Rooftop secures government funding to strengthen engagement with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities

Rooftop Housing Group has recently been awarded £75,500 in government funding to deliver a new project, Virtual Voices: Enhancing GRT Engagement Through Accessible Communication, to improve communication and strengthen relationships with their residents from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities.

Rooftop was one of the 20 organisations selected from more than 180 applications nationwide, highlighting its strong commitment to improving engagement with the GRT communities.

The funding comes from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Social Housing Innovation Fund, following the introduction of Awaab’s Law, to help housing providers improve how they listen to residents.

As a leading provider of culturally appropriate homes for GRT communities, Rooftop will use this funding to support customers living across 53 pitches we manage in Wythall, Coventry and Solihull.

A new approach

GRT communities are often underrepresented in traditional engagement methods such as surveys or meetings. Barriers such as varied literacy levels and low trust in formal settings make it more challenging for the communities to share their views and needs.

Virtual Voices will utilise WhatsApp’s voice memo function to facilitate easier and more accessible communication. A dedicated WhatsApp channel will be set up to support those GRT customers who find speaking easier than writing. By using a platform which they are already familiar with, we aim to encourage more open and regular engagement, making it possible for members of the community to influence services to suit their needs.

The 12-month project will be delivered in partnership with Elim Housing Association, the largest national provider of GRT accommodations. Thanks to Elim's contribution in both sharing insight from their work with GRT customers to shape our fund application and in supporting later delivery and evaluation.

Boris Worrall, chief executive of Rooftop Housing Group, said,

“We’re delighted to receive this funding, which recognises the importance of finding a new and practical way to listen to the GRT communities. Virtual Voices is about breaking down barriers and making it easier for GRT communities to share with us in a way that works for them. By working in partnership with Elim Housing Association, we can strengthen our understanding, measure impact more effectively and better support our GRT communities.”

Lorraine Jenner, housing manager (specialist) at Elim Housing, said,

“We are proud to be working with Rooftop Housing Group on a project that puts the voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller residents at its heart. At Elim Housing, we know how important it is for people to feel heard and understood in ways that are right for them. By bringing together our shared experience, knowledge and the views of our residents, we hope this project will build stronger relationships and lead to services that truly reflect the needs of GRT communities.”

If successful, Rooftop will explore the possibility to expand the model to reach other communities that may struggle with traditional engagement methods.

More about Social Housing Innovation Fund: New £2m backed pilots to put more power in the hands of tenants - GOV.UK

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