Oblique Arts
Oblique Arts works across Cambridgeshire from its base in Cambridge. It began as a small artist led charity, and now runs a variety of weekly group sessions, peer support groups, monthly events, art exhibitions and takes part in other events and festivals. It works with over 1,500 people a year overall. Part of Oblique Arts’ work is directly with the Gypsy, Roma and Travelling (GRT) community across the county – and this is the focus for the funding.
At the October 2024 meeting of Trustees, the Allen Lane Foundation agreed a grant totalling £10,000 split over a two-year period. The grant is towards work with the GRT community, and specifically towards the provision of advocacy and support services that the charity has been delivering over recent years. This includes running a phone line support service and follow-up casework. The service takes referrals from other GRT organisations as well as statutory services and self-referrals from within the GRT community. The advocacy project runs one day each week and benefits around 650 individuals a year. Outcomes from the work include improved wellbeing and better access to healthcare. There are improved home situations with support around housing, evictions, and access to food banks; plus support for children to stay in schools or education and help with reduction of bullying and discrimination.
