Birmingham expands support for GRT communities

Amelia Hughes 2026-06-09 19:02 3 min read

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By demoduck.co.uk news desk

A managed place to stop, a dedicated support team and closer links with schools, housing and police are now at the centre of Birmingham’s work with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The changes have been highlighted during Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, marked nationally each June to recognise the heritage and contribution of GRT communities while drawing attention to barriers they continue to face.

In Birmingham, the council says its renewed approach is focused on support, partnership and provision. The work includes a dedicated Gypsy and Traveller service team, stronger cooperation with local agencies and the reopening of the official Proctor Street transit site.

Dedicated team takes over GRT support

Birmingham City Council says its Gypsy and Traveller service is now led by a team focused on engagement, trust and access to help.

The practical aim is to make it easier for families and individuals from GRT communities to connect with services when they need them, instead of navigating several parts of the system separately.

The council says the team will work directly with communities and partners to better understand needs, challenge misconceptions and improve day-to-day support. That includes contact around housing, education, health, safeguarding and other local services.

Paul Langford, Executive Director of City Housing at Birmingham City Council, said the work is about creating “real change” through closer contact with communities and partner organisations.

“Building trust is key. We’re starting to see positive changes, with partners working more closely together and residents feeling more confident in sharing their experiences with us,” he said.

Proctor Street transit site reopens

The reopened Proctor Street transit site gives people travelling through Birmingham a designated, managed place to stop.

Transit sites are a key part of local provision because they create a formal space for short stays, with management arrangements in place. The council says the site supports GRT communities while also helping reduce the impact of unauthorised encampments.

Birmingham expands support for GRT communities

For residents, the change means Birmingham again has an official transit site within the city’s wider response. For travelling families, it means there is a recognised site connected to council oversight rather than a reliance on informal stopping places.

Langford said suitable and well-managed sites are “a vital step in supporting communities and creating better outcomes for everyone.”

Police, schools and charities linked into the work

The council says it has been working with West Midlands Police, education services, housing providers and charities as part of the programme.

Those partnerships are intended to connect families with healthcare, education and safeguarding support earlier. The council also says joined-up working should help services respond before problems escalate.

For GRT communities, that can affect practical parts of daily life: school access, health appointments, housing advice and contact with public services. For agencies, the shift is toward sharing information and coordinating responses rather than treating each issue in isolation.

History Month places the changes in public view

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is marked across the UK each June. It celebrates GRT heritage and contributions, while also raising awareness of discrimination, exclusion and service barriers.

Birmingham’s announcement places the city’s service changes within that national month of recognition. The council says the aim is for GRT communities to be recognised, respected and supported as part of the city’s diverse population.

Useful details for residents:

Birmingham’s dedicated GRT team can be contacted at GRT-team@birmingham.gov.uk.
The Proctor Street transit site has reopened as the city’s official managed transit provision.
The council says its work includes partnerships with West Midlands Police, education services, housing providers and charities.
The changes are being highlighted during Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month in June.

People who need support are being asked to contact the dedicated team directly at GRT-team@birmingham.gov.uk.

Source: Birmingham City Council

Context & actions About this article

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This article is based on Birmingham City Council’s notice about GRT History Month support, partnerships and transit site provision.

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Confirmed the announcement concerns Birmingham’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
Checked that the council named the dedicated Gypsy and Traveller service team.
Verified that the Proctor Street transit site was described as reopened.
Confirmed West Midlands Police, education services, housing providers and charities were l...

Birmingham City Council Check wider coverage