Our Voice is part of the MAKE Project, a cultural partnership between Lancaster University and The Dukes which aims to develop arts, education and learning in Lancaster and to invest in, enrich and sustain the city’s cultural life.

Girls aged 10-16 and parents took part in the project which involved them exploring barriers for young GRT people accessing education and highlighting prejudice often felt in the wider community.

They produced a film now being used to open up discussions with GRT communities and schools throughout Lancashire as part of a Charter for Change. It can be viewed at: http://dukes-lancaster.org/creative-learning/community/

Some of the young women involved in Our Voice have also used their work on the project to achieve a Bronze Arts Award, a nationally recognised accredited qualification.

The Dukes Learning and Outreach Manager, Vicky Fletcher, and two young women from the local GRT community will deliver a workshop at the conference in Durham, led by Durham Council supported by Public Health England, which aims to share good practice and learning.

Our Voice has been supported by Lancaster University’s REAP (Researching, Equality, Access and Participation) Team; Lancashire County Council; Lancashire Ethnic Minority/Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Achievement Service; St Patrick’s RC Primary School in Heysham and Lancaster & Morecambe College.