Driving Racial Equality: Highlights of the Year
1. Empowering Communities
REN has worked closely with over 80 grassroots organisations to amplify their voices and address racial inequality. By representing its membership in forums such as the Health & Wellbeing Board and the Root Out Racism Race Equality Board, REN ensures the needs of ethnically diverse and marginalised communities are heard.
2. Health Champions Programme
In partnership with the Reducing Inequalities Alliance, REN has launched health champion initiatives in Bradford West, an area with high deprivation levels. Community health champions are now engaging their local communities to improve health literacy on chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
3. Research Champions
Collaborating with the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, REN supported research champions from Black, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi backgrounds to promote participation in health research. These champions are building bridges between researchers and underserved communities, ensuring lived experiences shape future health initiatives.
Building Capacity and Partnerships
1. VCSE Infrastructure Support
Facing national austerity and funding cuts, REN played a pivotal role in developing a new infrastructure programme to strengthen the voluntary sector in Bradford. By focusing on community health and wellbeing, REN aims to ensure equity in health and social care services.
2. Local Access Programme
REN has supported member organisations in exploring social investment opportunities through the Local Access Bradford District initiative. This effort has empowered grassroots groups to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for their communities.
3. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Training
Over the past year, REN has trained over 800 individuals from various sectors. New programmes such as “Power and Belonging” and “Decolonising the Curriculum” have equipped participants with tools to address systemic inequities and foster inclusion.
Celebrating Achievements
1. Windrush 75th Anniversary Conference
The Windrush 7 C’s Conference, hosted by REN, was a historic event celebrating the contributions and resilience of the Windrush generation. Featuring keynote speakers and a nationwide audience, the conference highlighted the ongoing journey towards racial equality.
2. Root Out Racism
REN advanced Phase Two of the Root Out Racism initiative, focusing on anti-racism strategies in areas such as maternity care and systemic inclusion. This programme is a cornerstone of REN’s vision for a fair and inclusive society.
3. Awareness and Advocacy
REN actively marked significant awareness months, including Black History Month and Islamophobia Awareness Month, through events and campaigns that brought communities together to celebrate diversity and challenge prejudice.
Looking Ahead: Ambitions for 2024
Building on its successes, REN plans to:
- Develop an Anti-Racist Strategy for Bradford District and Craven.
- Collaborate with international partners like the Runnymede Trust on global racial equity initiatives.
- Host Unity Week in July 2024 to foster community cohesion.
- Expand mentorship programmes for women of colour through the Women Leading the Way Network.
Gratitude and Vision
REN’s achievements would not have been possible without the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and partners. As REN Chair Yusuf Karolia emphasised, “Together, we have made enormous strides toward combating race inequality and creating a fairer society.” Executive Director Humma Nizami echoed this sentiment, celebrating the passion and commitment of the REN team.
Join the Movement
REN invites organisations and individuals to join its mission of promoting racial equality and achieving equitable outcomes for all.
Together, we can make a lasting difference.