In our ever-diverse community, the importance of Andover Mind being explicitly anti-racist cannot be overstated. We play a crucial role in supporting individuals who are living with mental health problems and providing essential services. However, to effectively fulfil our mission, we must actively confront and dismantle racism within our organisation.
Racism is not only a social issue but a public health crisis that impacts mental wellbeing. Studies have shown experiences of racism and discrimination significantly contribute to mental health problems; including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. For people of colour, this exacerbates existing mental health challenges and creates barriers to accessing care.
We are in a unique position to lead the charge against racism in the mental health sector. By adopting an anti-racist framework, we can ensure our services are accessible and effective, regardless of ‘race’ or ethnicity.
This is why our managers and team leads undertook EDP’s Race Awareness training in August 2024. EDP Training offers a range of courses designed to raise awareness and promote racial equity in workplaces and society. Their Race Ahead course provides comprehensive anti-racism training aimed at helping individuals and organisations understand systemic racism, its impact on mental health, and how to become proactive allies. The course includes sessions on topics like micro-aggressions, mental health disparities and ways in which to implement anti-racism strategies. This training is designed for professionals across sectors with a focus on improving the workplace environment for Black and Brown employees.
Our courses were led by the brilliant Bianca Jones. Bianca is a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England qualified associate instructor and managing director and lead trainer at EDP Training and creator of the Race Ahead course.
Mental health care is not one-size-fits-all. Marginalised communities face unique challenges like racial trauma and micro-aggressions. By taking a race awareness course we can learn to better understand these issues, ensuring that marginalised individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. As one of our staff pledged, “I pledge to listen empathetically to marginalised voices and create an inclusive culture both in terms of our workplace and as a safe space for people who use our services.” By taking the race awareness course, our staff can become more mindful of their own interactions, learning to identify and challenge micro-aggressions and advocate for racial equity. Another staff member pledged to, “be more mindful of not only my interactions but also the interactions between others and to be more confident to call out micro-aggressions.”
Our head of wellbeing, Helen Mothersole commented, “For me, the most important aspect I will take away from the course is we must instil what we’ve learnt in the organisation. Keep learning, being active and continue the journey of being an anti-racist organisation.”
We (Andover Mind) have a responsibility to advocate for racial justice through our organisation and our services. The ‘Race Ahead’ course has been a vital tool for ensuring that our care and culture is inclusive and representative of all communities. By committing to ongoing learning, challenging bias and promoting equity, we can create environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.
To find out more about EDP Training visit edptraining.co.uk
To find out more about Andover Mind’s equality, diversity and inclusion pledge visit andovermind.org.uk/equality-and-diversity
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