Platform 51

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Categories: poverty, regional news: Wales
Monday, 7 February 2011
Positive paths for gypsy girls

Helping gypsy girls stay healthy

Platform 51 Cymru has just started working with girls from the gypsy and traveller communities in the Llanelli area. The programme, especially created for the gypsy girls, is called Positive pathways and consists of group sessions and workshops which teach girls to useful life skills.

For the first few weeks of Positive pathways the girls have been learning about healthy living. Local experts have given advice and demonstrations on a holistic approach to health including exercise and relaxation. As the programme continues the girls will learn about how to prepare and eat healthy food, how to manage and cook on a budget and the benefits exercise to improve health. 

Helen Williams, Platform 51 Cymru's programme manager said: "Loads of gypsy and traveller women have come to our centre in Llanelli.  We give them a chance to take part, have their say and make decisions about what they do. Since Positive pathways started, just a few weeks ago, we have already seen the girls become more enthusiastic and confident."

Helen continues: "Girls from gypsy and traveller communities often drop out of the mainstream school system early for a variety of reasons and can miss out badly. The idea behind Positive pathways is to get girls from the gypsy communities taking part in an alternative that reduces isolation, promotes healthy living and teaches useful things, like how to get the services that they are entitled to."

Kim Williams, the Carmarthenshire county support officer, has introduced Platform 51 staff to the local Irish gypsy and traveller community on the official site at Pen y Bryn. In the next few weeks Platform 51 will also start work with the gypsy and traveller mothers of children at Bynea school. Platform 51 plans to teach practical, money-saving skills and give the opportunity to be creative.

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Positive pathways is funded for three years by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Mae Platform 51 yn cefnogi merched a menywod wrth iddynt gymryd rheolaeth dros eu bywydau.