In keeping with Honouring Our Communities, we are making visible the everyday contributions, relationships and acts of care that help hold our communities together.
Health and care colleagues may experience racist words, insults, exclusion, intimidation, threats or violence from patients, members of the public or other colleagues. Racism can harm people’s wellbeing and confidence, undermine trust and affect their ability to feel safe and supported at work.
Colleagues’ experiences have helped shape our No Space for Racism campaign. It aims to build understanding of how racism affects people, encourage respectful behaviour, and help colleagues and members of the public feel confident to speak up and report incidents. Racism will not be tolerated, and anyone affected should know that support is available and they do not have to face it alone.
October is also Freedom to Speak Up Month, which promotes a culture where everyone feels able to raise concerns and can trust that they will be heard and acted on.
Colleagues across health and care settings can use their organisation’s reporting routes or contact a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian for confidential advice and support. Speaking up can help organisations identify problems, support those affected and improve wellbeing and safety for everyone.
Claudette Elliot, Chair of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, and co-chair of the GM Health and Care Anti-Racism Programme Board, said: “Our new campaign video offers practical advice on what you can do if you see or hear racist behaviour.
“Responding can feel difficult, and nobody is expected to manage the situation alone. But small actions can make a difference: if it is safe, you could speak up, check in with the person affected, record what happened where appropriate, report it and offer support afterwards. If something does not feel right, you can seek advice and support.
“Black History Month is a time to recognise, celebrate and reflect on the contributions of Black people, past and present. It is also an opportunity for all of us to strengthen our commitment to lasting change. By listening to different experiences, speaking up and acting together, we can help make health and care across Greater Manchester respectful, inclusive and safe for everyone.”
Learn more about the No Space For Racism campaign.
