Today, Friends Families and Travellers is proud to announce that Samson Rattigan, Projects Coordinator at FFT, has been included in the New Year Honours List 2020!
Samson has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to Young People and Families from the Gypsy and Traveller communities in Sussex.
This is a great recognition of Samson’s work as a member of Gypsy and Traveller activism, professionally and personally for many years.
As an Irish Traveller in higher education, Samson has often spoken about his experience. He continues to support and give confidence to the young people he works with, helping them to enter and stay in education.
He recently led a field trip to King’s College London, where a group of young people visited the University as part of their Widening Participation Scheme, ‘RomBelong’.
Pictured above, Samson (far left) stands with young people outside Parliament, after the group gave evidence about their school experiences to the Women and Equalities Committee.
On receiving the award, Samson Rattigan, Projects Coordinator at Friends Families and Travellers said:
“I was very surprised and honoured to receive a British Empire Medal. It’s a very nice feeling to get recognised and I am forever grateful.”
Commenting on Samson’s award, Sarah Mann, Director of Friends Families and Travellers said:
“I am so proud of what Samson has achieved since he joined us through our Traveller Internship programme, five years ago. In this time he has helped hundreds of Gypsies and Travellers of all ages and developed a unique health training programme for young Travellers, which is truly inspirational.”
Notes for Editor
About Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT)
Friends, Families and Travellers is a leading national charity that works on behalf of all Gypsies, Roma and Travellers regardless of ethnicity, culture or background.
Media Contact
Sami McLaren, Communications Officer
Tel: 01273 234 038 Email: sami@gypsy-traveller.org
Relevant Resources
GOV.UK. ‘New Year Honours List’. Click here.
