Tag Archives: anti racism

March 21 Still Matters: Standing Against Racial Discrimination

March 21 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is a day recognised across the world to remember, reflect, and take action.

This day was established following the tragic events of the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa in 1960, where peaceful protestors lost their lives while standing against injustice. It is a reminder of how far we have come, but also how far we still need to go.

Racism is not just something we read about in history. It continues to exist in our societies, often in ways that are subtle, systemic, and deeply embedded. It can affect people’s opportunities, their confidence, and their sense of belonging.

As a carer activist, I see the impact of this in mental health and support systems. When people feel unheard, misunderstood, or treated unfairly, it can have lasting effects on their wellbeing. Care should be equal, compassionate, and inclusive for everyone.

This day is not only about raising awareness, but about encouraging action. Each of us has a role to play in challenging discrimination and promoting understanding.

That might mean listening more carefully to others’ experiences, educating ourselves, speaking up when something isn’t right, or simply showing empathy in our everyday interactions.

Change doesn’t always come from big gestures. It often starts with small, consistent actions.

March 21 is a reminder, but I think the responsibility is ongoing.

The question is: what will you do to stand against racism?

Why Race Equality Week 2026 Still Matters and Why #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs

By Matthew McKenzie

Race Equality Week 2026 and Black History Month 2026 (US) is at a time when conversations about inclusion feel more important and more urgent than ever.

I have created a short video to explore why this week matters, what this year’s theme #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs represents, and how each of us can play a role in building fairer workplaces and communities. Rather than focusing on awareness alone, the aim is to encourage honest reflection and meaningful action that lasts beyond a single week.

Recent events have reminded us why race equality cannot be taken for granted. Incidents circulating online including a widely criticised video that portrayed the Obamas using racist imagery highlight how harmful stereotypes and dehumanising narratives still appear in public discourse. Moments like this reinforce why challenging racism, promoting respectful representation, and standing up for equality remain essential.

Race equality is not about blame or division. It’s about recognising lived experiences, understanding that fairness is not the same as sameness, and ensuring everyone feels valued, respected, and safe.

Real change doesn’t happen because of one campaign or one voice. It happens when many people take small, consistent steps listening more closely, questioning assumptions, and choosing inclusion in everyday decisions.

Because progress must be driven by all of us doing something, not just the few.

Change starts with all of us.

Ethnic mental health Carer Forum : October Update 2025

By Matthew McKenzie, Facilitator, National Ethnic Mental Health Carer Forum

Introduction: A Forum that Connects and Challenges

As the facilitator of the National Ethnic Mental Health Carer Forum, I never take for granted how special these sessions are. Each month, carers, professionals, and researchers from all over the UK log in to share knowledge, raise awareness, and push for change in how mental health services understand and support ethnic minority communities.

Our October 2025 session was a powerful one. Falling on the last day of Black History Month, it brought together crucial themes on race equality, co-production, research, and carer visibility.

We heard from two key areas shaping mental health equity right now:

  • The OSMOSIS Project, led by Dr. Jacqueline Sin and Sharon Galliford, focusing on developing social care-based support for carers of people with psychosis.
  • The Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF), presented by Aboobaker Bhana, Equality and Involvement Manager for South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
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LARCH Annual Conference 2025: Advancing Anti-Racism in Health & Care

On March 7, 2025, The Foundry in London became the epicenter of a powerful movement towards racial equity in healthcare.

The London Anti-Racism Collaboration for Health (LARCH), Health Innovation Network and Race Equality Foundation hosted their Annual Conference and Learning Event, bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and community advocates dedicated to dismantling systemic racism in health and social care.

Setting the Stage: A Call for Change

The event was chaired by Dame Marie Gabriel, a pioneering advocate for equity in the NHS. Kicking off with opening remarks from Dr. Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Communities & Social Justice, the conference established a clear message: structural racism in healthcare is a pressing issue that demands systemic solutions.

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Advancing Anti-Racism in Health & Care: The Race Equity Maturity Index

The Race Equality Foundation, which is a UK-based organization that works to tackle racial inequalities in public services and improve outcomes for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities. Established in 1987, the foundation focuses on areas like health, housing, and social care, using evidence-based approaches to inform and influence policy, practice, and community initiatives.

The Race Equality Foundation are developing the Race Equity Maturity Index. The Race Equity Maturity Index is a tool developed by London Anti-Racism Collaboration for Health (LARCH) to support organisations in progressing race equity by enabling the tracking and improvement of race maturity levels. The index supports organisations in the actions they take to embed anti-racist practice.

Event has finished so no more bookings. There will be more events in future.