Health and care staff from across Greater Manchester have joined together in a video to stand against racism. In the powerful ‘No Space for Racism’ campaign, a GP, surgeons, a social care worker, a nursing assistant and a paramedic share how racism has affected their lives and work.
Across the world, including here in Greater Manchester, life feels uncertain.
At times, we can start to feel divides within our communities. This can be seen both online—especially on social media—and in everyday life, with changes in how people treat one another.
It’s affecting our towns and our local neighbourhoods. It is also affecting the people who work hard to care for us.
More health and care workers are experiencing racism
We are seeing some health and care workers being treated unfairly because of their race or religion, with around 1 in 4 health and care staff in Greater Manchester reporting that they have experienced racism at work in the past year. This includes racist words, insults, being ignored or left out, being threatened and sometimes even violence. It is coming from the patients they are trying to care for, patients’ family and friends and even other members of staff.
Greater Manchester takes a stand
Here in Greater Manchester, we’ve always stood up for what’s right, and we’re taking a stand. The Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, which brings together all the health and social care services, local councils and community organisations across Greater Manchester, has launched its own anti-racism campaign, with real staff sharing how racism has affected them.
The campaign is called ‘No Space for Racism’. Its aim is to help people understand how racism affects staff, encourages everyone to be respectful, and gives staff and members of the public the confidence to speak up if they see racism happening.
Claudette Elliot, Chair of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Racism has no place in Greater Manchester and that includes our health and care services. It will not be tolerated.
“Our staff work hard to care for our communities – they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. When they experience racism, it affects how safe they feel at work, their wellbeing and can have an impact on them long after the moment has passed.
“I hope people see the campaign video and feel empowered to stand with our staff. It can feel hard to act. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or making things worse however, even small actions can make a difference. Step in if it’s safe to do so, check in with person affected, report it – all of these send a clear message – racism is not okay.”
What to do if you see or experience racism or hate
Everyone has a role to play in making health and care a safer, more respectful place for all. If you witness racism, you can make a difference by:
- speaking up if it feels safe
- supporting the person affected
- telling a member of staff
- reporting it.
It can feel hard to act. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or making things worse. You are not expected to fix everything, but small actions can make a difference. If something feels wrong, trust your instinct. There are different things you can do to support people who are on the receiving end of racism or hate. Get more information on what to do if you see or experience racism.
Find out more about the ‘No Space for Racism’ campaign.
