Meet our Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officer

Jennifer Macrae who fulfils the role at present explained: “The council is committed to promoting equality and recognises and accepts Gypsy/Travellers’ right to a nomadic way of life. Working closely with members of the travelling community helps us to help them work towards community cohesion and social integration.”

Jennifer’s role is diverse in that she is able to work with anyone who identifies themselves as Gyspy/Traveller, regardless of the accommodation they reside in or whether they live permanently in Aberdeenshire or are just travelling through.

Some of the tasks Jennifer looks after include:

• Managing and engaging with unauthorised encampments (of which there were 61 in 2016)
• Liaising with colleagues in education, social work and health
• Supporting families to access services, ie registering with a doctor, dentist or school
• Providing support to Gypsy/Travellers to attend meetings
• Assisting with issues relating to tenancies
• Providing advice about available pitches locally [MS1] 
• Assisting with practical advice on local amenities and services
• Giving advice on the history and culture of Gypsy/Travellers
• Engagement sessions within the travelling communities
• Increasing the knowledge and understanding of the communities in which there are Gypsy/Travellers.
• Promoting social inclusion and cohesion

Her role also involves working in partnership with a variety of internal and external key stakeholders. Jennifer has received positive responses from Gypsy/Travellers whom she has helped with access to health care, education, housing and other issues. 

If you require support with Gypsy/Travellers as part of your role, or for more information about how Jennifer can help in your area, email jennifer.macrae@aberdeenshire.gov.uk