Success at Temporary Gypsy & Traveller Sites

Elim is unusual as a Social Housing provider in that we manage 12 Gypsy and Traveller sites that consist of around 180 individual pitches between Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire and South Devon.

In early July this year Elim were approached by two local authorities in the South West looking for support with setting up temporary Gypsy and Traveller sites to help those who found themselves needing to move off the road following Covid-19 travel restrictions. The two sites were agreed in conjunction with the Police and Council to ensure Elim could offer the right amount of support across the sites.

The travelling community often have extra needs that we can help with, including access to healthcare professionals and educational supplies.  The G&T team have been warmly welcomed into these communities and are enjoying working with our temporary Residents, addressing the specific needs and circumstances of Gypsies and Travellers, building trust and taking time to ask what support is needed.

The sites are anticipated to be available for the travelling community until November this year subject to possible further requirements set out by Government.