Welcome to episode 4 of the ACERT podcast series brought to you with the support of Moving for Change.
What does it mean to be labeled a "community member" instead of a professional? In this final episode of the series, hosts Candace Thomas, Lisa Smith, and Chelsea dive deep into the complexities of bringing lived experience to work in the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman, and Boater sectors.
From navigating NGOs and academia to creating authentic representation through film, our guests share raw, honest stories about being wheeled out as props, fighting for seats at decision-making tables, and the emotional toll of doing this work. Lisa discusses her journey from Traveller Education Services to founding Patrin Films, while Chelsea reflects on the disconnect between policy work and community needs.
This conversation challenges the deficit narratives, explores decolonization, and asks the critical question: Can we ever truly be "equals" when the trauma of this work isn't recognized or supported?
A must-listen for anyone working in or with marginalized communities. 🎧
This marks the end of our current podcast series. We hope you've enjoyed these conversations and found them valuable. Thank you for listening, engaging, and being part of these important discussions about education and lived experience in our communities. Stay tuned for what's next from ACERT!

Patrin Films is the UK's first Romani-led production company, founded by Lisa Smith in 2023. The organization focuses on supporting Romani filmmakers in producing and distributing their work, with the goal of creating a sustainable and inclusive film landscape that brings Romani stories to global audiences.
Their mission centers on amplifying Romani identity, language, and culture through both documentary and scripted narrative formats.

Website: www.patrinfilms.com

Moving for Change: The organisation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for nomadic Gypsies and Travellers and the communities in which they live across the UK. Their primary focus is to secure the wellbeing and rights of Gypsies and Travellers living on roadside camps with the vision that Gypsy and Traveller people across the UK will be able to continue their traditional way of life. 
Find out more at www.movingforchange.org.uk

If you want further information about ACERT including how to join us, please visit our website at www.ACERT.org.uk, email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook or Insta. See you next time!

Welcome to episode 3 of the ACERT podcast series brought to you with the support of Moving for Change.
In this episode, Co-chair Candace Thomas is in conversation with Aluna Lepadatua, a previous member of ACERT, activist and founder of the Roma Voice Centre CIC.  

Not every conversation is easy and finding spaces where your voice can be heard can be difficult. ACERT strives to be inclusive, but we acknowledge difficulties when they arise and seek solutions. Take 20 minutes and learn more. 

Roma Voice Centre CIC: Roma Voice Centre is a Community Interest Company which acts as a trustful platform for information and communication for and about Roma, other minority ethnic groups and immigrants in the UK. Roma Voice Centre is here to voice the concerns of the Roma community, migrant and minority ethnic groups in the UK. Hear Us, See Us – Understand Us!

More information: https://romavoicecentre.co.uk/

Moving for Change: The organisation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for nomadic Gypsies and Travellers and the communities in which they live across the UK. Their primary focus is to secure the wellbeing and rights of Gypsies and Travellers living on roadside camps with the vision that Gypsy and Traveller people across the UK will be able to continue their traditional way of life. 

Find out more at www.movingforchange.org.uk

If you want further information about ACERT including how to join us, please visit our website at www.ACERT.org.uk, email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook or Insta. See you next time!

Welcome to episode 2 of the ACERT podcast series brought to you with the support of Moving for Change.

In this episode, Executive Committee member Marie Bowers is in conversation with Leila Neshat Mokadem CEO of Equity Lighthouse. 

Find out about Marie’s educational journey from early years to Doctoral candidate, what inspires her, and her opinions on what’s changed (or not) for Gypsy, Traveller and Roma representation in education. 
Bring your whole self and enjoy half an hour of conversation about Gypsy, Traveller and Roma education and the intersectional experiences of Leila and Marie. 

Equity Lighthouse: An educational training and research organisation with a multi-disciplinary team of expert educators, multi-lingual researchers, equality specialists, and health professionals. From classroom to community, Equity Lighthouse realises equitable education outcomes, health equity practices, and global citizenship development. 

More information: www.equitylighthouse.com

Moving for Change: The organisation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for nomadic Gypsies and Travellers and the communities in which they live across the UK. Their primary focus is to secure the wellbeing and rights of Gypsies and Travellers living on roadside camps with the vision that Gypsy and Traveller people across the UK will be able to continue their traditional way of life. 

Find out more at www.movingforchange.org.uk

If you want further information about ACERT including how to join us, please visit our website at www.ACERT.org.uk, email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook or Insta. See you next time!

Welcome to the ACERT podcast series brought to you with the support of Moving for Change.
In this first episode, Candace Thomas (Co-chair of ACERT) is in conversation with Executive Committee members Professors Colin Clark, Hazel Marsh and Thomas Acton, OBE.     
Find out how ACERT was founded, the history of the organisation and what motivated Colin, Hazel and Thomas to become active members of the charity.
Whether you’re relaxing with a cup of tea or are on the move, enjoy half an hour of conversation about Gypsy, Traveller and Roma education and more. 
Moving for Change: The organisation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for nomadic Gypsies and Travellers and the communities in which they live across the UK. Their primary focus is to secure the wellbeing and rights of Gypsies and Travellers living on roadside camps with the vision that Gypsy and Traveller people across the UK will be able to continue their traditional way of life. 
Find out more at www.movingforchange.org.uk
If you want further information about ACERT including how to join us, please visit our website at www.ACERT.org.uk, email us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook or Insta. See you next time!