Several organisations in Kirklees have come together to support the ‘Root out racism’ campaign.
This area’s anti-racism movement was launched by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership (WY&H HCP) and the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) on Monday, 23 August.
More than 500 organisations and community allies have joined the anti-racism movement, which aims to increase awareness and encourage people to better inform themselves on anti-racist behaviours and practices.
Countless organisations are offering their support and actively taking a stand against racism, such as the NHS, local councils, community groups, and universities.
Kirklees based supporters include Kirklees Council, Kirklees CCG, Huddersfield Town Foundation, University of Huddersfield, The Kirkwood, Kirklees Visual Impairment Network, Huddersfield New College and Conscious Youth.
‘Make a positive difference.’
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader for Kirklees Council and Movement Ambassador, said: “Rooting out racism is incredibly important for Kirklees and WY&H HCP.
“I’m delighted that nearly 500 organisations and community allies including the West Yorkshire Mayor and Deputy Mayor are getting behind our movement to root out racism.
“We really are stronger together and only by working side by side with colleagues and communities locally and across West Yorkshire and Harrogate can we proactively change society for the better for everyone.”
John Mallalieu, CEO at the Leeds United Foundation, said: “The Leeds United Foundation is thrilled to be a part of this important campaign striving to make a positive difference for those in our community.”
From left to right: PCSO from West Yorkshire Police, Marine Yarde (Kirklees Council and featured on the visuals of the movement), Carol McKenna (Chief Officer of Kirklees CCG), Cllr Shabir Pandor (Leader of Kirklees Council and movement ambassador), Rachel Spencer-Henshall (Director of Public Health in Kirklees), Ann Hough (Operations Director at Huddersfield Town AFC and Huddersfield Town Foundation Trustee), and PSCO from West Yorkshire Police.
Taking Action
The movement has been developed using people’s experiences of racism.
Over 100 ethnic minority colleagues from across the partnership have come forward to share their experiences of racism and help their colleagues and other organisations to take action.
The movement is part of an ongoing commitment to tackling structural and institutionalised racism, as well as addressing health and social inequalities across West Yorkshire and Harrogate.
The anti-racism movement also has the backing of high-profile figures and organisations including Cllr Shabir Pandor leader of Kirklees Council who is also the WY&H HCP lead for the movement; West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin; Yorkshire Cricket Club, Yorkshire Sports Foundation, Keighley Cougars, The Leeds United Foundation, The Huddersfield Town Foundation and Bradford Bulls Foundation.
You can read the tackling health inequalities for ethnic minority communities and colleagues review report and recommendations here. The movement insight report is here.
Organisations and Individuals can register to join the movement at WY&H HCP anti-racism movement toolkit
