Health and care staff work hard every day to look after people. They care for us when we are sick, injured or need support.
They deserve to feel safe and respected at work. But many health and care workers are facing racism while doing their jobs. This has included experiencing being called racist words, insults, being left out, threatening behaviour or sometimes even violence. This isn’t fair and isn’t something anyone should be expected to put up with.
Greater Manchester takes a stand
Although this is a national issue, in Greater Manchester we have decided to make a stand and take action.
The Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership – bringing together the NHS, councils, and community organisations – has just launched the ‘No Space for Racism. In health and care. Anywhere’ campaign.
The campaign aims to:
- Make it clear that racism is never acceptable
- Explain what racism is and why it hurts people
- Encourage everyone to treat staff with respect
- Tell people how to report racism if they see it
Why reporting racism matters
Sometimes racism is obvious. Sometimes it is less clear, like comments or jokes. But all forms of racism can make staff feel upset, unsafe and alone.
Racism creates fear and can make it harder for staff to do their jobs. It can also affect the care people receive.
Reporting racism helps organisations take action, supports staff and prevents it from happening again.
Be an active bystander
We can all help stop racism.
If you see or hear racism in a health or care setting or anywhere, do not ignore it if it is safe to act. This is called being an active bystander.
By speaking up or reporting what you see, you can help protect staff and create a safer environment for everyone.
How to report racism
If you witness or experience racism, there are simple ways to report it:
- Report it to the police – call 101, report online, or visit a police station. Always call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
- Report it online – go to the True Vision website to report a hate crime online and get information on support available.
- Report antisemitism – contact Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that supports the Jewish community .
- Report anti-Muslim hate – contact Tell MAMA, who monitor anti-muslim hate incidents as well as giving victims support.
Creating respectful services for everyone
Greater Manchester is built on care, kindness and respect.
This campaign is a clear message that racism will not be tolerated in health and care. Everyone has a role to play in making services safe and welcoming.
By treating each other with respect and taking action when something is wrong, we can support the people who care for us.
