclusion
* Lack of awareness of available support services
These challenges can affect children’s development, wellbeing and readiness for school.
Our Parenting and Early Years Support
We provide free, confidential and culturally responsive support through:
* Parenting advice and guidance
* One-to-one family support and advocacy
* Nursery and childcare applications
* School readiness support
* Access to health visitors and developmental checks
* GP registration and healthcare advocacy
* Speech and language referrals
* SEND support and advocacy
* Safeguarding and family support
* Translation and interpretation services
* Family wellbeing support
* Community outreach and engagement
Support is delivered in Romanian, Romani and English, helping families overcome language and cultural barriers and engage confidently with services.
Toddler Hub – Learning Through Play
As part of our Early Years and Parenting Support programme, Union Romani Voice runs a regular Toddler Hub for parents and children aged 0–5.
The Toddler Hub provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children and parents can learn, play and grow together.
Through arts and crafts, creative play, storytelling, educational activities, music, games and social interaction, children develop important early skills while parents receive practical support, information and opportunities to connect with other families.
The Toddler Hub helps children develop:
* Communication and language skills
* Fine motor skills through arts and crafts
* Creativity and imagination
* Confidence and self-expression
* Social and emotional skills
* School readiness and early learning
At the same time, parents increase their confidence, learn about child development and strengthen positive relationships with their children.
Learning Through Play and Creative Activities
At Union Romani Voice, we recognise that children learn best through play. Through our Toddler Hub and family activities, children regularly participate in arts and crafts sessions, storytelling, educational games, outdoor learning and community activities.
These activities help children develop:
* Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
* Communication and language skills
* Creativity and imagination
* Problem-solving and early learning skills
* Confidence and self-expression
* Social interaction and teamwork
Parents are encouraged to participate alongside their children, helping strengthen positive parent-child relationships and supporting learning at home. These sessions also provide opportunities for families to build friendships, reduce isolation and become more connected to their local community.
Supporting Children’s Development
Physical Development
We support families to access:
* GP registration
* Health visitor services
* Developmental reviews
* Vaccinations
* Healthy lifestyle and nutrition information
Early intervention helps children achieve healthy developmental milestones and improves long-term health outcomes.
Cognitive Development
We help children access:
* Nursery and childcare provision
* Early learning opportunities
* Speech and language services
* School readiness support
Parents are supported to understand the importance of learning through play and early childhood development.
Social and Emotional Development
We strengthen family wellbeing through:
* Parenting support
* Emotional support and advocacy
* Positive parent-child interaction
* Community activities and peer support
This helps children develop confidence, resilience, communication skills and a sense of belonging.
Our Impact
Since 2014, Union Romani Voice has supported more than 10,500 individuals across Suffolk and beyond through advice, advocacy, education, health access and family support services.
Our Early Years and Parenting Support programme has directly supported more than 500 children aged 0–5 and their families, helping them access healthcare, early education, family support and developmental services.
Key Achievements
* More than 10,500 individuals supported since 2014
* More than 500 children aged 0–5 supported
* Hundreds of Roma families supported to access education, health and family services
* Increased access to nursery and childcare provision
* Improved engagement with healthcare services
* Increased access to speech and language support
* Improved school readiness for young children
* Reduced isolation and barriers caused by language and discrimination
* Increased parenting confidence and family wellbeing
What Families Tell Us
“Union Romani Voice helped us access nursery, health services and support for our child. They explained everything in our language and helped us feel understood and respected.”
— Parent supported by URV
“The Toddler Hub helped my child become more confident, make friends and learn through play. It also helped me meet other parents and feel less isolated.”
— Parent attending Toddler Hub
Our Vision
We want every Roma child to grow up healthy, safe, confident and ready to succeed in school and in life.
By supporting parents, strengthening community trust and improving access to services, we are helping children achieve better physical, cognitive, social and emotional outcomes and creating stronger futures for Roma families across Suffolk.
Working in Partnership
We work closely with:
* NHS services
* Health Visitors
* Suffolk County Council
* Ipswich Borough Council
* Nurseries and schools
* Family support services
* Community organisations
* Legal and advice providers
Together, we help ensure that Roma children receive the support they need to thrive.
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Relieving Poverty in Roma Communities in Suffolk & Essex
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