Union Romani Voice is a Roma-led, grassroots organisation formed to protect the rights, dignity and inclusion of Roma and Romanian communities who have made the UK their home.

Our work began after 2014, when the UK opened its labour market to citizens of Romania and Bulgaria. Thousands of families arrived seeking safety, work and stability. Among them were Roma communities from Eastern Europe, many facing deep structural barriers including discrimination, language exclusion, and lack of access to services.

We are Roma. We arrived too. Instead of letting others speak about us, we speak for ourselves

A Roma-led organisation, for and of the community

Union Romani Voice is an inclusive and non-partisan organisation, created by Roma people for Roma and Romanian communities.

We represent the interests of people irrespective of:

• ethnicity or nationality

• gender or ability

• religion or belief

• migration status

Our values are firmly rooted in:

• human rights

• anti-racism

• social justice

• democratic participation

• respect for the rule of law

From grassroots support to organised leadership

Our work started as community-based support in Ipswich, Suffolk, focused on:

• family mentoring

• practical guidance and advocacy

• supporting access to education, healthcare and housing

• building trust between families and institutions

In 2019, our work expanded into education and youth leadership, through a programme involving young Romanian Roma students in a local secondary school. These students acted as ambassadors, supporting newly arrived pupils to integrate into the UK education system while helping schools and parents understand one another.

At the same time, we worked intensively with parents, supporting engagement with schools and helping families navigate the transition from the Romanian to the UK education system.

Formalising during crisis – 2021

During the first COVID-19 lockdown, the needs of the community increased dramatically. Together with young people, parents and community leaders, we formalised our work. In February 2021, Union Romani Voice was officially registered as a UK charity, allowing us to:

• operate to professional standards

• meet safeguarding and governance requirements

• work formally with public institutions

• scale our community services

while remaining firmly community-led and accountable.

Who we are today

Today, Union Romani Voice is a not-for-profit, Roma-led charity, operating locally, nationally and increasingly at European level.

We combine:

• direct support and advocacy

• community empowerment

• policy engagement and human rights work

We are trusted by communities who often fear institutions, and by partners who recognise the value of lived experience combined with professional standards.

Our role and recognition

Union Romani Voice has established itself as a trusted voice for Roma and Romanian communities in the UK.

We work with:

• local authorities

• schools and health services

• legal and advice organisations

• national and international partners

We contribute to consultations, advocacy initiatives and alliances, and we engage with UK and European stakeholders on issues affecting Roma communities, migration, equality and social justice.

What we stand for

• Roma voices must be heard at decision-making level

• Inclusion must be meaningful, not symbolic

• Communities are experts in their own lives

• Rights must be protected in practice, not only on paper

Looking ahead

Union Romani Voice continues to grow as a professional, rights-based organisation, committed to long-term change.

Our story is one of resilience, leadership and accountability — and it continues to be written with the community, for the community.