Our Story
Key objectives
We aim to:
- provide employment and personal development opportunities to many of the remote Traveller communities of Lincolnshire.
- reduce the isolation families can feel due to their location, lifestyle or discrimination by the wider community.
- encourage families to try new educational, employment and recreational experiences.
- develop through partnerships, connections between Travellers and public agencies, local businesses, charities, educational establishments and a wide range of other service providers.
- empower and build confidence in the individuals and families that use our services.
- promote better preventative health measures and introduce a range of health services to Traveller communities.
LTI Timeline
The birth of LTI
Well actually it wasn’t, it was Gainsborough Traveller Initiative in those days. We ran a parent and toddler group in a refurbished warden’s building on Summergangs Lane site, Gainsborough. At the same time social and recreational activities were developed with the adults on the Gainsborough site. Courses included flower arranging, jewellery making and sewing. Trips were to London’s West End, Blackpool and The Clothes Show Live to name but a few.
Most Traveller families choose to home educate their children at the transfer to Secondary School stage. We were aware that only 22% of these Elective Home Educated children were passing their mandatory County Council inspections. The focus of our work moved to young Travellers aged 11-16 that weren’t engaging with mainstream education. (As of 2016, with our support 98% pass).
Expanded our services to include Lincoln. Deliver the Trinity College London, Arts Award; the only service to enter Travellers for this qualification (30+young people have since gained this qualification).
Due to the demand for our services from other areas planning for county-wide expansion begins.
Enter contractual arrangement with Lincolnshire County Council to support families with children on Elective Home Education. Begin to offer Prince’s Trust Qualifications to facilitate future entry to college or further education.
Developed a programme of adult training on a county-wide basis in partnership with Lloyds Bank Foundation.
Begin work on the PQASSO quality standard for charities. Working in 13 different areas of the county.
A successful toddler group is set up in Gainsborough after requests from the residents.
Regular coffee mornings are now being held in Gainsborough, bringing together Travellers and non-Travellers.
Well Woman Groups established in Gainsborough, one at Park Springs Community Centre and one at Summergangs Lane Traveller site.
LTI appoints their first apprentice in Childcare, Learning and Development through Worksop College.
Appointment of LTI’s first Operations Manager
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust commence regular visits to Traveller sites by nurses/health workers through the Neighbourhood Teams. Gainsborough and Washingborough sites (2021), Grantham (2023)
Appointment of Traveller Communities Wellbeing Link Worker, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to work closely with LTI to better bring health services to Traveller communities throughout Lincolnshire.
As part of our Continuing Professional Development, Kirsty Mathers and Natasha Walmsley both graduate with a Level 6 Degree in Careers Advice and Guidance from Bishop Grosseteste University.
LTI’s Online Learning Hub, developed in-partnership with Bishop Grosseteste University, goes live!
Education hubs were developed and opened at sites across Lincolnshire, including Grantham, Spalding, Gainsborough, Brigg and Brant Broughton. The hubs facilitate educational support, health services and adult training.
Health checks by health professionals are now offered in Boston and will be coming to other sites in 2026.
Health checks are now taking place on sites in Boston, Lincoln (Washingborough), Holbeach and Spalding is planned to follow soon. Expansion of Education Hubs into Family Support Hubs.
Meet our team
Lynne
Director
I joined the Lincolnshire Traveller Initiative in 2015 as a teacher, later progressing to Lead Teacher and, in 2026, Director. I bring over 25 years teaching experience, 12 years’ experience in mainstream education, including three years in senior leadership roles. I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of education and the life opportunities it can create, particularly for children and young people facing disadvantage. My work is driven by a commitment to inclusive, high‑quality education that enables individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.
Miranda
Operations Manager
Miranda joined Lincolnshire Traveller Initiative in 2024 as Operations Manager, supporting the Director with human resources and financial management.
Raised in Lincolnshire, I spent 14 years working for the Religious Society of Friends in London, gaining extensive experience across communications, grants management, and fundraising. I later worked for Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire for six years, including developing a programme supporting vulnerable communities. I left CASL to move to Edinburgh to manage a city centre Quaker Meeting House before returning, again, to Lincolnshire to join LTI.
Kirsty
Family Support Worker
I have worked with the Lincolnshire Traveller Initiative since 2017, bringing a wealth of experience in family support and working with children and young people. I began as an Adult Training Officer, supporting individuals into employment, and now work as a Family Support Worker and Home Education Tutor. I am passionate about empowering families through education, guidance and advocacy, supported by qualifications in Careers Advice and Guidance (Level 6), Childcare Learning and Development (Level 3), and Education and Training (Level 3).
Natasha
Family Support Worker
I began my journey with LTI in 2018 as a volunteer, quickly igniting a passion for the charity's mission. Despite having no prior experience, I embraced the opportunity, benefiting from LTI's commitment to training and development. Through these opportunities, I gained invaluable knowledge and understanding in family support and working with young people.
In 2019, I became a member of the LTI team. I now hold a Level 6 in Career Advice and Guidance, a Level 3 in Education and Training, and a Level 2 in Care of Children and Young People.
Ruth
Early Years/Support worker
Paul Boucher OBE
Consultant
Founder of LTI with 25 years’ experience working with the Traveller community. Qualified Teacher, a Master of Business Administration degree. Now semi-retired, offers his wealth of knowledge and general support through a consultancy role.
Jayne
Teaching Assistant
I am a dedicated and experienced Teaching Assistant with over 20 years' experience in secondary schools. I joined my current role in September 2025. I hold an NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, this is supported by a professional background as a qualified Nurse in Learning Disabilities, allowing me to blend education and health within my role. My career is defined by commitment to inclusive education and empowering learners to succeed.
Leanne
Leanne is a dedicated member of the LTI team, providing weekly support to young people on home education programs. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, including qualifications in hairdressing and beauty, which she uses to benefit the young people she supports. Leanne's background includes two years as a TA in performing arts at a secondary school, as well as running her own performing arts classes. Leanne later set up and run her own successful catering business. Her commitment to LTI is evident in her long-term involvement, beginning in 2017.