A Liverpool social landlord is collaborating with the City Council to improve cultural understanding between communities in the Picton and Kensington and Fairfield areas.

Working closely with Liverpool City Council, Riverside has jointly funded a Roma Community Development worker, to act as a bridge between Roma residents and their neighbours and service providers.

Alexandra Bahor, is managed by Granby Toxteth Community Development Trust, and has been working in neighbourhoods since June this year. As a Roma woman, she has built up the trust of a community, which has fled discrimination and persecution in their native countries of Romania, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary.

As well as working directly with Roma people, many of whom struggle to connect with non-Roma neighbours because of language and cultural differences, Alexandra is working with the wider community to increase understanding of Roma history, traditions and ways of life.

Alexandra said: “Many do not realise that Roma people have fled from countries where they are treated as second class citizens. Roma children are segregated in schools and families moved into ghettos, located in areas where no one wants to live, such as beside rubbish and chemical waste dumps. They have been discriminated against when applying for jobs and had limited access to health services.”

Part of Alexandra’s work is to bust the myths relating to Roma people, including the misconception that they are a gypsy travelling community.

“My people are generally fearful of those working for government agencies, based on negative experiences in their native countries. That’s why they are responding to me. I speak the Roma language, know the Roma culture, can help them communicate with schools and health services and connect with the communities in which they live.”

Alexandra has set up English classes for adults in Picton and helps people register at children’s centres and for CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) services, as well as registering for employment and training support.

Karl Delamar is community engagement manager at Riverside, he said: “We know from what our tenants are telling us that cultural differences and lack of understanding in communities can create problems, that’s why Alexandra’s work is vital. We are starting to see real progress, tolerance of cultural differences from non-Roma neighbours, and a reduction in issues such as littering and perceived anti-social behaviour, when Roma families gather on the streets.”

Alexandra said: “I’m delighted to be giving my community a voice and helping Roma people access information that provides the opportunities they have long been denied. It’s very rewarding to see positive change by helping to break down prejudices and alter people’s impressions about the Roma culture and people.”

Picton Councillor, Nathalie Nicholas, added: “We are passionate about community cohesion and positive engagement.   We have listened to residents and partners and support Alexandra in her role to bridge cultures.  We hope that sharing information with new communities will improve the physical environment of the area and communications, as well as foster respect.”