AGENCIES turned out in force at an engagement day for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

Police, health bodies, charities and youth organisations attended the event in Worcester today and a low turnout from target groups did not dampen their spirits.

The event at the playing fields next to King George V community centre in Brickfields was a hive of networking and partnership working, while the organisers were left "overwhelmed" with the support showed.

Kay Poole, manager of the Gypsy Roma Traveller education team at Worcestershire County Council, which organised the engagement day, said: “The aim of the event has been to let the communities know that there are a number of services available to them.

"We want to introduce them to friendly faces at these agencies in order to build trust.

“Often Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families don’t know what is out there and, if they do know, there is a level of mistrust and fear that they will be met with racism or not welcomed.

“We are however encouraging and supporting them to access mainstream services."

She added that greater engagement with families on the day would have been preferable but that she was “overwhelmed” with support from the agencies present, which all “see the value” in the work of her team.

Organisations in attendance included drug and alcohol service Swanswell, Age UK, GP surgeries and a variety of NHS services such as health visitors, dentists and mental health schemes.

One stallholder Becky Forrest, deputy practice manager at Spring Gardens Group Medical Practice, said: “We are keen to reach out to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and to promote the health services on offer at our surgery.”

The event also featured taster sessions run by youth workers and play rangers from Worcester Community Trust, which engaged children and young people from all backgrounds, while West Mercia Police officers added some fun to proceedings with an impromptu football match.