It has been another busy and successful month for the Gateshead Roma Kavarna. Again we  have had numerous enquiries. These included an Energy Query, a request for advice about Tax Credits, Carers Allowance and setting up an application for Universal Credit.  HMRC issue with Working tax Credit, Council tax and housing issues.  Then there was a letter from the council saying that a landlord should be licensed.  There was  also a lady who didn't know how to explain issues to her boss.  

We helped with a tax enquiry and helping with passport enquiry and getting a dentist's appointment sorted out. We wrote and got printed out a letter for a client regarding a work dismissal issue. We also registered somebody to vote. There was a client who has an appeal against a PIP decision and wants to make a new claim in case the appeal fails. He was told to get a new form and bring it in.    

We also had a very useful meeting with Leanne Coxon from St Chad's. the Parents and Toddlers Group. We would like members of the community to get involved with the nursery, which is free for up to 15 hours a week and longer if they are on Unversal Credit. We would also like the young people in the community to take advantage of the homework club for 7-11 year-olds and the Cool Kats club, which aims to support children to make better choices in life through physical activity.   This is to be also followed up with a chat with one of the governors at a Councillors Surgery on 19th March.   
On Tuesday 12th March there was also a very successful inaugural monthly health session. This was very well attended, with about 10 people there.  One good result of the session was that one attendee found out that she could get free dental treatment for her child until they are 1 year-old. 

On Tuesday 19th March, a member of our team met with two local councilors to discuss extra  help for local Roma school pupils.

We are going to encourage members of the Roma community to join NE First  Credit Union with a few others, Peter to talk about children's clubs at St Chad's along with other issues at Councillor's surgery and generally make plans with regards to International Roma Day.

It was decided that provisionally Sunday 7th April would be the best time for an International Roma Day event. 

We also developed a series of information leaflets for clients about how to get help with their energy supplies and paying energy bills.  It is envisaged that these would be translated into Czech/Slovak.

We had a meeting with Adam Hussein from Northumbria Police to discuss the recruitment of members of the Roma community into the force and ways in which the Northumbria Police can help the.community.   

Our thanks go to Awards for All, Allen Lane, Gateshead Council, Citizens Advice Gateshead, Greggs, NE First, Adam Hussein., St Chad's and our other supporters. 

Peter Sagar, Company Secretary, A Living Tradition CIC and Irma Karchnakova, April 2019