No Space for Racism. In health and care. Anywhere.
Across the world, including here in Greater Manchester, life feels uncertain. The cost of living is a challenge, and many families are under pressure. On social media, arguments and anger get more attention than kindness or understanding. This can all create division between people, and it’s changing how some people behave — both online and in everyday life.
It’s affecting our towns, our neighbourhoods, and the people who work hard to care for us.
In Greater Manchester, some health and care workers are treated unfairly because of their race or religion. This can happen when patients, members of the public, or even other workers say or do hurtful things. This might include using racist words, making insults, leaving people out, acting in a threatening way or sometimes even violence.
In the last 12 months alone, around 1 in 4 of Black and minority ethnic staff reported experiencing harassment, bullying, or abuse from patients, relatives, or the public. Many more cases are not reported. This means there is a big difference between what workers go through and what is officially recorded.
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 is working as one team to support staff and show that they are not alone.
What is the No Space For Racism campaign about?
Staff across Greater Manchester have spoken up about the racism they experience at work. Their voices have shaped this campaign and the action we are taking.
We are taking a stand against racism from patients, the public and colleagues, and the hidden harm staff feel when they think they have to put up with it. 
Racism has no place in Greater Manchester and that includes our health and care services. It will not be tolerated.
This campaign aims to help people understand the impact racism has on staff, encourage respectful behaviour, and give all staff and members of the public the confidence to speak up and report incidents.
We know that some patients may have illnesses or conditions that can affect how they behave or communicate. However, this does not reduce the impact on staff.
This is part of an ongoing programme of work across Greater Manchester to better support staff and challenge racism.
The No Space for Racism campaign assets are available to download on our campaigns resource centre.
Speaking up and staying safe
Racism and hate have no place in health and care. If you see it, hear it, or experience it, you are not alone.
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. And remember, you do not need to deal with this on your own. You can ask for help.
Everyone has a role to play. By speaking up, supporting others and reporting what you see, you can help make health and care a safer, more respectful place for everyone.
Find out the best way to speak out safely about hate and racism by choosing the option most relevant to you.
Supporting our workforce’s health and wellbeing
Good wellbeing is when we are all able to be at our best – at work and home. At times, things can feel challenging, leaving us feeling frustrated or lonely, concerned about finances, health, or feeling down, anxious or worried. Experiencing racism on top of all these factors will feel overwhelming and deeply upsetting.
It’s important that as well as feeling confident to report these incidents, that our workforce feel supported after experiencing or witnessing a hate incident.
A toolkit has been developed by NHS Greater Manchester for the health and care workforce, including colleagues in the NHS and social care, those in the voluntary sector, those delivering health and care services in the private sector and our unwaged workforce too.
There are lots of support offers available and this can feel overwhelming at times and hard to connect with when we need them the most. That’s why this toolkit is simple, practical and relevant to people working across health and care.
The toolkit is regularly updated with support offers, and you can view the latest version online.
Learn more about the No Space For Racism campaign and get involved by emailing gmhscp.gm-campaigns@nhs.net
