Philomena Mongan
Mena shares what life is like as part of the Irish Traveller community in Hackney
Philomena Mongan
“We are one of the biggest ethnic minority populations in London. In Hackney, the recent census says that we are only 278 people. But we actually have over 900 Irish Travellers living here,” says Philomena Mongan – known as Mena – who is the London Gypsy Traveller (LGT) community officer.
“I know this from my line of work. So the census has us wrong, and there’s a reason why they’ve got it wrong. The community does not tick the box that says who they are because of discrimination. People can judge us if we use the word ‘Gypsy’ or ‘Traveller’, but they just need to interact with us, ask questions.”
Mena lives in one of five Council-owned permanent Traveller sites in the borough. She has lived there for 16 years after being relocated from Waterden Close – a large Traveller site that was closed down for a regeneration programme to make way for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Outside her immaculate bungalow are the sounds of children playing. Doors are left open and family members walk in and out of each others’ homes. But no-one is travelling.
Mena explains: “A new law came into place that meant we couldn’t travel anymore. That was an awful, big blow because we still have a lot of communities who live roadside. Those who don’t want to settle because that is their way of life.
“It affected a lot of people and put them in a difficult position. If they couldn’t travel and have their nomadic way of life, what was life? What was worth living for? It had a huge knock-on effect on the community and we are still dealing with it today.”
Mena grew up in a small town in Ireland, got married at 16, and moved to London. She says: “We moved across water to hit the big lights and big possibilities. We travelled from London to Manchester, and Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds.
“We settled in Hackney because we found it very diverse. There are people of all different cultures here and, back in the day, when you’d pull in it was very friendly. Even though I’m now settled in Hackney, we always roamed. We travelled until we got settled in permanent sites.
Watch the video about Mena describing life as a Traveller in Hackney today
“Some Travellers settle because they need a base. They need an address to register with the doctors, get a national insurance number and so that their children can go to school.
“I still have my nomadic way of life and that’ll never be taken from me. You have to understand that we can’t be tied down.
“I’ll always want to roam and I love the idea of it – just moving and moving. I grew up with all that. It’s the freedom of who you are.”
Mena and her team at LGT are now campaigning for some changes for her community. She says: “Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month is in June. It’s a chance to show people who we are. This month is so important to us.
“I want to see Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month celebrated in schools and for children to be proud. There should be someone to go in and speak up for the Traveller children. Have books about it and have something in school that represents them – like a wagon, caravan, or old photos.
“We’re also trying to bring in an International Irish Traveller Day. We are proud of who we are and want the world to see it.
“My big hopes for the community are for more sites being delivered and to let the Traveller community live our nomadic way of life.
“This site here, in Hackney, works – we’re within the middle of a built-up area in east London and everybody knows everybody. I want to see every council backing the Traveller community in their area.
“We love our neighbours and being part of Hackney’s wonderful community. It’s a blend of cultures, religions and people from all walks of life.”
Read more about the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.